Archery has always been a popular sport as well as part of past military units. Today archery has been popularized a lot by pop culture. If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, Darryl’s crossbow has been one of the most iconic features of the series. Other famous archers include Kat from The Hunger Games and Link from The Legend of Zelda.
The crossbow has made hunting more efficient and indicated the end of the “bow & arrow” age. A great crossbow can be an invaluable asset if you know what you are looking for. To help you find what you are looking for, we at Healthdy.com have made our 2020 Best Crossbows Review and Buying Guide. This guide focuses on the most popular crossbows on the market to help newbies and amateurs.
Whether you are a hunter or pure archer, it can be had, if not impossible, to find that crossbow that does everything you need. I started practicing archery in the past few years without using the crossbow for hunting ( I do not have the patience to sit and wait for at times hours on end just get a kill).
Some crossbows are cheaper and better for newcomers. There are crossbows a little more expensive but more stylish with more bells and whistles. And lastly, there are those elite crossbows that are the most expensive but everything an experienced hunter or archer needs.
Let us get started and go through the list of the best crossbows of 2020.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Top 10 Crossbows of 2020
- 1.1 BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
- 1.2 TenPoint Nitro XRT Crossbow
- 1.3 CenterPoint AXCS185CK Sniper 370 Crossbow
- 1.4 Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
- 1.5 Bear X Saga 405 Crossbow
- 1.6 EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW Null Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow
- 1.7 Killer Instinct Crossbows
- 1.8 RAVIN R10 CROSSBOW
- 1.9 Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow
- 1.10 Lady Ranger Crossbow
- 1.11 Buying Guide
- 1.12 The History of the Crossbow
- 1.13 Why a Crossbow and not a Longbow?
- 1.14 What to Look For in a Crossbow
- 1.15 Parts of the Crossbow
- 1.16 Types of Crossbows
- 1.17 What is the Best Crossbow for Beginners?
- 1.18 What Makes a Crossbow Powerful?
- 1.19 What is a Good Brand of Crossbow?
- 1.20 Are Crossbows Allowed for Hunting in All States?
- 1.21 Can Felons Own Crossbows?
- 1.22 Editor’s Pick:
- 1.23 Video: Learn to shoot a crossbow
The Top 10 Crossbows of 2020
BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
This is an excellent lightweight hunting crossbow made by Barnett and one of the most popular crossbows on Amazon. The first thing that is great about this product is the price point. Being under $500 makes this affordable compared to other crossbows.
This crossbow is an excellent one for hunters to start off with. Barnett is a company that prides itself on making crossbows and other outdoor products. This is a US-made crossbow that is made very well.
Now while it does not have some of the more extravagant features like other crossbows on the list like Tenpoint Nitro but it does everything you need it to do.
First of all, assembly is quite easy, and the directions in the package are easy to follow. I also love how it is made for beginners. This device provides over 118 pounds of kinetic energy to every arrow. This is perfect for your younger hunters as thring to pull back anything over 150 pounds would make it difficult to load bolts.
This a sturdy yet lightweight crossbow weighing around 6.5 pounds and can fire an arrow at 375 feet per second. It is made of a light fiberglass composite frame that is built for durability in any environment. It has a 4x32mm scope that is very precise and also comes with an illuminated scope for those night time hunts.
Safety is also critical to a company like Barnett. They pride themselves on not only making innovative products but also safe ones. The Whitetail Hunter has a floating bristle arrow retainer to keep from accidentally firing and finger safety reminders.
Features/Accessories
• 4 x32mm multi-reticule scope
• Two 22 inch arrows
• Lightweight quiver
• Rope cocking device
• Lube wax
Pros
•Affordable price tag
• Comes in the mail mostly assembled
• Great starter crossbow for hunting and for youth
• Easy to load arrows
• Comes with more than enough safety features to prevent accidental firing
Cons
• The drawstring can become looser after chronic use. Solution: Make sure you take your crossbow once every couple of months for maintenance.
Final Opinion
Great bang for your buck in affordability and safety. It is the ideal choice for any amateur hunter who wants to get their first crossbow. If you are looking for more razzle-dazzle, this is not the one for you.
