How to Buy a Crossbow

The crossbow has stood the test of time as a formidable tool in a realm where history meets precision. From its humble origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day adaptations, the crossbow has captured the fascination of enthusiasts and historians alike.

But before embarking on your journey to acquire a modern crossbow, you must equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to make an informed purchase. In this guide, we will explore the historical significance of the crossbow, its various types, and the key factors to consider before investing in this timeless weapon. The first decision you must make is what to use your crossbow for.

Uses

Regarding crossbows, you can choose between two popular purposes:

• Hunting
• Target shooting

Hunting with a crossbow is all about speed and power. The objective is to deliver a quick and lethal shot to your prey. However, this comes with certain tradeoffs. First and foremost, the crossbow's weight tends to be heavier than those designed for target shooting. This added weight provides stability and aids in absorbing the recoil generated upon firing, ensuring accuracy and a precise shot.

Additionally, due to the draw weights and the increased tension placed on the strings and cables, hunters may need to change them more frequently than target shooters. This regular maintenance helps maintain the optimal performance and safety of the crossbow.

Types of Hunting

Tree Stand

This method involves positioning yourself on an elevated platform like a tree stand to gain a vantage point over your prey. The compact size and maneuverability of crossbows designed for tree stand hunting are crucial.

Saddle

Saddle hunting has gained popularity in recent years, allowing hunters to use a lightweight and portable saddle system to achieve stealth and flexibility in various hunting environments. Crossbows are compatible with saddle hunting and often prioritize compactness and ease of use.

Pack/Hike/Long Distance

Crossbows designed for packing, hiking, or long-distance hunting are ideal for hunters who prefer covering long distances or embarking on challenging terrains. These models prioritize lightweight construction without compromising power, allowing for extended periods of carrying and maneuvering.

Ground Blind

Hunting from a ground blind requires a crossbow that allows for steady aiming and ease of use in confined spaces. Crossbows suited for ground blind hunting often strike a balance between maneuverability and power.

Target Shooting

In contrast to hunting, target shooting with a crossbow focuses on precision and repetition. Many enthusiasts opt for lighter crossbows with lower draw weights when engaging in target practice. This choice allows for more shots before needing to change strings or cables, resulting in extended sessions without interruption.

Additionally, lighter crossbows are easier to cock, making the reloading process smoother and more efficient. This aspect is particularly important during target practice when repetitive shooting is involved. Furthermore, the lighter arrows used for target shooting are less likely to become stuck in the target, making retrieval hassle-free.

Once you've decided on the activity you want to do with your crossbow, the next step is to determine which type of crossbow you'd like to use.

Platform

When choosing a crossbow, another critical consideration is whether to opt for a recurve or a compound design. Each type of crossbow offers unique features and benefits.

Recurve Crossbows

Recurve crossbows are known for their simplicity, reliability, and lightweight construction. These crossbows feature limbs that curve away from the shooter when unstrung, providing a distinct and traditional appearance. The main advantage of recurve crossbows is their lighter weight, making them easier to carry and maneuver during hunting and target shooting sessions.

In addition, recurve crossbows offer the convenience of being able to change the string without requiring a bow press. This can benefit those who prefer to perform maintenance or switch out strings themselves.

Compound Crossbows

Compound crossbows, on the other hand, showcase a more intricate and technologically advanced design. One notable characteristic of compound crossbows is their narrower profile compared to recurve models. This narrower frame allows for improved maneuverability and ease of use, particularly in tight spaces or dense hunting environments.

Compound crossbows can be further categorized based on their cam system. Two common types are the forward draw and reverse draw compound crossbows.

Forward Draw Crossbows

These crossbows feature a cam system positioned at the front of the limbs. The forward draw design enhances balance and stability, reducing recoil and increasing accuracy. Many hunters and target shooters favor the forward draw configuration due to its reliable performance.

Reverse Draw Crossbows

In contrast, reverse draw compound crossbows have their cam system situated at the rear of the limbs. This unique configuration offers several benefits, including increased power stroke, reduced noise and vibration, as well as a more balanced weight distribution. Reverse draw compound crossbows are often preferred by those seeking enhanced accuracy and a quieter shooting experience.

