Crossbow Comparisons?

[kumathebear]

Ok, my son has ALMOST convinced me to let my GF buy me a crossbow.
So...potential good deal on a Barnett Jackal w/6 bolts, Red Hot scope, 6 rage broadheads, sling, other accessories but after reading reviews, they are mixed..expected! Seller is asking $400.

I've done some research and Excalibur models are close to this price, but not with the "extras" the seller is offering.

Questions: Both shoulders are not very strong due to rotator cuffs "past" injuries AND I'm 61 so my MAIN concern is cocking the bow. **Showing my lack of knowledge now: Can I cock it "before" setting up in the stand? Also, how do I release (de-cock it) and will long term use adversely affect performance doing this?

I'd like to have the "Bow" option again after many years absent and just rifle hunting. So...some opinions based on my concerns would be appreciated!

This is really a "tough" decision to get back to slinging bolts, so help GS.

[DocB78133]

I have a Barnett Wildcat, got it on the Bay. You can have one easy for 285.00 all day long with free shipping. Although I still prefer my compound, it's nice knowing you can knock one down if the freezer gets low. Cocking it is easy, you can hand pull it without using the cocking string, even. I cock it before climbing, and just leave the bolt out of it. De-cocking it is pretty easy, with the cocking string. It won't affect the performance at all. I would post the link, but I'm under my 5, since I'm new. Go to youTube and search de-cocking crossbow. There's a ton of them.

[ElGatoBandito]

http://xkcd.com/190/

I'll just leave this here.

[kumathebear]

What is this?

http://xkcd.com/190/

I'll just leave this here.

Just clicked on the link you sent, went to some OBSURE BS site?

[WCB]

I have no ideas about xbows and less info on that link but if it'll get you back into the woods shooting a bow then go for it!! And a target laying on the ground near your stand is a great way to decock.

On second thought, it'll probably eat up broadheads.

[DFWPI]

Will post when I get home about some pros and cons

[tex4k]

I don't have anywhere close to a vast knowledge of crossbows, I've only dealt with the one my grandson uses, with my rheumatoid arthritis, cocking string is a must have, my sons even use while target practice or checking zero. De-cocking=pia! we use a old banged up bolt and just shoot it into any handy dirt pile or softest dirt available.

[elkbowhunter]

I found this interesting on finger being cut off by crossbows
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtoKbjbRDxw"]WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO YOUR FINGER IN A CROSSBOW - YouTube[/ame]

[kumathebear]

Thanks for the responses GS! Keep em coming....I value my TBH responses more than any reviews I can research..."for the most part, LOL!"

[kumathebear]

Yep!

I found this interesting on finger being cut off by crossbows
WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO YOUR FINGER IN A CROSSBOW - YouTube

I can still "remember" my old bow days and the left forearm bruises I had when not using proper form....thanks Brother, I'm aware....

[xman59]

I have seen a few dozen barnets blown to pieces in the last couple of years, and I do not sell them,,,, buy something else!!!!

[kumathebear]

What?

I have seen a few dozen barnets blown to pieces in the last couple of years, and I do not sell them,,,, buy something else!!!!

What do you recommend? Anything worth it for $500 or less? Thanks..

[mudkat]

I love my PSE tac-15 it's pricey but man it shoots great.
It has a built in crank that is easy to cock and you can let down the bow without firing it.
out to 50 yards it will put one bolt on top of the other at over 400 FPS
only down side is it's very long !! I use mine with a deadshot feildpod and its a deadly combo

[lilredneck]

Little more out of the pocket, but might be worth checking out the Tenpoint. I have the cocking rope with mine but you can get them with a crank and you cock it by just reeling it like a rod n reel. Very accurite too !!!!

[Fishndude]

One of the few things I know about xbows is that Barnetts suck.