OT: Crossbows

[ronpolk]

I'm thinking about buying a crossbow. I've never used one before. Anybody got any suggestions on a good crossbow to learn on?

 

[Bulldogg31]

For deer or zombies?

 

[ronpolk]

It is the best weapon on the walking dead

 

[Dental Dawg]

I would get a Scorpyd. I would get the fastest and highest poundage crossbow they have. These bows will shoot thru a bulletproof vest.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

This thread & the deer bait thread confuse me. I thought, & I'm probably wrong, that crossbows were legal only if one was disabled.

 

[ShrubDog]

This thread & the deer bait thread confuse me. I thought, & I'm probably wrong, that crossbows were legal only if one was disabled.

The law changed a few years ago that anyone can use a crossbow. I don't know much about them because I use a compound bow. I think Stryker and Barnett make good ones.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

OK, my next question is: why use a crossbow if not disabled? Seasons?

 

[AFDawg]

Preparation for zombie apocalypse

 

[ShrubDog]

OK, my next question is: why use a crossbow if not disabled? Seasons?

You can use it during the bow/primitive weapon season just like a bow. So the entire season. Folks like my dad use one because he is real old and cant shoot a bow. Others use them because its not as challenging as a bow and is more accurate out to further distances.

 

[ronpolk]

OK, my next question is: why use a crossbow if not disabled? Seasons?

It allows you to hunt the same as with a traditional bow. So, in MS it opens in October. Ive never used a bow, so by getting a crossbow it gives me the same benefit (hunting earlier/longer) without the initial learning curve. It's more just being lazy and I think the crossbows are pretty cool.

 

[aTotal360]

I'm pretty knowledgeable in this field. Don't be enamored with FPS as your guide. It's a stupid number that means little. Just like digital zoom on a video camera or contrast ratio on tvs. TenPoint makes the best crossbows on the planet. And it's not even close. They are pricey though. I got a TenPoint Shadow Ultralight. It's simply amazing. It comes with everything you need. What astonished me was how easy it was to set up. It comes in a bow in 2 separate pieces. The limbs and the stock/rail. It takes 30 seconds to bolt it together. The scope that comes with it is already "bore sighted". I took it out and shot it at point blank. It was close. moved back to 20 yards. It was an inch high. I adjusted the scope. Shot it again at 20. Dead on. I moved back to 30. Dead on. I moved back to 40. 1/2 inch right. Adjusted the scope. Shot it. Dead on. Within 15 minutes, I was driving tacks at 40+ yards. I could literally hit a dime at 40 yards from a bench on EVERY shot. I've bowhunted my whole life and I would have never thought you could set something like this up so easily. Its simply amazing.

As for a beginner crossbow, look at Wicked Ridge. They are made by TenPoint and use a lot of their technologies.

Another thing TenPoint and Wicked Ridge have over other crossbows is their patented cocking mechanism. Spend the extra money and get their ACUdraw system. It's worth it.

TenPoint also recently bought the Horton brand. They are outstanding crossbows as well, but pricey.

 

[uptowndawg]

What range would you consider ethical with a crossbow? 40, 50 yards?

Just curious. I don't know anybody who hunts with one.

 

[aTotal360]

Just like a compound bow. 50 yards max, but I prefer 20. I firmly believe in "it's now how far you can shoot, but how close you can get'em". Too many things can happen to your arrow flight past that.

 

[ronpolk]

Thanks for that. That was exactly what I was looking for. I'll probably be making a purchase soon so I can practice with it before October

 

[mobowhunter27]

PSE Fang is the only one I've used, and it's very effective.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

whatever you do, don't get a barnet. i've seen limbs explode on several of them and i've heard stories from nearly a dozen others that have had the same issue. ten point is the best for the money.

 

[ShrubDog]

That is not safe

 

[aTotal360]

Ya, Barnett isn't that great. They are kinda like the Pinnacle of fishing reels. They feel good enough in the store to make you buy it, but a year down the road you wish you would have sprung for the Shimano or Daiwa.

 

[cowbell88]

I had a Mission which is Mathews crossbow line. They are built on a AR style frame. It was very compact (19 in axle to axle) and had intergraded foot holster built into limbs. It cocked very easily with rope handle and would also drive tacks at 40. I could easily put bolts in a 4 in circle at 60yds freehanded.

My cons on this model was 1.) safety had to be manually put on safety after cocking. It had a anti-dry fire mechanism on it, but once bolt was against string it was live. Mission quickly addressed this problem with a new safety mechanisms. 2). Since it was on an AR frame the rear grip came off frame at almost a 90 deg angle. When carrying on shoulder with sling, the end of handle grip would poke you in the kidneys or shoulder blade depending on upwards or downwards carry.

From that alone, I would recommend one with a atleast a skeletonized stock.

 

[ShrubDog]

Ya, Barnett isn't that great. They are kinda like the Pinnacle of fishing reels. They feel good enough in the store to make you buy it, but a year down the road you wish you would have sprung for the Shimano or Daiwa.

Horton and Barnett have been around for a long time. Those used to be the only names you would hear being thrown around when folks talked about crossbows.

Its good to hear some new stuff and experiences with some manufacturers I am not familiar with.