TenPoint Nitro XRT Crossbow
The TenPointCrossbow Technology Company is dedicated to crossbow performance, engineering, and design since 1994. They are founded by Richard L. Bednar in Ohio. This man qualified for the Olympic archery team in the 1976 games and, after, wanted to take his passions into the design and manufacturing of crossbows.
The TenPoint Nitro crossbow they designed looks more sniper rifle than a crossbow. This incredibly cool looking crossbow is made for those experienced hunters who take their hunts seriously. This bow can fire at 470 feet per second and weighs just around 18 pounds. It is about 29.5 inches of the total length from foot to stirrup.
What makes this crossbow, so badass, is that it is deadly quiet and accurate. You are going to become a crossbow sniper in the forest or woods. There is a 1.5-6x variable high-speed EVO-X Marksman scope with a high-quality glass reticle, quick detachable scope rings, flip-up scope caps for even more accuracy. Its accuracy is THE BEST ON THE LIST!
Precision is not the only thing as it is ridiculously easy to reload. The ACUdraw system only requires 9 pounds of force for reloading! Again only nine pounds of force to reload!
Because of the flat design of this crossbow, it is very comfortable in the hands and can be placed on a lot of surfaces. There is also a silent ACUdraw pro cocking system with a reverse draw. Do not worry as there are plenty of trigger safety mechanisms to prevent accidental firing.
I am telling you hunting will become surgical as you use this crossbow.
Features/Accessories
• T5 trigger system giving it unparalleled safety. Also, it is ambidextrous and can be used by left or right-handed folks.
• Premium scope with bubble level, multicoated lens, and EVO-X scope
• Comes with a solid, durable crossbow case with 6 EVO-X CetnerPunch Carbon arrows
• ACU cocking device
Pros
• Very silent
• One of the coolest designs we have seen for a crossbow
• One of the most accurate crossbows on the market
• Superior balance in your hands
Cons
• It is expensive!!!! Solution: TenPoint makes many more affordable crossbows like their Lady Shadow, Vapor, Turbo, Defender, Ranger, and many more.
Final Opinion
This model is not the most affordable for sure. However, its incredible balance, unmatched accuracy, and beautiful design make this the BEST CROSSBOW on this list. If your wallet can absorb that hefty price tag, I recommend you adding Nitro X to your collection.
CenterPoint AXCS185CK Sniper 370 Crossbow
The CenterPoint AXCS185CK SniperCrossbow is my choice for the starter hunting crossbow. CenterPoint is no stranger as they are one of the giants on the crossbow and hunting markets. They have many more elegant crossbows like the Gladiator Whiper or the TYRO, but I like the AXCS as the ideal starter crossbow for hunting.
A crossbow is an excellent choice for hunting. It takes much less skill to use than a bow and arrow and also is much more silent than a gun. While guns are more comfortable to operate and more accurate, the loud noises they make can scare away any potential hunting targets. Thus a crossbow is the best of both worlds!
This crossbow was so popular that it has received notoriety from Outdoor Life Magazine’” Great Buy Section” as one of the best budget crossbows.
This is a great shooting crossbow with an adjustable foregrip and stock for each individual shooting style. This device weighs around 12 pounds and is 18 inches long when fully cocked. It has a draw weight of 185 pounds, which would make it difficult for females to use. It has a high-speed firing arrow a 370 feet per second, which is not bad.
While this device does not have a true silencer, it does have integrated string suppressors. What does this mean?
It means that the shots you fire will be quieter and vibration-free leading to less recoil and inaccuracies. The camo design on the crossbow is very cool, making you think you are on a covert military mission.
Features/Accessories
• 4 x 32mm hunting scope, three 20 inch arrows, arrow quiver, rope cocker, an auto-safety trigger mechanism
• Comes with 5-year limited warranty
• Quad limb system to deliver accuracy and power
Pros
• Cool camo design
•Great safety features
• Adjustable foregrip and stock to find that perfect grip
• Durable and lightweight
Cons
• The arrows or bolts that they come with are not the highest quality.
