Crossbows? New to them, please help.?

Question

I am considering buying a crossbow. I am familiar with compound long-bows, but I have never used a crossbow. I plan on using it for deer and turkey hunting. Should I seek something with 150 draw weight or larger? What brands have a good reputation? What accessories should I be aware of or consider? What else should I know about concerning my choice for a new purchase?

Answer 1

As an experienced Dealer & Crossbow Hunter myself, I can tell you that most every conventional Compound Crossbows will be a minimum of 150lbs or more. A Crossbow with a conventional Prod (Regular-Not Compound) will be in the area of 125 lbs or more. Either one will easily fire a bolt (arrow) with enough velocity and force to bring down a Deer or Turkey.

Obviously a compound Crossbow will shoot flatter and a little faster, depending on the weight of the Bolts used. Crossbows range in price anywhere from $200 for a decent entry level Hunting Crossbow to the most expensive that can cost between $800-$1200. I would HIGHLY recommend the Horton line of Crossbows (www.crossbows.com) They are well made, shoot extremely well and are reasonable in price.As far as accessories go, you can buy Crossbow Scopes, Red Dot Sights, Quivers for extra bolts (arrows),Cocking Devices, etc. You are only limited by your budget.....

You will also find that there are many states that allow Crossbow hunting, but there are some that restrict the seasons or limit crossbow hunting to disabled Hunters only. You need to check with your own State Department of Natural Resources or Game & Fish Commission to see if it's legal in your state of residence.You will also find that most states do NOT have a minimum weight requirement for Crossbows for hunting purposes.Good Luck!

Horton Crossbows
10 Point Crossbows
Excalibur Crossbows

Answer 2

I'm Lithuanian but live in America! Anyway for pigs you may not want a bow. A charging pig is extremely dangerous. For anything else it's what you want. Crossbows are easier. Compounds are more challenging. If your older crossbows are the way to go cause in the extreme cold you could pull a muscle or something by not moving for hours then pulling back a bow. If your below 40 I say compound Above 40 crossbow Only thing with crossbow is after 10 shots your arms feel like falling off

Answer 3

I am a newbie as well to crossbows. I have a Horton 150 draw that I am learning to get a kick out of.

I see no reason to go higher than 150, but do if you must. I still have to spend time looking for arrows that go THROUGH the target and backstop with the 150.

Horton is the only one I know, my Bro has a Barnett that I shot this weekend that was pretty sweet.

Don't buy an accessory that adds wieght to the bow, it is heavy as hell already. I hike a long way to the blind so that made an impact when I removed the mounted holder.

Personally, because the ranges are so short I maintain significant accuracy with the conventional "peep" style sights and dont feel it necessary to upgrade even after shooting my brothers "new fangled shooting iron device".

Bolts or arrows are going to be very important. I would go with carbon simply for the weight issue. I would also ensure you know the specs concerning length of arrow and the recommended type of broadhead.

I am sure there are volumes left unspoken, but thats all I know....

Best of luck.

Answer 4

One advantage that compound type x-bows have over conventional types is the bolts they use. Some compounds can use a longer more arrow like bolt which fly flatter and can give you a little more range. The disadvantage is that the are much heavier. I like the conventional types myself. But I also shoot a recurve bow so I guess I might be biased. Which ever bow you choose pratice field shooting to help you learn to estimate range. I like to "stump" shoot; that is pick random clumps, clods and the like and try and hit them. I use Judo points that have little spring arms on them that make the bolt kick up when it hits so you don't lose so many.
Have fun!

Answer 5

150 draw weight is sufficient but make sure you check with your laws and regulations to see what legal draw weight is to be hunting with. Up here in Maine it has to be between 100 - 200.

Answer 6

You should know that special bow hunting seasons are often limited to to the use of longbows, recurve, and compound bows; and that the use of crossbows is limited to the rifle hunting season.

Answer 7

You'll shoot your eye out with that thing!

I wish a former employee was still here. He had one that was bad@$$ and had more pull than post. It had a crank on it, instead of just stepping into the bracket and cocking it.

Sorry, I can't help ya! Good luck!