Crossbow - where do I start?

[Keithb]

Just got on a deer lease, first lease ever. I normally hunt behind our house on our land, but a friend suckered me into an hour and half drive to a lease in Nordheim where they have taken a few nice bucks, and does the past few years. The only options for hunting doe is in Archery season, in which I have never shot a compound bow.

I was considering a crossbow and like the Barnett Quad 400 at Academy. If I were to get this crossbow, what kind of arrows, broad heads, etc. would I need. I know nothing about bow hunting, but if it has a trigger I can shoot it.

I'm unsure of what I need from start to finish.

Any ideas or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Also, what type of range is realistic? And I'm hoping not to send a ton of money on a bow.

[tookeymonster]

Get a compound bow. You will become addicted and want to shoot everyday!

[100%TtId]

I was considering a crossbow and like the Barnett Quad 400 at Academy. If I were to get this crossbow, what kind of arrows, broad heads, etc. would I need. I know nothing about bow hunting, but if it has a trigger I can shoot it.

I'm unsure of what I need from start to finish.

Any ideas or opinions are greatly appreciated.

Also, what type of range is realistic? And I'm hoping not to send a ton of money on a bow.

Welcome to the site, Keithb.

Since you asked for opinions, let me ask you a couple of questions.

Other than not having shot a compound bow before, is there any reason why you won't or can't shoot a compound?

I respectfully suggest that you might find the challenge and discipline of archery to be highly enjoyable and more rewarding than a crossbow. As a side note, you might want to visit a local archery proshop and ask them to help you choose an appropriate weapon, either compound bow or crossbow and make your selection accordingly. The arrows or bolts and other related gear is highly dependent on many variables that a good shop can steer you to the correct setup. While Academy may have a good crossbow selection, the customer service and attention you will get in a true archery proshop will be time well spent and the advice will be worth more than any price difference.

When starting from scratch so close to the season opener, you will need good, hands-on advice to get properly equipped and properly trained before you set out on a hunt, no matter which weapon you choose. While some would argue a crossbow to be an easier weapon to master, you will still need to commit some practice time to get familiar with the weapon.

If you search the threads here, you'll find that crossbows are a hotly debated topic here and have been for quite a while. You will find opinions on crossbows vary greatly and are held with strong conviction both for and against.

The effective distance of a crossbow varies but most would consider 40-50 yards to be the max under most conditions. Again, your shop can give you a better idea of range and accuracy.

Lastly, hunting with a compound bow or a crossbow tends to be a time, labor, and money intensive sport, so if budget is a major limiting factor, I will warn you now: archery and bowhunting in particular, can easily become an addiction that you can become fully immersed in.

This site has a great search function and even better people, so don't be shy if you have a question.

[Keithb]

Thanks for the replies. I'm a natural when it comes to shooting, I naturally shake without some sort of support. Thus, the reason I prefer crossbow over conventional bow. I do know the debates on the true sportsmanship of the crossbow, but since it's legal I won't debate.

I would like to try regular bow, and could possibly borrow one from a friend to try out with. I just know how bad I shake and would probably be disastrous but the challenge might be worth it

I've searched the forum and found some good information. I might run to the local gun shop here, R&M Firearms or Carroll's to get their suggestions.

This lease is mostly for our small kids, but I'd like to get some enjoyment out of it also.

[Casey]

Keithb,
Welcome to Texasbowhunter.com. Hang around and soak it up.

Most importantly, enjoy your hunts and season with whatever weapon you decide to use. You're welcome to hang here and tell us all about it.

Thanks for signing up!

[buzzcut]

You're going to need a practice target rated for crossbows.I'd recommend one of the hard foam block styles,Yellow Jacket,etc. I shoot 20 inch bolts and 2-blade broadheads out of my Barnett and get real good accuracy out to 35-40 yards. Just keep your fingers and thumb out of the path of the string,have fun ,and ignore the crossbow haters.

[Roamer]

Keith,

I shoot the excalibur exomax. Don't bother with a scope, it is not a deer rifle. Within 40 yards you are good with a fiber optic peep sight. I would recommend fixed broad heads. Stay away from Rage expandables because they will open in flight when shot from a crossbow. Get the cocking string, because you do not want to do it by hand.Get the attachable quiver. Make sure you have the limb saver sound depression put on, because crossbows do have quite a twang with out it. Do not go buying crossbows from academy. Go to Cableas or Bass Pro they have hunting grade crossbows.

Practice shooting at different ranges and use a range finder if you have one. Don't use bow targets. You will blast thru them.

Good luck and have fun!