Solution: Bolts can be ordered separately that are not too expensive. Honestly, unless you are aiming long-range on a harder target, the arrows should be fine.
Final Opinion
This is the ideal starting crossbow. Not too expensive, but does everything you need but does not do anything at an elite level. This is perfect for any young hunter, as this is a durable and impressive crossbow.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
The Barnett Company returns to our list with another fantastic product. What I like about this company is that they make crossbows for all, not just burly hunters. They have crossbows with designs in mind for children and females as well. Their Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is one of the best lightweight crossbows you can buy on the market.
This is a durable and lightweight crossbow. The parts are made of aluminum with stateless steel to prevent rust and wear and tear.
This crossbow only weighs 6.4 pounds while having a total length (when cocked) at 16 inches. Being light and small makes it less bulky for those with smaller hands. Also, it only uses a draw weight of 103 pounds and can fire at over 350 feet per second. This is more than enough to kill the most games.
It has an anti-vibration foot stirrup and an integrated crank to make loading arrows easier. Now one of the fun things about this crossbow is the camo color it has, I am a big fan of camo colored hunting tools. Trust me, hunting is hard enough already; do not make it harder with getting a hot pink or gold plated rifle or crossbow.
Features/Accessories
• Realtree Extra camo, 4 x 32mm hunting scope with muli-reticle scope, two 20 inch headhunter arrows, arrow quiver, rope cocker, lubrication wax
• Triggertech trigger system providing a layer of extra safety with a 3-pound release. This makes accidental firing less likely
• Single Bolt assembly
Pros
• Perfect for women and young kids
• Comes almost completely assembled
• Durable and lightweight design
Cons
• Once the bow is cocked, the only way to decock it is to fire it with the arrow in. This can be quite annoying at times.
Solution: only load up this arrow outdoors or at a shooting range/gallery for optimal safety.
Final Opinion
This an excellent crossbow for children and for females as it is light, easy to load, and very durable. Again it does not have all the bells and whistles like other more expensive crossbows, but that is not what you are looking for. I also love its safety features and price. I would easily buy this crossbow for my son or daughter who wanted to go hunting with their parents.
Bear X Saga 405 Crossbow
This is theBear Outdoor Company’s deadliest and fastest crossbow. This crossbow is a powerful, lightweight device that will make big game hunting for bear, moose, deer, and elk seem like a piece of cake. I am telling you that this crossbow can penetrate whole logs! So it should not have much of an issue going through bones of hogs or deer.
I first have to mention how simple it is to put together as most people do not report needing to use Youtube or other online resources. Also, adjusting the scope is not a big problem as most people change their line of sight after 3-6 shots.
When I say light, I mean light as this bow weighs just 7.5 pounds and has a drawing weight of 210 pounds. This is light but does require some good force to load. It is also compact as it measures 14 inches wide cocked and 18 inches wide uncocked.
This product does come in a package with a bunch of cool features like a rear adjustable stock, ambidextrous safety grip, and may others. This feels like a product where you are definitely getting your money’s worth.
Features/Accessories
• Anti-dry fire inhibitor, Picatinny scope mount rail w adjustable sights, 4×32 mm scope w multi crosshair reticle w/ eyepiece, cocking rope
• Dual string suppressor system to reduce vibrations and noise
• Three 20 inch carbon arrows, rail lube wax, string wax, and arrow quiver
Pros
• Lightweight and powerful
• Great for large game hunting
• Excellent price what comes in the package
• One of the better hunting crossbows
Cons
• It takes more force than usual to load this crossbow. While good for men, this crossbow is not ideal for children or women.
Solution: I would sacrifice power and get a crossbow like the Barnett Whitetail II if I was not the biggest strongest man.
Final Opinion
This is a great first crossbow for a hunter or a nice smaller compact crossbow to add to the arsenal of veteran outdoorsmen. The price tag seems just about right for what you are getting, in my opinion. This is a crossbow for those hunting large animals.
EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW Null Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow
Excalibur is one of the most innovative and high performing crossbow manufacturers. They are a US company that has been producing quality outdoor equipment and tools for almost 40 years.
Their Matrix SMF Grizzly Crossbow is the perfect small game hunting crossbow for many reasons.
