Let's talk crossbows....

[usmcveteran]

Chicken shoot started thread about deals on crossbows . I am not sure I can swing the cost at the moment but would like more info in general .

What's the difference and why a big price difference between different models ? What do you use them for besides hunting ? If you wanted to use it in basement what kind of target would stop bolts, a standard archery target? Are they as cool to own as they look?

[Pissed Off Patriot]

I don't know anything much about crossbows, but I think you should get the best that money can buy on Amazon. It's only $2,688.44 or so!

[masterswimmer]

I've had a Barnett pistol crossbow for about 35 years. Great basement shooter.

[gtnorry]

I bought a used one. My wife likes Daryl on Walking Dead. It didn't get me anywhere.
Anyways - mine goes for 200 on Amazon, I got it for 100. I basement shoot with it. At 15 yards it shoots a 3" group. I made a target out of a box 8" thick packed with cardboard. It goes right through it. I put a piece of plywood behind it to slow the bolts down

[usmcveteran]

Good to know , read online hanging up carpet helps slow them down too

[DEmerson]

Cool lookin'
Fun to shoot
Good to hunt with
Fast learning curve
Piss poor SHTF weapon

[usmcveteran]

Why because of reloading time or?

[gtnorry]

Reload is not fast. I can see these as a good prep tool. Silent hunting for small game

[usmcveteran]

How long does string and arms usually last?

[DEmerson]

Why because of reloading time or?

bolts will break and get lost ... eventually leaving you with nothing to shoot..... don't get me wrong it would be a good thing to have if for nothing more than a quiet game killer but eventually its usefulness will end - that said I have one and I love it hahaha

[Stringman]

The crossbows pictured are in my shop. Here are some answers to your questions.

What's the difference and why a big price difference between different models ? What do you use them for besides hunting ? If you wanted to use it in basement what kind of target would stop bolts, a standard archery target? Are they as cool to own as they look?

The differences between the models relate to their performance, features and overall quality. All the crossbows listed are Parkers. They all have same trigger group and safety mechanisms which are better than many others I've encountered. Performance and features cost more just like any other thing you might buy. You can find crossbows that cost less than $200 and more than $2000. you generally get what you pay for when you go budget and overpriced is just overpriced. Many people like to target shoot. You can use them for varmint control in areas where the use of firearms would be frowned upon. If your basement is big enough, why not? Most good quality archery targets will work but I would recommend a target designed for crossbows. The arrows have superior penetrating ability than any bullets you shoot so be careful. Try shooting your hunting rifle at a 5 gallon pail of sand and follow it up with a crossbow arrow and see which one goes through. And yes, they are as cool as they look.

They are extremely accurate. I would not recommend trying to shoot groups at any range because you will break arrows and after the first "Robin Hood" you will no longer be impressed.

Cool lookin'
Fun to shoot
Good to hunt with
Fast learning curve
Piss poor SHTF weapon

Pretty much right on. Darryl chose the wrong zombie medicine IMHO. But if you need to be able to shoot through stuff that will stop a bullet....???? Also if SHTF, being able to take game without alerting anyone is a good benny.

Strings wear out faster than compound bow strings. If you shoot a lot, you may have to replace them yearly but most people can get several years of use from them. No problem with limbs breaking down with the limb technology we have today.

The one thing you must be careful of is to make sure your arrows are in good condition and are loaded properly. failure to pay attention to details can and will result in broken equipment and expensive repairs to your bow and yourself.

If you have any more questions, ask on this thread, call my shop or instant message. Thank you for your interest.

[usmcveteran]

I thought they were from your shop. Thanks for the great answers!

In general are there laws preventing their use in certain areas like their are for firearms? Can you use them in a small backyard for example? Do the ones your selling come with bolts? If not how much do you sell the bolts for?

Sorry for all the questions just a total noob.

[Stringman]

If you live within city limits, the same rules that apply to the discharge of firearms apply. You may shoot crossbows no closer than 250 feet from dwellings or other structures unless you have permission (firearms 500 ft. bows 150 ft. new regs). If you have a suitable yard and a safe backstop, yes. They do come with arrows and replacement would cost $50 or $60 per 1/2 doz. depending on what you want.

No problem, noobs are my specialty. I'll check back later, goin' fishin' now.

[Chicken Shoot]

I KNEW I'd get Tim to come out and share his wisdom dammit!! Yes ... those crossbows that I posted are coming from an actual pro shop. Not a buy it today ... don't call us tomorrow kind of place. Tim is the most helpful guy when it comes to helping people out. Always willing to answer questions and even give advice and a lesson if needed so that the new owner of a bow/crossbow fully understands how everything works and they leave with confidence in themselves and their new equipment. Crossbows can be used for hunting and some people buy them simply to shoot targets. I have people that have bought crossbows because they want the "bowhunting" experience and prefer the quietness of it. Also because they can't physically pull back a bow. This is the answer for them. They know they have to be much closer to the game to make a clean kill. That in itself is an experience that most rifle hunters don't need to consider. I have a neighbor that bought a crossbow from Tim after I talked to him about them briefly and he's in love with it. He's now looking at getting a bow and getting a higher end crossbow. To me, it's much like owning a gun .... some buy them and have them just to target shoot with the kids and never hunt. Others have them to be the deadliest they can be with the most powerful things out there. Great tool for a prepper too as there are so many designs and variations that it could easily be a useful too. Did I mention how much quieter they are than a rifle?? LOL Seriously, if you're in the market for a crossbow .... take a look at the thread I have up in Joe's Garage and feel free to ask questions here and even PM Stringman as he is the guru. Let's get those things sold people!! Fishing season is coming quick and the room is needed for more of Cgrutt's favorite St. Croix fishing poles and such!!

[usmcveteran]

Here is the link http://www.nyshenaniguns.com/forum/j...ssbows-blowout .

What can you tell me about a comparison between the Blackhawk and bushwacker? Is the only real difference speed? What does the extra 20 fps equate too?