I took archery in college and shot a standard bow as a kid, but I feel ignorant when it comes to crossbows.
Further, the technology, brands, and quality are foreign to me for either the standard or the cross.
The cross seems like it moves away from the purity of the standard bow, but the cross looks more intriguing; however, I don’t know that I’d like the scope on a cross.
Morning…I’ve shot, sold and taught archery for a number of years. The choice between a compound bow or a cross bow depends on you’re interest in getting proficient with either. Crossbows are similar to rifles, once they are sighted in they are pretty much good to go. Crossbows are efficient for shooting up to about 40 yards. Compound bows require** a lot of practice** to master. I’ve killed deer as far as 71 yards but that’s not normal for the average hunter, 30-35 yards is usually max for most deer hunters. Once your compound bow is set up for you it is set up only for you, the crossbow anyone could shoot. So if you’re willing to put the time in I’d recommend a compound but if you just want to pick up your bow at hunting season and go then get a crossbow.
I’ll also add that typically crossbows are a lot heavier than bows also. They weigh as much or more than a gun. At least the one I have and others I have tried.
Is it a major effort to reload a crossbow? I’m wondering if it is like string and let fly like a regular bow (not that stringing a bow is easy) but I don’t know if crossbows require cranking or any other kind of tension setting before you can fire them.
Modern crossbows have a “draw assist” device. Essentially, it’s a winch that draws the string into the cocked position. It takes very little effort. Draw weights on crossbows can be very high (160+ lbs) compared to 60-80 for compound bows.
This was my first year hunting with a compound. I enjoy the practice and preparation but the accuracy and lethality of a crossbow is appealing. You’re doing well to put 3 arrows in a 2" circle at 20 yards with a modern compound. According to a trusted friend, it’s not very challenging to have the same 2" group at 60 yards with a crossbow. That makes the delivery of the broadhead much more certain in hunting situations…
Yeah, we use a draw assit device (essentially a rope with hooks on it and handles) and it is a breeze, but is not good for fast relaoding. It is pretty painful to use your hands to grab the string to draw and can result in uneven loading on the string, which will effect your accuracy.
However, I was surprised what a little adrenaline will do, I had to do a quick reload last season on a wild hog that was running and had zero problem cocking it by hand and quickly.
They are pretty darn accurate. My yard allows for about a 35 yard target practice and I can consisently group arrows 1-2" with very little practice. If I had the room, I don’t see why I couldn’t be accurate at a much further distance.
Modern crossbows have a “draw assist” device. Essentially, it’s a winch that draws the string into the cocked position. It takes very little effort. Draw weights on crossbows can be very high (160+ lbs) compared to 60-80 for compound bows.
This was my first year hunting with a compound. I enjoy the practice and preparation but the accuracy and lethality of a crossbow is appealing. You’re doing well to put 3 arrows in a 2" circle at 20 yards with a modern compound. According to a trusted friend, it’s not very challenging to have the same 2" group at 60 yards with a crossbow. That makes the delivery of the broadhead much more certain in hunting situations…
This is a good point. I’m pretty sure that I think too highly of my compound bow skills, so you helped me “check my ego” by comparing the accuracy of the two bows.
Is it cumbersome to carry in the woods? Does it hook onto a belt loop for convenience, or does it get hooked onto trees/branches as you are walking or running for inconvenience?
No, the draw assist is just a piece of rope with plastic handles and hooks. Weighs almost nothing.
They are somewhat awkward to carry, especially in the woods. You can put a gun sling on them and carry around your shoulder, but its not quite right on the balance. They are off balance and top heavy, not like carrying a gun.
While a bow you pretty much have to carry in your hand, they are typically so light it doesn’t become an issue.
If you are going to use the bow/crossbow for hunting, you might want to check the regulations in your area on crossbow use. Many times they are not legal for deer and/or don’t count as archery. States differ.
FYI, I use a crossbow now because of chronic shoulder issues that prevent me from using/practicing a bow like I would need to. For what its worth, while a crossbow is a neat toy, I’d choose a bow to hunt with. Lighter, more silent, more challenging. Plus, if you’re going to use for hunting, crossbow use is can be limiting on what is legal to use and when.
If you’re a triathlete, you need something you can modify / upgrade with the latest carbon fiber doodads. That being the case, you should look into a serious (Olympic) recurve bow:
There are mechanical and manual draw assist devices. The mechanical ones are a hand cranked winch that is attached and stores on the stock of the crossbow.
The point about checking your state regulations is a very important one and should be a primary consideration. In some states, they’re treated as rifles and only allowed during “any weapon” seasons. They compete poorly with a modern rifle in terms of range and accuracy so you’re at a real disadvantage when the animals are spooky enough considering the gunshots. In other states, they are considered archery equipment the same as long, recurve, or compound bows even though they have serious performance advantages on all of those devices.
If you look at tenpoint’s website, they have a link to all 50 states crossbow laws in relation to hunting. Start there.
