Sir Galahad
member
Actually, a recent archaeological exploration of the Little Big Horn battle site revealed there were more bows used than previously thought. A brush fire revealed the grounds laid bare and many iron "trade point" arrowheads were found. Also, a trooper's vertabrae was found at one time with an embedded trade point. One other thing revealed was that the hostiles had repeating weapons (Winchesters.) The 7th had problems with their Springfield trapdoor .45-70s, as evidenced by knife marks on spent cases. The trapdoor, when hot, had problems with extraction. According to AmerIndian warriors who were there, they rode down and killed many of the troopers with "Indian CQB" weapons: stone maces, clubs, and hawks. It would make sense, since the honors for counting coup and killing an enemy with one's hand are greater, and with such honors come prestige in the tribe.
The advantage a lot of AmerIndians took of the bow was that the trajectory of the arrows could "rain" them on top of soldiers hiding behind rocks and cover. Something bullets could not do. Many AmerIndian firearms up until the Winchester became readily available were smoothbore "trade guns". So, bows remained in use well up and beyond even the appearance of the Winchester. For one other reason, was that it was easier to shoot buffalo with to avoid spooking the whole herd (so it was said.)
The advantage a lot of AmerIndians took of the bow was that the trajectory of the arrows could "rain" them on top of soldiers hiding behind rocks and cover. Something bullets could not do. Many AmerIndian firearms up until the Winchester became readily available were smoothbore "trade guns". So, bows remained in use well up and beyond even the appearance of the Winchester. For one other reason, was that it was easier to shoot buffalo with to avoid spooking the whole herd (so it was said.)