First, it only weighs 5.5 pounds while being able to shoot at 305 feet per second. That is easy enough to take down small deer, boar, rabbits, and other small to intermediately sized wildlife. The power on this bow is impressive for its compact size. The drawing force requires 200 pounds, which is not bad, and most adults can do it.
Secondly, it is very affordable and well built for being less than $400. Luckily with a company like Excalibur, they have no problem getting quality parts for a reasonable price.
Another cool feature is that it has a comfortable stock that fits well against your shoulder and very precise reticle sights. I have been told that people are surprised by how powerful and accurate this crossbow is. This is made as a “beginner” crossbow. However, any experienced hunter or outdoorsman would love to have this in their supply.
Features/Accessories
• Moss camo design
• Crossbow kit includes: 4x32mm scope w reticle sights, three 20 inch bolts, quiver, wax/line lube, cocking rope
• Excellent Customer service provided by Excalibur
Pros
• Ideal for small game hunting
• Very compact and made of durable material
• Perfect “Beginner” crossbow for hunters
Cons
• At first, the bow is very taught and takes a while before it becomes looser. Solution: Make sure you are applying proper wax/lube as well as using your cocking rope. It will become much more pliable after a few uses, no worries.
Final Opinion
Good for small game hunting for most adults. I would say that being this light and having great precision makes this a must-own for any outdoorsman. The biggest knock is that there are too many accessories, and not all of them are useful. If you can live with that, then you will be happy with this product.
Killer Instinct Crossbows
Killer Instinct does not have the notoriety as other companies like Barnett, TenPoint, or Excalibur. However, they are not backing down, they make innovative products like their Ripper 415 to challenge these giants.
This is a crossbow made for customization. It has an adjustable buttstock and forearm grip to make it fit comfortably in any hands. It is made of rubber shock absorbers to prevent recoil from each bolt. It also has a scope with red/blue illuminated multi-colored reticle sights and an enhanced aluminum CNC barrel for very accurate shots. This thing is deadly!
It shoots bolts at a speed of 415 feet per second, delivering up to 150 pounds of force to an object. It is perfect for taking down anything from light as a bird to as heavy as a deer. I would not push your luck on taking on bears or mountain lions, though. Sometimes you have to know when to stop, hahaha.
While this crossbow is dangerous, it also comes with a plethora of safety features, most notably its 3.5-pound KillerTech trigger to prevent misfirings and accidents.
Features/Accessories
• Rubber shock absorbers for comfort and stealth
• Detachable 4x32mm scope w multicolor reticles, three premium carbon 20-inch bolts, quiver, wax/line lube, cocking rope
• Long aluminum barrel
• Lifetime Limited Warranty
Pros
• Powerful crossbows for hunters and an accurate crossbow for archers
• Is very quiet
• Comes almost fully assembled
• Customizable grip and stock
Cons
• While firing is silent, cocking the string may make much more noise.
Solution: Make sure you apply proper lubrication before loading. After each use, that string should become easier to manipulate.
Final Opinion
Good for small game hunting for most adults. I would say that being this light and having high precision makes this a must-own for any outdoorsman. The biggest knock is that there are too many accessories, and not all of them are useful. If you can live with that, then you will be happy with this product. Take a chance on the little guy company in Killer Instinct.
RAVIN R10 CROSSBOW
Ravin makes an appearance on our list for an elite quality crossbow. Ravin Crossbows has been awarded numerous awards and celebration in the outdoor hunting market. Their R10 was voted as the #1 Best Crossbow in Outdoor Life Magazine in 2019. Also, they have ranked at the top in terms of accuracy scores by many regulating bodies.
This has a max range of 80 yards but is deadly accurate around 50 yards. I have heard stories of people shooting an elk from 45 yards away with ease. Upon inspection of the body, the bolt had penetrated clean to the other side.
Now that is what I am talking about!
It weighs less than 7 pounds and has a shooting speed of 405 feet per second with a trac-trigger firing system to keep arrows steady. It has a drawing force of 195 pounds.
Another critical thing is that it comes with anti-dry fire and auto safety to prevent accidental shots.
