cman, here's the dimensions:
Front profile.....1-1/8" wide for the center 6", then reasonably straight tapers to 3/4" tips
Side profile......9/16" thick center 8", with a mild and even taper to 3/8" thick tips. @ about mid-limb the thickness is about 1/2".
Keep in mind that with staves the measurements were not laid out that way, they are after the tiller process so they are not even throughout as if sawed.
I have not noticed any significant hand shock but realize that when ya turn a shorty loose it happens real quick and violent, not at all like a long bow with it's smooth long draw and release. It is not better or worse just a whole lot different, is all.
rich