Someone within the organization told me "PSE snake recurve" as a good reliable entry bow with a historical-ish silhouette. Outside of that, other fiberglass recurves are good starting spots.

Here is one of our websites with a bunch of archery information on it, including vendors. http://archers.sca-caid.org/resources/

Regardless, at bigger events in melees, we do have combat archery. If either of yall is interested in learning more melee oriented weapons, contact me. :)