Jason_the_Iguana: Yeah, bows do list a speed factor.

But try it out yourself. (In BG1, preferably, because it's easier to tell with fewer attacks per round) Enable attack roll feedback. Now, kite a monster by running around it, and then click to attack with a composite bow. Speed factor 7, they claim. But you'll note your character attacks almost immediately. An arrow flies, hits, misses. No delay. And the second arrow will follow quickly after. Then, you have to wait a bit before the next shot occurs. However, you can use that time to run away again. Kiting works very well like this.

Now try it with a bastard sword or something. Similar speedfactor. (8, I believe) You move up to the monster... your character swings, but no attack roll happens. Swing again... nothing. Third swing... whack. Attack roll. You need to wait several seconds before you actually have a chance to hit.

Now try with a dagger. Again, the attack roll occurs the first time your guy swings.

Bottom line: yet another reason why bows are so strong in BG1.

Edit: in case my earlier post was confusing, note that this "2 attacks" value is the -base- number of attacks. Fighters who specialise in bows and/or are high level will get even more attacks.

DCC74: Side note: don't additional proficiency points reduce your attack speed with that weapon, or was that a mod I installed somewhere and forgot about?