Can I Make an Arrow Proof Shield?

I built a replica of a late medieval/early modern Scottish Highland targe — with materials used to construct in the 16th–18th centuries — and then put it to the ultimate test against powerful warbows ranging from 130 lb to 160 lb draw weight. If you’ve ever wondered whether the iconic Scottish targe could actually protect Highland warriors from the devastating volleys of English-style longbows (or heavy yew warbows in general), this is the definitive hands-on experiment you’ve been waiting for! What I Built – Historical Accuracy Breakdown • Two thin layers of wood (grain running at right angles = early plywood construction) • Covered front & back in tough leather/hide (traditionally cowhide or similar) • Thickness, weight & diameter kept within the range of surviving museum examples (≈18–22 inches diameter, tipping the scales at 8lbs) Every material and technique is based on historical sources, surviving 17th–18th century examples, and accounts from the Jacobite period through to the earlier clan warfare era. The Brutal Test Protocol • Bows: Multiple heavy warbows (replicas of late-medieval/early Tudor style yew longbows) • Draw weights tested: 130 lb, 121 flatbowlb 160 lb  • Arrow types: • Type 16 bodkin points (armor-piercing, heavy military war arrows) • Broadheads (for slashing/cutting damage) • Ranges: Point-blank (~5–10 yards) + realistic combat distances (20–40 yards) • Slow-motion footage of every impact • Detailed post-shot analysis: penetration depth, splintering, delamination, boss deformation, and overall structural integrity Results Teaser (full breakdown in the video!) Did the targe stop the arrows completely? Did bodkins punch straight through like hot knives? How much punishment could the layered wood + leather + brass really take before catastrophic failure? Could a Highland clansman realistically survive a longbow volley with only a targe for protection? We answer all these questions — and more — with real arrows, real power, and zero Hollywood effects. Chapters 0:00 An Argument Over the Targe 1:37 About the Targe, Shields and Synopsis 3:43 Guest Star ‪@ramblingkern‬ 8:13 Building the Shield 11:35 Final Product 13:05 Meet the Bows and Base Test 14:37 130 Lb Warbow vs Targe 15:42 121Lb Flatbow Vs Targe 17:18 Additional Archers and 160LB Warbow 18:53 GROND Vs Targe 20:33 Farwell and until Next Time! Join our new Discord "Dash Rendar's Rangers"   / discord   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/garnishandg... Facebook https://www.facebook.com/the.real.das... Patreon https://www.patreon.com/garnish_and_g... Join this channel and the nerd army!!!!    / @dashrendar5320   #archery #history #scotland #medieval #warbow