Considering a Crossbow - Any suggestions?

[d.kaufman]

The 3-inch group at 50yds is more like what I've heard from others who own them. A close friend of mine who I hunt with frequently owns a Centerpoint but I don't know which model. He says the only thing he doesn't like about it is that the only way to de-cock it is to fire it. So he carries a bolt with a field tip and discharges it into the ground after the hunt.

To decock it i just remove the bolt. Set up my cocking rope and hold both handles with 1 hand. Switch safety off, pull trigger and gently let it go back decocked. Ive had no issues doing it this way. I could maybe see it as an issue for someone with limited strength however

 

[glank09]

To decock it i just remove the bolt. Set up my cocking rope and hold both handles with 1 hand. Switch safety off, pull trigger and gently let it go back decocked. Ive had no issues doing it this way. I could maybe see it as an issue for someone with limited strength however

I do something similar. I only hold the left side handle and let the right side slide down tight. I then use my right hand to release safety and pull trigger. Less of a chance of the handle slipping holding only 1 and not 2. I have shortened the rope to where it applies some tension on the string in the uncocked position, which makes this a little easier.

 

[cg21]

My crossbow has anti dry fire .... cannot pull trigger without a bolt in it.

 

[d.kaufman]

My crossbow has anti dry fire .... cannot pull trigger without a bolt in it.

On mine you have to flip a switch while at the same time move the safety to fire. Without a bolt in position you cannot flip safety to fire position without holding the switch at the same time

 

[Goodcat]

I have Mission MXB320. Entry level from high end brand. Quieter, faster and better than any I’ve fired. I robin hooded a bolt at 60 yards, with the entry level model. Not bad for the price. Thinking about the raven r9 now though

 

[Mattroth54]

I have a nice Ten Point and enjoy hunting and shooting it very much. I bought it primarily for turkey hunting about 3 years ago. It may make its inaugural appearance deer hunting this weekend. I’m pretty experienced with it and wouldn’t consider shooting at an animal beyond 40y. I do some target work at 50y and find the group opens up considerably at that distance. Target work at 20-30y I won’t shoot the same spot twice because robin hooding a bolt is likely. Very accurate. That said, my son wanted a crossbow, so he got a Barnet Recruit. It’s just as fast and accurate as my Ten Point at half the price. If I had it to do over, I’d strongly consider that route. If you want to kill deer at 80y, get a rifle.

The compound guys that poo poo crossbows don’t realize the recurve guys say the same crap about them. The recurve guys get picked on by spear chuckers. Spear chuckers are delegitimized by guys that hunt barefoot in loinclothes. All silliness. Get a crossbow and have a blast!

 

[dprimm]

Got into crossbow game this year. Got a wicked ridge something. Called ten point 2x w questions and am very impressed w their helpfulness.

I am really surprised at how much fun I find deer hunting w it. Often find myself w site on target thinking "if this was a gun" and really enjoying watching the animals. Got 2 this year

 

[Hookeye]

FWIW I know a lot of recurve shooters, most also compound shooters......and some even crossbow.
Don't really give a flip what people use.
The upset of some tends to come from the P&Y stuff.....where a private group had their own rules and caved to public pressure.

As for X bows, Ten Point and Ravin seem to be the ones most liked. Next would be Mission.

Buddy had an Excaliber. Shot great. Another has a Parker and he seems happy with the performance per dollar.

 

[Spike_351]

Personally, I hunt with a Barnett brotherhood. Along with rage broadheads it's been an effective bow, very accurate out to 40yrds ( I haven't tried going out past 40 yet) it is also decently priced. Just my opinion.

 

[Jaygentry]

I have a barnet recruit and love it. Yes, it is one of the cheapest you can buy, but I dropped a nice 10 point last year with it.

 

[Willie]

IF I was going to buy a crossbow today it would be the Wicked Ridge (by TenPoint) RDX 400. Great reverse limb crossbow and a decent price.e..

 

[rengler22]

I've had 3 TenPoint and have had nothing but great luck with each. Highly recommended.

 

[Lee11b]

Excalibur Micro - excellent little bow - no cams to worry about, lifetime warranty, and they say you can change your string in the treestand, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[rengler22]

Excalibur Micro - excellent little bow - no cams to worry about, lifetime warranty, and they say you can change your string in the treestand, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I've not used this but my buddy has. He loves the simplicity of it and how compact it is. It definitely piqued my interest but all my money is going to compound accessories right now as that's the kick I'm currently on!