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
Defence bonuses
Other bonuses
Requires 50 Ranged · two-handed · attack speed 4 · attack range 7. Fires arrows up to amethyst.
Grand Exchange price history
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 (live price above), 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?
What arrows can the magic shortbow use?
What does the magic shortbow special attack do?
Should I imbue the magic shortbow?
How do you get a magic shortbow?
Update history
Source: OSRS Wiki — Magic shortbow (Changes).
