Originally Posted by Original Author

Bow Classes
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There are 5 classes of bows in Guild Wars, which I will name according to the
most "common" type:
The 5 classes of bows are:
* Flatbow - includes some Ascalon Bows, Flatbows, and the Ithas Bow
* Longbow - includes some Ascalon Bows, Longbows, and Storm Bows
* Horn Bow - includes some Ascalon Bows, Horn Bow, Ivory Bows, and Shadow Bows
* Composite Bow - includes some Ascalon Bows, Composite Bows, Dead Bows, Recurve Bow, and Eternal Bows
* Short Bow - includes some Ascalon Bows, Half Moon Bows, and Short Bows.

Range
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Most bows can be lumped into three categories of ranges:
* Short range - Just within the "Aggro circle" on the Radar. The only bow class with this range is the Short Bow class.
* Medium range - Up to "Casting Range", which is just beyond the "Aggro circle" on the Radar. The Horn Bow and Composite Bow classes dwell in this range; and it is similar in range to all Wand/Staff weapons.
* Long range - Up to 1.5 times the distance of the "Aggro Circle" on the Radar. The Longbow and Flatbow classes are in this range.

Refire Rate
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The first shot that you fire from a bow will always be 2.0 seconds in duration.
However, after that initial shot, the rate of refire differs between the bow classes. There are 3 rates of refire:
* Fast - approximately 2.0 seconds between shots. The Short Bow and Flatbow classes have the Fast refire rate.
* Medium - approximately 2.5 seconds between shots. The Longbow and Composite Bow classes have the Medium refire rate.
* Slow - approximately 2.7 seconds between shots. The Horn Bow class has the slow refire rate.

Arc Size
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Arc size determines both Arrow Speed (how fast an arrow takes to hit its target) and accuracy (leeway of the target dodging shots):
* High arc - Flatbows have the highest arc out of all of the bow classes. Thus, the Flatbow class is the least accurate against moving targets at range.
* Normal arc - Horn Bows, Longbows, and Short Bows all have a normal arc. Note that because a Shortbow has such a small range, the Normal Arc doesn't really have much of an appreciable effect on arrow speed.
* Low arc - The Composite Bow class has the lowest Arc, and thus has the shortest time to target and fastest arrow speed, making Composite Bows the most accurate bow class.

Called Shot, Favorable Winds, and Read the Wind will make the Arc size
approximately the same as the Low arc of a Composite Bow.


Crystal Desert
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Note: New Max Damage Ascalon Bows are being offered in the Crystal Desert as of the June 29th update. This list may be incomplete.

Arid Sea
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* Sir Pohl Sandbert trades 5 Dune Burrower Jaws for Ascalon Bow 15-28 (req. 9 Marksmanship), +15% damage while Health is above 50% (Longbow)

Diviner's Ascent
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* Luven Underwood trades 5 Minotaur Horns for Ascalon Bow 15-28 (req. 9
Marksmanship), +15% damage while enchanted (Flatbow)(just outside Elona Reach)

Skyward Reach
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* John Verado trades 5 Topaz Crests for Ascalon Bow 15-28 (req. 9
Marksmanship), +15% damage while Health is above 50% (Composite bow) (just outside of Augury Rock)
* Mourn Drakespur trades 5 Dessicated Hydra Claws for Ascalon Bow 15-28 (req. 9 Marksmanship), +15% damage while Health is above 50%(Short bow)

Vulture Drifts
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* Karl Jakobs trades 5 Massive Jawbones for Ascalon Bow 15-28 (req. 9
Marksmanship), +15% damage while enchanted (Horn bow)