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Buying A Crossbow - Factors To Consider

First off when you think about buying a crossbow do not get sticker shock when you see a hunting crossbow selling for upwards of $2,000.  Prices vary depending on the styles, make, model, construction, weight, accessories, safety features and materials that they are made from.  Crossbows can be intimidating but they are also a fun hunting accessory.  Price also plays an important part in the quality and performance and can add to the life of the crossbow.  Prices for a low end product start at about $150. 

Traditional bowhunters think of a crossbow as a rifle that shoots arrows but it goes far beyond that misconception. 

Don't overestimate what a crossbow can do, it may shoot 100 yards, but it's not going to be a powerful shot.  A 30-40 yard shot is more realistic and is the farthest you want to be.  Most sights that come with a crossbow package are only designed for up to 40 yards, even though the crossbow can shoot farther.  But the farther distance you go, you lose accuracy and power.

An advantage to crossbows, over compound and traditional bows, is that you are able to cock the bow, which holds the string drawn and ready. Unlike a bow where you may get muscle aches or shakes from holding a bow drawn and ready.   With the arrow rested on the barrel with the feather in vane-guide all the hunter has to do is simply aim and pull the trigger.  So with a crossbow you can sit and wait with it already cocked and ready to shoot, unlike a traditional bow.

Most importantly, there is a direct correlation between distance and speed, it is the bow speed that equates to the distance.  Some states may have regulations on the maximum FPS (Feet per Second) that can be used as a legal crossbow.  It also affects which crossbows can be used for children, and these are typically lighter and more compact.  Be sure to check with your state for complete details on regulations regarding crossbows.  Here is a complete list of all the Department of Natural Resources by State.

Crossbows use shorter arrows, called bolts, versus arrows for bows and the bolts tend to be lighter.  They are great for short ranges up to 40 yards and very accurate, but after 40 yards, the accuracy drops.  Heavier aluminum arrows are recommended and have a down range energy that helps with longer shots.  With closer shots there isn't much difference when it comes to penetration.  Carbon arrows (bolts) are thicker, but lighter.

When buying a crossbow consider these factors:

Design:  2 styles are the recurve and compound.  Both are similar but the compound has smaller limbs, which allows it to be carried and transported or shooting in small areas easier.

Material Construction:  Some crossbows have molded plastic stocks while others are resin coated plywood or laminates.  The downside to plastic is that it is lighter, but it gives off more vibration or shock once it's shot.

Security:  Like all other firearms, crossbows must have a safety for protection.  Some higher end crossbows come with a dual safety.  Be sure to test it out to see how loud it is when you switch it on and off so it does not spook the prey.  Another feature is an anti-dry fire that is valuable to prevent accidental releases that can take off a finger or do damage to the bow.

Asking Price:  If your just starting out with a crossbow, test some out or get a lower end model.  If you like it, then upgrade and add to your collection a higher end that cost a bit more and may be better quality.  Sometimes you get what you pay for and quality can transform into more years of trouble-free service.

Sights:  Most crossbows are sold with a pre-mounted sight (scope). There are a variety of optics available; red dot sights, tubular magnified or standard pin and peep.  If your buying a crossbow package it more than likely will have a 4x scope.

Sling:  Slings or harnesses allow your crossbow to be carried over your back as you climb a tree stand or walk a long distance to your hunting location.

Cases:  Depends on your needs but just like a guitar or rifle case, they come in hard and soft shells.  They allow you to care for your crossbow, great for storage and are for transporting.

Cockers:  Can be one of the most expensive accessories to your package and come in 2 styles: rope cocker and crank cocker.  Can cost $25 to $200.  The rope cocker reduces the draw weight by 50 percent, but the crank cocker does most of the work as a ratchet device that makes more noise.

Packages:  A package price often includes the crossbow, sights, quiver and possibly some arrows to get you started.  It's an out of the box – get you into the field starter set that is made for both high end and cheaper bows.  By bundling some accessories in a prepackage deal you can save some money.

For more information on crossbow reviews visit the Bowhunter Store

About the Author

S L Tate, Family, Outdoors and Hunting Enthusiasts

ATN Corp. NVWSMRS6C0 Night Vision Rifle Scope $4619.88 Mars the world s largest line of professional Night Vision Sights has a flagship. Inspired by ATN s quest for technical perfection and named after the Roman God of War The MARS Night Vision Riflescope represents the absolute latest in the world of Night Vision equipment. Similar to all Aries scopes MARS features only the purest grades of heavy glass and computer aided optical designs to create multielement highspeed multi coated lenses for ultra fast light transmission and resolution beyond current military standards. All optical lenses on MARS are individually fitted and calibrated to achieve optimum performance. Precision wind age and elevation adjustment. Tactical remote control. Waterproof and submersible to 66 for 1 hour. Superior quality multicoated all glass optics. Nitrogenpurged for resistance to internal fogging. Free pelican hard case included. Intensifier Tube: CGT. Resolution: 4554 lp/mm. Magnification: 6x. Lens system: F1: 2.0. FOV: 6. Range of focus: 25 m to infinity. Controls: Direct. Wind age and elevation adjustment step size: 1/6 mOA. Reticule: Mildot 2 colors Red and Amber. Infrared illuminator: 450 m with detachable. Battery life: 60 for 3V (CR123A) 30 for 1.5 V AA. Power supply: (1) 3V (CR123A) or 1.5V (AA). Environmental rating: Waterproof. Operating temperature: 40 to +50 C. Storage temp: 50 to +70 C. Diopter adjustment: 6/+2. Dimensions: 4 H x 3.7 W x 11.6 D.