[Hogmauler]

I am going to purchase a crossbow as well for my son. Tried unsuccessfully to teach him to shoot a compound. He just couldnt grasp the peep sight thing with his mental challenges. He is kinda weak so I hope I can find or make some kind of support for him. I will probably buy an Excalibur as well. Hopefully this is the year he kills his first deer.

[Buff]

I know nothing about them. That being said I would think they are alot like compounds in as much as you pretty much get what you pay for. Buy the best you can afford.
Good Luck this season

[alec73065]

Cabelas is selling that Ten Point wicked ridge crossbow package that is comparable to the Barnetts in price. It was rated a best value by one of the outdoor mags. Comes with the cranking cocking device , brings it down to about 6 lbs of pressure to cock. I bought the Ten Point GT Flex this year and I could not be happier with it. It is quiet and accurate. I am comfortable out to 40 yds every time.

[HuntressTx]

My husband just bought me a few weeks ago the Horton Vission 175 (I can't shot a regular bow) and I love it! I am shooting mine anywhere from 30-40 yards with 98% accuracy; human error the other 2%. Hubby and the friends I shot with call me "Dead Eye;" and I'm new to hunting. Make sure to get a target ment for crossbows; if you use a regular bow target the arrows will go right through. Good luck and have fun!

[No-Walkin STX Hank]

Keithb welcome to the site. I shoot the Barnett RC 150 and love it. I also shoot a compound. But I did start with the crossbow. I agree with 100%TtId you need to go to an archery shop when you get a Bow but I personally don't think it matters with a crossbow. I bought mine at Academy as stated could not be happier.
I would read the book on which bolts to use depending on which crossbow you purchase will determine on what kind of bolt you can use. I shoot 20" Eastons. But that doesn't mean that the crossbow you purchase will be able to shoot them. Some take 22" and some 18" bolts. As stated above I use fixed broadheads I have seen the mechanical open in to soon from the crossbow.
Also there is a big misunderstanding about crossbows some people thank a crossbow can shoot as far as a rifle. WRONG. Once again read the book and it will tell you the max for your particular cross bow. Mine is great up to 40 yards and if I shoot 50 the drop on it is so great it is not even funny.
No matter as to what you decide Good Luck and have fun

John

[No-Walkin STX Hank]

Keithb I forgot one important note about crossbows. A lot of people don’t realize that cocking an x-bow with bare hands can throw off your string just a fraction of an inch and that very small fraction can result into a lot of inches when the bolt hits its target. I use a cocking rope that allows you to pull back evenly or if you get a crank it will do the same but your arms are not dependable.

[Keithb]

Thank you all for the replies, they are very helpful. A friend at a local pawn shop can order NEW crossbow for about 30% cheaper than what's sold at Academy or Cabela's. I just have to figure out which to choose and if I plan to do it this year.

So the scope is useless or just an unnecessary cost?

I'll look into the other brands/models you have suggested. Thank you again for all of your replies.

[freak-nasty]

Welcome to the site, Keithb.

Since you asked for opinions, let me ask you a couple of questions.

Other than not having shot a compound bow before, is there any reason why you won't or can't shoot a compound?

I respectfully suggest that you might find the challenge and discipline of archery to be highly enjoyable and more rewarding than a crossbow. As a side note, you might want to visit a local archery proshop and ask them to help you choose an appropriate weapon, either compound bow or crossbow and make your selection accordingly. The arrows or bolts and other related gear is highly dependent on many variables that a good shop can steer you to the correct setup. While Academy may have a good crossbow selection, the customer service and attention you will get in a true archery proshop will be time well spent and the advice will be worth more than any price difference.

When starting from scratch so close to the season opener, you will need good, hands-on advice to get properly equipped and properly trained before you set out on a hunt, no matter which weapon you choose. While some would argue a crossbow to be an easier weapon to master, you will still need to commit some practice time to get familiar with the weapon.

If you search the threads here, you'll find that crossbows are a hotly debated topic here and have been for quite a while. You will find opinions on crossbows vary greatly and are held with strong conviction both for and against.

The effective distance of a crossbow varies but most would consider 40-50 yards to be the max under most conditions. Again, your shop can give you a better idea of range and accuracy.

Lastly, hunting with a compound bow or a crossbow tends to be a time, labor, and money intensive sport, so if budget is a major limiting factor, I will warn you now: archery and bowhunting in particular, can easily become an addiction that you can become fully immersed in.

This site has a great search function and even better people, so don't be shy if you have a question.

I know who I will be asking questions from now on! Excellent feedback!!!!!