Magic bows don't get Tactics bonuses from Accuracy mods like melee weapons do; they get +Archery skill. So any damage mods are the only way to increase their output (outside of slayer properties). For that reason, even Force bows aren't half bad.
As far as which weapons are best, bows are by and large the best archery weapon. The reasons are many:
-Speed: More swings means you can recover from a miss better, and as your stamina drops from damage, the reload won't be as miserable.
-Damage: While the damage output isn't as high, it's still a bow, and the damage is actually pretty decent. Additionally, RNG for melee damage on this shard is pitiful, so even with crossbows and heavies the comparison between output is negligible.
-Range: This is the main reason bows are the best. The short range of crossbows means you can't really fire on the go, and since everyone runs cross-country on this shard, you really need to be able to get a shot or two off on the run. With a bow, you can run, stop, shoot, and keep going two or three times easily before they get out of range.
Having said that, I always carry a crossbow or heavy as my secondary for dealing with monsters while I keep my arrows stocked and my bow ready for dealing with players. In close quarters against a melee dexxer, you can bull-fight with a crossbow pretty effectively; just be ready to switch after you land a high hit to a bow for the pursue.
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