Features/Accessories
• Level cams w 360-degree rotation
• Crossbow kit includes: 4x32mm 100 yard scope w illuminated reticle sights, 6400-grain match grade .003 arrows, 3 arrow quiver, wax/line lube, cocking rope, accessories bracket, field points
• Comes in Predator Dusk Camo
Pros
• One of the most compact crossbows on the market when cocked
• Comes fully assembled
• Great safety features
• A great mix of power and compatibility
• Perfect for the most avid to experienced hunters as well as archers
Cons
• This crossbow is expensive, running you over $1500. Solution: If you can’t afford this crossbow, do not worry, there are plenty of cheaper and quality options. I suggest you get the Killer Instinct 415 at nearly 1/3 the cost of the RAVIN R10.
Final Opinion
This is an elite crossbow, and the price reflects it. The biggest complaint I hear is that the trigger apparatus needs to be redesigned to be a little more user friendly. Besides that, you can accurately hit anything under 60 yards with power. This is a must for anyone hunting big game or looking to be the best in an arching competition.
This is the second-best crossbow on the list with the TenPoint first.
Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow
Wicked Ridge has made an excellent product that is one of the most innovative crossbows on the market. This is a very lightweight and accurate crossbow that weighs just about 7.6 pounds and 32 inches in length.
The problem with a lot of crossbows is that they are “front” heavy. That means most of the weight is focused on the front of the crossbow, naturally wanting it to dip lower than aimed. This has been a problem fixed with the Wicked Ridge RDX 400.
The reverse-draw bow system and Reaper cam system work together to create an elongated motion for the arrow to fire. This makes it shoot smoother and faster down its aluminum barrel and riser.
To fire, it has a scope with 3 crosshairs and four dots with fully coated optics to zoom up to 3x the image. The reticles are also available in red or green colors.
Other cool features are that it has noise dampening integrated string stop system to prevent excess noise. It’s ACUdraw PRO cocking system makes it to where you only need to use 8.5 pounds of pressure to draw it! That is convenient, especially in a focused hunt.
Features/Accessories
• Reverse-draw patented technology w Reaper Cam system makes it feel much more balanced than other crossbows
• ACUdraw PRO cocking device
• Aluminum tube scope
• Crossbow kit includes: 4x32mm illuminated scope w 3 different reticle sights, 3Wicked Ridge XX75 arrows, 3 arrow quiver, wax/line lube, cocking rope, 13-grain aluminum insert
• T4 safety trigger
Pros
•Accurate and deadly
•Comes with some very advanced aiming and balance technology
•Very silent
•Lightweight aluminum design
Cons
• People have recorded problems with the arrow nocks in terms of size and adjustability. Solution: Wicked Ridge customers should be contacted, and they are fairly responsive and will aid with any issues.
Final Opinion
This is the definition of “all the bells and whistles.” It provides a deadly accurate, and silent crossbow that any experienced outdoorsmen would love to have. It is a little on the pricey side but well worth it considering there are more expensive options out there.
Lady Ranger Crossbow
Do not think we forgot about the ladies. More women are participating in archery and hunting more than before, and companies have noticed. A female crossbow should have less drawing force as well as being more lightweight yet accurate.
Not to mention having a prettier color design definitely does not hurt. The Muddy Girl camo looks really on this crossbow.
Wicked Ridge has made, in my opinion, the crossbow I would buy for my girlfriend, aunt, or daughter.
The draw weight is 150 pounds making good for younger girls as well. It is 34 inches long and only weighs 8 pounds.
Another important feature is its ACU-52 integrated self-retracting cocking system. What this means is that this system helps in cocking an arrow in along with physical force. There are no problems with accuracy as this travels over 300 feet per second and delivers 70 pounds of force.
While not the strongest, it will get the job done for most small to medium-sized animals. For archery, this is also very comfortable for just shooting some targets on the range.
