Magic shortbow

“Short and magical, but still effective.”

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The magic shortbow is a two-handed bow that requires 50 Ranged to wield and can fire arrows up to amethyst. It is one of the few shortbows with a special attack, and thanks to its fast attack speed it is often the strongest Ranged weapon available to mid-level players and a Slayer-task staple.

Equipment bonuses

The magic shortbow has +69 Ranged attack and fires every 4 ticks. Its damage comes almost entirely from the arrows you load — rune or amethyst arrows are the usual choice. Imbuing it into a magic shortbow (i) raises the Ranged attack bonus to +75 and cuts the special-attack cost to 50%.

Attack bonuses
0
0
0
0
+69
Defence bonuses
0
0
0
0
0
Other bonuses
+0
+0
+0%
+0
Slot
2h

Requires 50 Ranged · two-handed · attack speed 4 · attack range 7. Fires arrows up to amethyst.

Special attack — Snapshot

Snapshot fires two arrows in quick succession for 55% special-attack energy (50% when imbued), with a large accuracy boost. Because it can stack two hits instantly, the magic shortbow is a favourite for player killing, where it is paired with a heavy melee hit for a knockout. Check its output in the OSRS DPS calculator.

Magic shortbow vs the alternatives

The magic shortbow is the go-to mid-level bow, but the rune crossbow is a strong alternative if you want a shield slot free or the effects of enchanted bolts, and the Dorgeshuun crossbow reaches similar DPS with much cheaper bone bolts. Which is best depends on your budget and whether you need the shortbow's special.

How to get the magic shortbow

Fletch one by using a magic shortbow (u) on a bow string at 80 Fletching (83 experience), buy it on the Grand Exchange, or receive it from hard clue scrolls or as a drop from spiritual rangers.

Magic shortbow FAQ

What Ranged level do you need for the magic shortbow?
You need 50 Ranged to wield it.
What arrows can the magic shortbow use?
It can fire arrows up to amethyst. Rune and amethyst arrows are the usual choices for the most damage. The Rune arrow gives +49 Ranged strength and is made at 75 Fletching.
What does the magic shortbow special attack do?
Snapshot fires two arrows in one go for 55% special energy (50% imbued), with an accuracy boost — great for stacking damage in PvP.
Should I imbue the magic shortbow?
If you use it a lot, yes — a magic shortbow (i) raises the Ranged attack bonus to +75 and lowers the special cost to 50%.
How do you get a magic shortbow?
Fletch a magic shortbow (u) with a bow string at 80 Fletching, buy it on the Grand Exchange, or get it from hard clues or spiritual rangers. The longbow version, the Magic longbow, needs 85 Fletching to make and 50 Ranged to wield.

Update history

22 February 2005The special attack's energy cost was increased from 35% to 55% (Wilderness Capes, and Changes).
14 June 2004The magic shortbow was given its special attack, Snapshot.

Source: OSRS Wiki — Magic shortbow (Changes).