Choosing between a recurve or a compound crossbow ultimately depends on your personal preferences, shooting style, and intended use. Consider weight, maintenance convenience, maneuverability, and shooting characteristics to determine which type best fits your needs and goals.

"The bow you select is a personal choice based on what features you value the most, budget, and what type game or target you will be shooting. If you are just starting with crossbows, start with a more affordable bow with as many features as you want. Experience the enjoyment of crossbow shooting and note what you like and don't like before investing in the higher-end bows."

Size

When selecting a crossbow for hunting or target shooting, consider the size of the crossbow, including its length, width, and weight. These factors significantly determine the crossbow's maneuverability, ease of use, and overall shooting experience.

Length

In hunting scenarios, a longer crossbow provides increased stability and accuracy. The longer power stroke generated by a lengthier crossbow allows for higher arrow speeds, ensuring better kinetic energy and improved penetration. Moreover, a longer crossbow often offers a more comfortable and balanced shooting stance, reducing fatigue during extended periods of use.

A longer crossbow can enhance precision and consistency for target shooting purposes. The extended length allows for a more extended sight radius, promoting better aim and target acquisition. Additionally, the increased stability provided by a longer crossbow aids in minimizing hand movements and vibrations, resulting in tighter groupings and improved shot placement.

Width

For hunting, a narrower crossbow offers several benefits. It allows for easier maneuverability in tight spaces like dense forests or cramped hunting blinds. The compact size aids in reducing the chances of the crossbow getting tangled in the branches or obstructed by vegetation. Furthermore, a narrower crossbow can be more comfortable to carry and transport, particularly during long hunting trips.

For target shooting, a narrower crossbow contributes to increased stability and accuracy. The shooter can achieve a more consistent and repeatable shooting form by reducing the width. Additionally, the narrower profile helps minimize the effect of wind resistance on the arrow's flight path, resulting in improved accuracy and tighter groupings.

Weight

A lighter crossbow is generally favored in hunting scenarios, allowing for easier carrying and stalking. Lighter weight reduces fatigue, enabling hunters to navigate challenging terrains and pursue game for longer periods. However, it's important to strike a balance between weight and stability, ensuring that the crossbow is not too light to compromise accuracy and shooting performance.

For target shooting, weight is less of a concern as the crossbow is typically set up in a stationary position. However, a heavier crossbow can offer stability and reduced vibration advantages. The additional weight helps dampen any potential hand movements, resulting in a steadier aim and improved shot consistency.

When selecting a crossbow, consider your specific hunting or target shooting requirements and physical capabilities. Finding the right balance between length, width, and weight will create a more enjoyable and successful shooting experience.

Considerations

Draw Weight

When evaluating crossbows, one critical factor is draw weight. Draw weight refers to the force required to cock, or draw, the crossbow.

Recurve crossbows, known for their simplicity and elegance, tend to have a heavier draw weight than compound crossbows, meaning it is more difficult to draw the string on recurve crossbows than compound crossbows. This is because the recurve crossbows lack the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley system of the compound crossbows. As a result, more physical effort is required to draw the string. A recurve crossbow starts easy to draw and gets harder as it approaches its full draw length.

On the other hand, compound crossbows use a cam and cable system. This design reduces the force needed to achieve the same draw weight as recurve crossbows. A compound crossbow becomes easier to draw as its full draw length is achieved because the cams help balance the weight.

To gain an additional mechanical advantage, you can use a crank cocking device to make cocking your crossbow easy. A crank is a specialized tool that helps you draw the string with minimal physical effort, allowing you to use a crossbow with a draw weight you usually would not be able to pull using physical force. It not only makes the cocking process more manageable but also ensures consistent, safe cocking. Some crossbows come with an integrated crank to make them more user-friendly.

