Tactical Takedown Recurve Bow for the Survival Archer – SAS

As most of you know, I’m a big fan of anything related to Archery. Be it compound, recurve, or crossbow. I have been competition shooting since I was 8 years old and just love the sport for the technical aspect.

In doing some research into equipment needed for my emergency bug out bag I came across a new product called the SAS tactical survival bow. This is a collapsible bow that’s made by a company called survival archery systems. It’s so small that it can fit neatly into a backpack or hidden away under the seat of your car.

As a prepper, I like the option of being able to conceal the bow. I can go on a hike and still feel like I’m in control if some situation arises. The assembly will only take a few minutes and once you have done it a few times I’m sure you could cut this time down to under a minute.

SAS tactical takedown recurve bow review

This collapsible longbow is the ultimate weapon being able to be concealed in your backpack. As a survivalist or prepper its the perfect tool for hunting or personal protection while staying as quiet as can be.

The riser and limb brackets are aerospace grade aluminum which has a black anodizing process that gives it it’s non-reflective coating. The limbs are composite and are made in the good old USA for quality.

Each limb has the draw weight marked for easy recognition if you need. This SAS (Survival Archery Systems) bow is available in a range of size options of 45lb, 50lb and 55lb at 28″ draw length. This means you can order the correct string poundage pull for your comfort and game hunting.

What I Like

What I really like is that it’s so small and compact when its folded up, but still can hold a bunch of stopping power when fully extended. It weighs in at only 2.2lbs (1kg) and measuring just 21″ (537mm) when in the storage mode means its very compact.

With arrow speeds topping 200fps at the 55lb model I know it has some serious stopping power if required. I shoot with my right hand so this means my right arm is pulling the drawstring. The SAS collapsable bow is available in right and left-hand versions. So it’s important to know what hand you use to pull the string with.

It’s not as powerful as my other survivalist compound bow but that’s to be expected. Totally different markets and uses.

I like that I can carry 3 teardown arrows and fletchings inside of the body of this collapsible bow. You can pack up to 5 fletchings inside but there won’t be any room for the other 5 ends of the arrow. So these have to be stored elsewhere.

My bow must have been one of the earlier models as I had the steel retaining hinge cap screws. Over time these tend to rattle out. But this is not a big deal. I just retighten them up. I may try some blue Locktite to see if that stops them from coming lose. According to the video below, they are not even required to shoot but just for aesthetics. The version 2 has nylon screws.

Setting up the SAS tactical bow for the first time.

There are a few things we need to do before we can shoot this foldup longbow.  Attach the arrow rest, set the nock point and set the bow brace height. If you take your time and set this up correctly you will have a very accurate survivalist bow.

How to set up the Arrow rest and nock point.

Once you have stuck down the arrow rest its time to set up the nock point. Place your tactical bow on a flat surface like a table and place one of your arrows onto the arrow rest and nock it into the string.

Make sure that the arrow is perpendicular to the bow body. as shown in the picture. A square or straight edge can help with this.  Get your nock point and clamp it down onto the string above the arrow nock.

If you don’t have the proper nock pliers you can use a set of needle nose pliers or your leatherman. Just go slowly and work around the nock to make sure the whole circle is compressed.

Sticking down the arrow rest

It’s important to get the Bear Weatherest installed on a clean surface. Preparation is key so wipe it down with a cleaning solution and dry it well. Make sure that arrow rest located in the correct position and pointing the right way.  There is left and right handed version of this rest.

SAS recommends a position of 1/2 inch from the bottom of the grip tape. The rear of the arrow rest must meet the radius of the metal riser. Its all in the instructions that come with the bow.

How to set the brace height

According to SAS the brace width or height is 7 inches from the edge of the bow riser body to the string. Now to make the brace height larger or longer you have to tighten the string.

To do this take the string off the bow on one end. It’s much easier to take the big loop off one end. Give it a few twists and then restring. Test out your brace height again. Keep doing this process until the 7 inches is set.

Take note of how many turns you have done on the bowstring so its simple next time. Here is some great info to know more about the benefits of correct brace height lengths.

It’s a good idea to either take a small ruler out with you so you can measure the brace height on the tactical bow. Two tips I have been shown over the years is to measure the 7 inches on to an arrow, apart or the storage case. This way it’s a ready-made ruler that’s always with the bow.

Another simple way is to make an (L) with your thumb and index finger. This for me is just over 7 inches so I now to set it 1/4 inch smaller than the length of my thumb and index finger extended.

Ambidextrous takedown recurve

This tactical takedown recurve bow is a one size fits all apart from the poundage on the limbs. Even if you are a left or right-handed shooter all you need to do is stick down the appropriate bear arrow rest.

If you want to have an ambidextrous takedown bow then add another arrow rest to the opposite side and you can shoot with both hands. I have done this to my folding bow as my wife is left-handed. Even though she doesn’t shoot much, it’s nice to have that option for target practice when she has time.

Spectre II Compact vs SAS tactical survival Bow

When I was in the market for a small takedown bow the Spectre 2 was also on my list. Its specifications were very similar to the SAS as it has 35lb, 45lb, and 5lb draw weights.

The only thing I didn’t really like was that the limbs once removed didn’t really store anywhere apart from the storage bag that it came in. This means that they can float around and cause some noise or could be lost over time.

The total storage size of the Spectre II is 23 inches. This is 2 inches longer than the SAS takedown bow.

For what I needed in a compact bow that can fit in my hiking backpack the SAS tactical fitted the budget and performance nicely.

Survival Archer – Conclusion

The fact that this bow is totally collapsible and an all in one package means that I’m not looking for limbs and screws. Just fold it out and you are ready to string it up. Just remember to buy the takedown / take apart arrows. These unscrew in the middle to make the arrows half the size.

There are some other take apart bows that have removable limbs like the Spectre 2. But for a prepper backpack bow, there is no better in my opinion. Happy hunting.

Survival Jar

As an electrician and a survivalist prepper, I want to share some of my ideas, thoughts, hardware, and survival techniques I have learned over the past 20 years. The world is changing fast and we need to be repaired for what may come if society breaks down.