CROSSBOWS FOR HUNTING AND HOME PROTECTION
What To Look For When Buying A Crossbow
The crossbow is like a hybrid between a compound bow and a rifle. It is like
using a horizontal bow mounted on a frame similar to a rifle. It shoots arrow
like projectiles known as arrows, bolts, or quarrels. Archery hunting with a
compound bow is a highly specialized skill that requires a lot of practice and
expertise. A crossbow is easier to learn, easier to shoot a faster, more
accurate shot. Still requiring practice, and expertise, but quicker to pick up and learn.
In a lot of states, you have to use a compound or the old style recurve bow for archery season, and you can
usually use a compound or recurve bow in rifle or general season. But, in most states, you cannot use a rifle
or a crossbow in archery season, as a crossbow is typically treated as a rifle due to it’s much higher speed
and accuracy more similar to a rifle. Check your state’s fish and game regulations to know what’s allowed in
your one or hunting area.
Types of Crossbows
Just like with a standard bow and arrow, there are recurve and compound crossbows. There are differences
between the two, but both have their place as a favorite for bowhunting enthusiasts, as it’s all about personal
preference. Recurve Crossbow Compound Crossbow
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Recurve Crossbow
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Compound Crossbow
Recurve Crossbow
A recurve crossbow, just like a standard recurve bow, has tips that curve away from you. It is a simple design
that consists of a simple bow and string. It doesn’t have any cables or pulleys. With such a basic design, it is
very reliable with little maintenance needed to keep it maintained. The recurve crossbow’s shape makes it so
that it does require a steady hand to operate it. It also has a higher draw weight with a much slower shot
speed than the compound crossbows have.
Compound Crossbow
A compound crossbow, like the standard crossbow counterpart, is more modern and more high tech. It has
mechanized cams and pulleys that allow the latch to hold the bowstring in a cocked position. A few key
advantages that set the compound crossbow apart from the recurve crossbow are that the compound
crossbow has a let-off feature that takes off much of the draw weight and and allows for the crossbow to
shoot it’s arrow at a higher speed.
The crossbow release is much quicker and a lot more powerful than recurve models. This provides for a
much more accurate and more precise shot. The only drawback to the compound crossbow is in it’s
maintenance. Once the string is damaged, you will have to have it replaced at an archery shop or buy and
use a bow press to make the repair yourself.
What to Look For When Buying A Crossbow
When looking for a crossbow, it’s important to buy a crossbow that is strong, reliable, and super quiet, so you
don’t spook the game animals that you are targeting when you hunt.
Additional Features to Consider In a Great Crossbow
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Bolt Speed and Velocity
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Accuracy
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Noise Level
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Flight Groove Weight
Crossbow Bolt Speed and Velocity
Bolt speed and velocity are crucial to ensuring that you will have a high performance crossbow, which will
improve your success rate when hunting. The faster performing crossbows can shoot 450 feet per second
(FSP) or more. The faster your arrow or crossbow bolt is, the flatter the flight trajectory, and the harder the
impact of the target. The faster speed can also decrease the tolerance for even the slightest of mistakes
during aiming or shooting the crossbow bolt. Though good practice, as you build your sharpshooting skill,
will lessen the risk of making mistakes.
Crossbow Accuracy
You can use a scope with most crossbows that you can get dialed in for added accuracy. Some higher end
crossbows can be used for up to 200 yards, depending on the equipment scope, quality, and brand. The
most popular types of scopes are multi-dot and multi-crosshair. Both of which offer different levels of
illumination. Most crossbow hunters prefer the multi-crosshair scopes to pinpoint their shots. Quality bolts
and broadheads will also help with the accuracy of your shots.
Crossbow Noise Level
For a successful hunt, it’s important to be silent, and your crossbow is no exception. The crossbow should be
silent, though it’s impossible to eliminate all noise. The release of the arrow will always have some noise from
the pulley mechanism, but the higher end crossbows lessen the noise with higher quality parts and design. A
recurve crossbow is a little quieter in this regard, however the extra physical work required to draw the shot
makes it a wash.
Crossbow Flight Groove
The flight groove, also known as the barrel or the track, refers to the grooved portion of the crossbow where
the bolt rides. The more precise the flight groove is, the more accurate your shooting will be. Tracks can be
made of carbon, aluminum, or composite material. The least expensive is the composite, but they are also
the least accurate and durable. Aluminum tracks are more expensive than composite, and they are stronger
than composite, and provides for better accuracy. Carbon provides for a lightweight durable track.
Crossbow Weight
When you are looking for a new crossbow, it’s important to consider the weight of the crossbow, as well as
the draw weight. When you are looking at the weight of the crossbow, a heavier crossbow typically means
increased stability and speed. If you are going to be doing long hikes into the woods or the wilderness, a
lighter weight for the crossbow would probably be the best way to go. Especially if you will be traveling into
difficult and rugged terrain.
Extra weight could also make it more difficult to aim and hold steady. For the draw weight, state regulations
vary with what draw weights are allowed for hunting, with ranges between 75 and 125 pounds. With the
latest advancements in crossbow technology, the typical compound crossbow will have weights between 150
to 175 pounds and higher. The larger draw weights are recommended to give you a stable shot with enough
force to kill your game animals at the right distances.
High Quality Crossbows
About The Author
Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of
the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they
learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is
on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find
interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision
as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to
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The Best Crossbow Shooting Experience Awaits!