Fighter's Longbow Extra Attack

In the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, fighters can use a longbow to make an extra attack. This is because the extra attack feature does not specify melee or ranged, and the longbow does not have the loading property that would restrict the number of attacks. Fighters are proficient in martial weapons, which includes the longbow. Therefore, a fighter with a longbow can make two attacks per turn at 5th level.

Fighters can use a longbow twice in the same turn with Extra Attack

At level 5, fighters gain the ability to make an extra attack during their action. This means that they can attack twice instead of once during their turn. This ability is not limited to melee weapons, and fighters are proficient in using longbows. Therefore, a level 5 fighter can use a longbow twice in the same turn.

The longbow does not have the "loading" trait, which means that fighters can use it to make multiple attacks in the same turn. This is in contrast to crossbows, which do have the "loading" trait and require the Crossbow Expert feat to make multiple attacks.

In addition to fighters, other classes that can use a longbow effectively include barbarians, monks, paladins, and rangers. These classes also gain the Extra Attack ability at level 5, allowing them to make two attacks with a longbow in the same turn.

Extra Attack applies to all weapons, not just melee

Extra Attack is a feature in D&D 5e that allows a character to make more than one attack when using the Attack Action. It is granted at higher levels of martial classes.

Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

This feature is not limited to melee weapons. It applies to all weapons, including longbows.

The Fighter, Barbarian, Monk, Ranger and Paladin all get Extra Attacks at fifth level. None of them specify "melee" or "ranged", therefore there is no limitation per the rules as written.

Weapons Properties for the Longbow show no restriction. There is no stated restriction on longbow attacks. If the longbow had a special property beyond Heavy, Two-Handed, or Ammunition, it would be listed in the Weapons Properties section of the PHB and on the table.

Your DM is not applying the rules as written with that ruling. Getting the arrow out of the quiver is part of the attack; it is not "interaction with an object." The rules are clear on that.

Longbows have superior range to crossbows

Longbows have a superior range to crossbows. The longbow has a normal range of 150 feet and a long-range of 600 feet. In contrast, hand crossbows have a range of 30/120 feet, light crossbows 80/320 feet, and heavy crossbows 100/400 feet.

The longbow's range gives it an advantage in certain military situations. For example, in the Battle of Agincourt, English longbowmen stood on the flanks of the infantry and cavalry, where they were protected by other soldiers and barriers. The longbow's range allowed them to easily pick off the advancing French cavalry.

Longbows also have a faster rate of fire than crossbows. Medieval archers could shoot over 12 arrows per minute with a longbow, while skilled crossbowmen could only manage two or three shots a minute.

The longbow's range and rate of fire come at a cost, however. Longbows require much more training to use effectively. Kingdoms that used the longbow extensively had to invest a lot of effort and money into training.

Longbows lack the loading trait, unlike crossbows

The loading trait of crossbows means that they can only use one piece of ammunition when the user takes an action, bonus action, or reaction to fire, regardless of the number of attacks they can normally make. This is not the case for longbows, which can be fired multiple times per action.

In addition to their higher rate of fire, longbows also have a much greater range than crossbows. Longbows have a normal range of 150 feet and a maximum range of 600 feet, while crossbows have a range of only 100/400 feet. This gives the longbow a significant advantage in terms of keeping enemies at a distance.

The longbow is also a more versatile weapon than the crossbow, as it can be used for both ranged and melee attacks. When used in melee combat, the longbow is considered an improvised weapon and deals less damage, but it can still be effective in close-quarters situations.

Overall, the lack of the loading trait makes the longbow a more attractive option for fighters who want to be able to make multiple attacks per action and keep their enemies at a distance.

Longbows are two-handed weapons

When attacking with a longbow, you determine your target within the weapon's range, and the Dungeon Master (DM) applies any necessary modifiers, such as advantage or disadvantage. The attack roll is then made by rolling a 1d20 and adding your Strength modifier and proficiency bonus (if you are proficient with the longbow). If you are not proficient with the longbow, you do not add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll.

In terms of game mechanics, it is possible to hold a longbow in one hand and perform other actions with the other hand, such as casting a spell or drawing a one-handed weapon to attack. However, you cannot make a ranged attack with a longbow unless you are wielding it with two hands. Additionally, you cannot use a shield while attacking with a longbow, as a shield requires a free hand.

Longbows have a longer range than crossbows, with a normal range of 150 feet and a long range of 600 feet. Crossbows, on the other hand, typically have a shorter range of 100/400 feet. Longbows also do not have the "Loading" property that crossbows have, which allows a skilled fighter to fire more arrows in the same amount of time.

In terms of proficiency, certain classes are proficient with longbows, including Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, and Ranger. Additionally, some races, such as Elves, gain proficiency with longbows as a racial trait. Other classes and races can gain proficiency through feats or other means.

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