Define “pve”, for DE’s i wouldn’t use either a shortbow or a longbow i would use a greatsword. I always thought the Shortbow was the better option but mine now just takes up space in my bag, always have a longbow and Greatsword.
My current auto attack does 1-3k dmg depending on a crit and rapid fire usually tops out between 9-10k although i have seen it go as high as 12k with just me attacking(no food buffs or using signets etc).