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ScopeArmor™ Deluxe Wrap-Around Neoprene Rifle Scope Cover $21.5 The BA-15 ScopeArmor Deluxe™ from Carson Optical is an innovative "wrap-around" case that provides the ultimate in Rifle Scope protection. Heavy-duty 4mm thick neoprene protects your expensive rifle scope from the elements and absorbs shock while out in the field. The ScopeArmor Deluxe™ Rifle Scope Case protects delicate lenses from damage and scratching while keeping dust, dirt and debris away. The ScopeArmor Deluxe™ is removable in an instant for immediate access to your rifle scope. Weight: 3.1 oz.Dimensions: 12" x 2" x 2"To view all Carson Optical Rifle Scopes available please click here.

Plano 123020 Round Ammo Case Rifle Ammo Case CharcoalGreen Hard $29.47 Type: Rifle Ammo Case. Frame/Material: Hard. Finish/Color: Charcoal/Green. Model: 20 Round. Alt. Model: Ammo Case. Size:. 3006/7mm Mag/.338/.340. Units per box: 6 pack.

NcSTAR Compact Rifle Scope - 2-6x28 Scope / Blue SC26287B $34 NcSTAR Compact Rifle Scope - 2-6x28 Scope / Blue SC26287B Riflescope

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NcSTAR Regular Rifle Scope - 3-9x40 Black Scope / Ruby / Ring SFB3940R $28 NcSTAR Regular Rifle Scope - 3-9x40 Black Scope / Ruby / Ring SFB3940R

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Barska 4-16x50 IR Sniper Scope 50mm Rifle Scope AC11002 $119.94 Barska 4-16x50 IR Sniper Scope 50mm Rifle Scope AC11002

Plano 122820 20 Round Rifle Ammo Case CharcoalBlue Hard $29.47 Model: 20 Round. Model: Ammo Case. Finish: Charcoal/Blue. Frame/Material: Hard. Size: .22250/.250 Sav. Type: Rifle Ammo Case. Units per case: 6Pk.

Centerpoint Power Class 3 9 x 42mm Rifle Scope $169.95 Features: * Rifle scope * 3 9x magnification * 42mm objective lens (angled) * 30mm tube * 1 8 MOA (1 8" click value @ 100 yds) * Etched glass floating duplex reticle (red green illuminated) * 10 yds to infinity parallax adjustment (sidewheel) * 39 field of view @ 100 yds * 4.5" eye relief * 14.0mm to 4.7mm exit pupil * 16.4 oz. * 13.75" long * Fully coated lenses with Pure Advantage * Nitrogen filled * Shockproof * Fogproof * Waterproof * Target turrets with zero lock & reset * Includes: CR2032 3V lithium battery removable sunshade neoprene scope case & flip open lens caps

Trijicon AccuPoint, 1.25-4x24 Rifle Scope - Red Triangle - Dual Illuminated Rifle Scopes - TR21R $765 This Trijicon AccuPoint, 1. 25-4x24 Rifle Scope - Red Triangle - Dual Illuminated Rifle Scopes - TR21R can be mounted with any standard 1 inch ring mount. Ideal for big game hunts or anytime you expect to shoot at shorter distances, the Trijicon AccuPoint with its patented illuminated aiming point will help you get the job done. The scope is illuminated through the use of fiber optics and tritium, providing a vivid aiming point without the need for failure-prone batteries. Features: Multi-layer coated lenses Scope body crafted of aircraft quality, hard anodized aluminum Matte black finish Water-resistant and nitrogen filled Manual brightness adjustment override Long eye relief Quick-focus eyepiece Fiber-optic collector with non-distracting cover MOA elevation and windage adjustments Plus: An externally adjustable, pop-up, resetable pointer dial which allows a scope that s been sighted-in to be easily reset to zero without using tools. Includes 1 Trijicon Logo Sticker, 1 LENSPEN, 1 Set of Lenscaps, 1 AccuPoint Manual, 1 Warranty Card. Warranty: Carries a 15-year warranty on the illumination (from the date of manufacture) and a limited lifetime warranty on the workmanship of the sight/scope.

Tasco 4x15 Rimfire Rifle scope RF4X15D $7.99 Tasco 4x15 Rimfire Crosshair Rifle scope Black Gloss RF4X15D

Tasco 3-7x20 Rimfire Rifle Scope RF37X20D $18.99 Tasco 3-7x20 Rimfire Rifle Scope 30/30 Reticle Black Gloss RF37X20D

Bushnell Banner 3-9X50M Rifle Scope 713950 $117.99 Bushnell Banner 3-9x50 Rifle Scope Matte Multi-X 713950 Riflescope

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3-12X50,EURO-30 PRO,30MM RIFLE SCOPE $99.99 3-12x50 IR, Euro-30 Pro Scope -Black Matte Finish -30mm Monotube Construction -4A Illuminated Dot Reticle -5/8" Mounting Rings -1/4" MOA -Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof -Fully coated Optics -Wider field of view -Parallax-free at 100 yards -Fast focus eyeball -Scope caps included -Limited Lifetime Warranty For big game and general hunting

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