Features/Accessories
• ACU-52 Integrated, Self-Retracting Rope-Cocking System
• Crossbow kit includes: TenPoint 3x Multi-Line Scope, Wicked Ridge Instant-Detach 3-Arrow Quiver, 3 Wicked Ridge 18-inch Ranger Carbon Arrows with 100-grain practice points
• Comes in Muddy Girl Camo
Pros
• Any female of age should have no problems with loading
• Great for hunting and archery
• Compact and light
Cons
• The color of camouflage is not the most practical for hunting and blending into the scenery.
Solution: You are not going to war with terrorists or evil cult members, I doubt many animals will notice this, and you should be fine.
Final Opinion
This crossbow looks good and feels good in the hands of many women. There are great reviews on this in that it delivers on everything it states it does. The accessory package it comes with is excellent, and the price is not bad at all.
Buying Guide
The History of the Crossbow
The earliest mention of the crossbow came in third or fourth Century China. We find mention of crossbows in the Bible as well. China was the first country to make the repeating crossbow.
This invention revolutionized warfare as now archers do not have to physically cock their arrows anymore, giving them even deadlier accuracy.
But even more important, only a little training was required for a crossbow. Thus making any inexperienced soldier into a deadly weapon.
In Sun Tzu’s book The Art of War, he makes substantial mention of crossbows in 400 BC. The Chinese continued to evolve and popularize the crossbow. It eventually spread its way across Asia East and West to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
It soon spread to the East, where the Greek people began using another version across both called gastraphetes. Then the Romans came along.
It was eventually developed into a more gigantic crossbow called the ballistae to be used on a mounted tripod on land or by Roman Cavalry on horseback. The Romans loved the idea of the crossbow so much that they even made their own version of a hand-held one.
The popularity of the crossbow continued to explode into medieval times across Europe during the 12th-14th Century. The Roman Catholic church loved using the crossbow and more and was one of their most produced weapons.
Eventually, crossbows faded out of combat, especially with the development of guns and firearms. Crossbows were always too slow to reload and left their users vulnerable to attacks, especially if other forces are still using longbows.
Today crossbows are still very much used for competitive shooting, hunting, and archery gaining popularity very quickly.
Why a Crossbow and not a Longbow?
Crossbows are more expensive but much more comfortable to operate and much more durable. Longbows are made of wood coated with a polymer for strength. While they do feel authentic and light, they can break more easily under excessive force.
Since you can apply more energy into a crossbow, it is more powerful and accurate in shooting in a straight line.
What to Look For in a Crossbow
Cost
A good crossbow can cost from $80 to $350. An elite crossbow can easily run over 1K. If you are starting, there are many cheaper quality crossbows on our list.
If you are an experienced hunter and looking to take your hunting game to the next level, you can consider investing in one of the higher-end models.
Purpose
Are you looking to take your crossbow on a weekend hunting trip every month?
Do you just want to shoot some archery targets every now and then?
The purpose, along with cost, should be the two most significant factors on what crossbow you buy. I say that you do not need a higher-end model if you are only going to be using it casually.
For those that want to get prolonged use out of it. It would be wise to invest in a more advanced, durable model.
Size/Weight
If you are a 110-pound girl, you may not want to get the biggest and baddest crossbow on the market. Just as if you are a man the size of Shaq to not get an 18-inch crossbow. Make sure you know yourself and what kind of crossbow would be ideal for your body type.
If you need to, go to a hunting or fishing store to see how the different sizes of crossbows fit in your hands before buying.
Just make sure to come back to Amazon to purchase the crossbows as they have the best prices!
Brand
Some of the most popular brands of crossbows include Horton, Barnett, Wicked Ridge, TenPoint, among many others. Most popular brands have their own website and profile on Amazon.
Read the reviews on Amazon and from customer testimonials to validate the brand.
Parts & Accessories
The extra parts and accessories of a crossbow come in a kit.
Most crossbow kits will come with extra bolts or arrows, wax/lube for the string, a scope, cocking rope, and a quiver.
Some extra things can include multi-colored scope, additional arrows, and different colors.
Range
Most crossbows have a range of at least 300 yards but will suffer inaccuracy. I would not bet on myself trying to hit a dear three football fields away.
They are best used within 70 yards of a target.