You'll also want to balance your axle-to-axle distance with your draw weight. Typically, bows with a shorter axle-to-axle distance and heavier draw weight experience a deduced string life. It has to do with the function of mechanics and force. A narrower axle-to-axle distance increases the pressure on the string, and when you increase the draw weight, you increase the force, causing more wear on the serving and string.

Regular checks and maintenance are instrumental in ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the bow. We recommend measuring the axle-to-axle distance each time you bring your bow out of storage and monitor it for variations throughout the season. Periodic inspections of the string are essential to check for string stretching. Also, be vigilant in monitoring for serving separation and inspect the string and cables for any signs of fraying. Each step contributes to a holistic approach to bow maintenance, ensuring you can rely on your equipment when it matters most.

You'll get a faster arrow speed when you increase the draw weight and power stroke of crossbows. These factors increase the potential energy transferred to the arrow from the crossbow. As a result, when the arrow is released, it experiences higher velocities.

Arrow Speed & Power

Regarding crossbows, arrow speed plays a crucial role in determining your shot's overall performance and effectiveness. Arrow speed refers to the velocity an arrow travels after being released from the crossbow. On the other hand, kinetic energy relates to the power produced when the arrow strikes the target. The two are closely related when it comes to crossbow performance.

As arrow speeds increase, so does the arrow's kinetic energy. This is because the more potential energy put into the arrow, the greater the force imparted by the arrow on impact with a target. Increasing the kinetic energy of your arrows requires heavier draw weights and longer power strokes.

The power stroke is the distance the crossbow's string pushes the arrow. It is determined by the crossbow body's length and the draw's direction. A reverse draw compound crossbow will generally have the longest power stroke because of the position of the cams at the rear of the limbs. This allows an additional few inches to the power stroke since the string travels nearly to the end of the body.

When it comes to hunting, more kinetic energy is desirable to provide ethical kills. More kinetic energy provides better penetration, allowing it to overcome resistance from the target. It can also compensate for longer shooting distances where the arrow could lose power due to wind resistance.

Safety Features

Crossbow shooting can be a dangerous activity. That is why many modern crossbow manufacturers build safety features into their crossbows.

Anti-Dry Fire Mechanisms

Crossbows are equipped with anti-dry fire mechanisms to prevent the bow from firing without an arrow in place. Dry firing can cause significant damage to the crossbow and potentially lead to personal injury. Anti-dry firing mechanisms ensure the trigger cannot be pulled unless an arrow is loaded correctly and engaged with the string. This safety feature helps protect both the crossbow and the shooter from accidents caused by unintentional firing.

Trigger Safety

The trigger safety is another important feature of most crossbows. It is designed to prevent accidental firing by adding an extra layer of protection to the trigger mechanism. Trigger safety mechanisms usually involve a lever or switch that must be engaged or disengaged before pulling the trigger. This ensures that the shooter has deliberate control over the firing process, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.

Cocking Safety

Cocking a crossbow involves drawing the string back and locking it to prepare for a shot. The cocking safety features are designed to prevent the accidental release of the bowstring during the cocking process. They often include mechanisms such as ambidextrous safety switches or automatic safety engagement when the crossbow is properly cocked. These features help keep the bowstring locked securely until the shooter is ready to fire.

It's important to note that while these safety features are designed to enhance the overall safety of crossbows, responsible handling and use are equally essential. Always familiarize yourself with the safety features and instructions your crossbow manufacturer provides. Additionally, follow proper storage, transportation, and handling practices to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable crossbow shooting experience.

When choosing the right crossbow and its accompanying accessories, it's crucial to prioritize your needs, conduct thorough research, and evaluate how well each item aligns with your criteria and budget. Understanding your shooting requirements, such as the purpose, desired features, and performance expectations, will help you make informed decisions. Take the time to explore the safety features, functionality, and compatibility of different options. Doing so ensures that your crossbow setup meets your needs and provides an enjoyable and successful shooting experience.

If you would like more information about crossbows, please read some of our other resources:

• Crossbow Hunting Guide
• Best Hunting Crossbows
• Best Crossbows
• Best Crossbow Broadheads