Abstract: A bow of the compound type for use in archery, having an upper and lower limb pivotally mounted at opposite ends of an elongated central frame member having a hand grasp portion formed thereon. First and second pivot members having continuously variable leverage characteristics are each connected to both the upper and lower limbs. When the drawstring is pulled back toward the cocked position, the limbs pivot and the variable leverage pivot members rotate from the position of least leverage to positions of progressively greater leverage. Thus, less force is required as the drawstring approaches the fully cocked position. When the drawstring is released, the variable leverage pivot members operate in reverse to progressively increase the velocity of the drawstring as it snaps from the cocked to the fully released position.