Parts of the Crossbow
Arrow Retention Spring/Brush
It holds the arrow in place once cocked until you are ready to pull the trigger
Barrel
Usually made of aluminum, it is the chamber where the arrow travels through when fired
Cocking Stirrup
This is a tool to help with cocking the crossbow. You will place your foot in this stirrup to prevent the crossbow from sliding on the ground while loading
Limbs
The parts where the string is attached to give tension to the crossbow. It can be compound or recurve in shape.
Riser
The part where the limbs attach.
Safety
It is the mechanism that prevents accidental firing. It functions just like the safety on a gun.
Sight Bridge
Holds the sight or the scope.
Stock
The back part of the crossbow that rests on your body. This part is usually made of wood, plastic or some other synthetic material to make more comfortable.
Foregrip
This part is where the aiming hand goes. It is below the front of the crossbow, and some foregrips are removable while others are not.
Scope
This is where you look to aim your shot. Scopes usually come with sight markers called reticles in different colors.
Flight Groove
The groove on the track that guides the firing arrow straight.
Latch
It mechanically holds the string when the crossbow if fully cocked until the trigger is pulled.
Trigger
The part that must be squeezed to fire the arrow. A certain amount of force must be applied to fire.
Types of Crossbows
The two most common types of crossbows are Compound and Recurve. There are two other ones, but less common are the repeater and rifle crossbow.
Repeater crossbows are not used anymore. It is a crossbow that can fire multiple shots instead of one since we have guns; it defeats the purpose. Why are you wanting to shoot arrows like a machine gun or pistol?
I feel like it takes the fun out.
Rifle crossbows are more narrow crossbows designed to give the feel of a rife. They are less common as it requires much more power and skill to use. Also, its cocking process is awkward, to say the least.
Compound
This is the upgraded version of the original crossbow incorporating more mechanic elements. These types of crossbows are ] popular among hunters because of the shorter limbs and lightweight design. They are made of robust and durable material and designed in a stiffer build.
The feature is that it uses two string connected pulley systems in tandem to give more kinetic energy to the arrow once fired. Since they are compact and narrow, it makes less noise, thus ideal for hunters.
The downside is that they are more expensive and require more upkeep. Not to mention slightly heavier on average. They cost a lot more to maintain, as well. You must also make sure to take care of them as anytime is dropped or hit; it can lose accuracy.
Recurve
This is the modern form of the ancient crossbow made of carbon fiber, aluminum, or stainless steel.The recurve bow gets its name from how the limbs curve away from the user. This is a powerful type of crossbow that requires a longer draw. Thus because of this, it fires with more power and accuracy than a bow and arrow.
As for the downside, they are larger and noisier. Also, the string is more likely to snap under significant force, thus making you buy new strings.
I recommend anyone to buy a Compound Crossbow.
While these can be pricier, they are more durably built and more accurate.
What is the Best Crossbow for Beginners?
I recommend getting either the Wicked Ridge Lady Ranger for females and for males the Barnett Whitetail II.
What Makes a Crossbow Powerful?
It is the tension caused by the pulling of the string. It creates more kinetic energy to add to the arrow once fired.
What is a Good Brand of Crossbow?
The most reputable brands of Crossbows include TenPoint, Barnett, and Excalibur.
Other quality brands include Wicked Ridge and Killer Point.
Are Crossbows Allowed for Hunting in All States?
Crossbows are allowed for hunting use in all 50 of the US states except for Oregon. There are differences in restrictions from state to state, so check before crossing state lines to hunt.
Can Felons Own Crossbows?
Yes, felons can own crossbows are they are not considered “firearms.”
Editor’s Pick:
The crossbow helped change human history in terms of how we fight and hunt. Now it is a must-own tool for any hunter, whether novice or veteran, whether young or old. It provides an increased level of stealth while hunting while putting you in touch with our natural instincts. Not all crossbows are created the same. Some are more expensive (but worth every penny), while some are more economical (yet still quality products).
My advice is to first see what you need to get out of your crossbow before you buy one. Hopefully, our guide has helped you out.
Go out and get a crossbow not only for hunting but also for archery and target practice, once you try it out, you will love it!
Enjoy and Be Happy, and Healthdy!