Personally, I think I'd prefer bows in most cases. I've just always liked them. I've also always been a fan of daggers and knives, or maybe short swords, though I think I'll pick bow.
Dair, never diminish the honor of the katana! It takes every bit of skill and training as a bow does!
I have personally trained with both sword and bow and I can say in all honesty that they require concentration and skill. Yes, anybody can pick up either and flail around with them, but not use them effectively in any sense of the word. They are tools used in the perfection of an artform. Any fool can smear paint on a canvas, yet he is not hailed as a Maestro de Arte, why should it be any different in the martial arts?
Big Battle Axe that get's the job done... oh is that not an option D:. Well it depends where your fighting, if it was an open field I would pick bow and arrow, if it was a woodland area then I would choose this sword because you can use the trees as protection. I don't care if I died, I die with an awesome sword in my hands. I would choose this sword:[url=http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/ihearttoast09/Anime/CoolSword.jpg]
A short sword like the one's Spartans used munch more maneuverable At a close range then most swords and it's one handed so I can take a shield along for the ride too.
I nearly always end up using mainly bows in video games. There is something strangely satisfying about planning and executing that perfect stealthy takedown.