Crossbow recommendations

[uncleboob]

I'm looking to buy a crossbow for target shooting. It's a confusing world of a million possibilities out there, does anyone have any recommendations for a reasonable bow- preferably second hand to keep costs down.

Thanks all, Joab


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[tom.moran]

Full size or pistol?

 

[GGTBod]

Fire-cat is a tasty cheap option, whap a basic air rifle sight on and it is the shiznitz, great without one too once you learn how to use them

http://www.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=2701

no affiliation to MM other than a happy multiple return customer

 

[uncleboob]

Full size or pistol?

Full sized, unsure how many lbs is sufficient, its always temping to go for the big numbers but I know this doesn't always translate into something that's useable.


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[GGTBod]

150lb will put a bolt through a 1inch thick shed door oops

 

[bobnewboy]

I would strongly suggest you research the rules of the allowed xbow equipment for the governing society you wish to shoot it under. They can vary quite a lot between societies and a bit of research could save you a lot of money.

 

[tom.moran]

The fire cat is a tenner cheaper here, this is the place I use for my xbow stuff http://www.bladesandbows.co.uk/150lb-armex-jaguar-firecat-crossbow-rifle-black-stock-2903-p.asp

 

[allrightscud]

If you can find one a second hand barnnet commado I or II. Its a break action cocking system which means you get a consistant pull on the string and therefore a consistant fly with the bolt. I've had one for years and love it. They were originally 150lbs, 175lbs and over 200lbs I belive. I'm just restoring mine at the moment. They don't do the full size ones anymore but do a similar action in a hand crossbow. The only problem I'm finding is getting flat head nock bolts, they all seem to be half moon nock now.

 

[GGTBod]

Spot on Tom

 

[uncleboob]

Cheers guys, I'll check out a few of those right now! I have looked at the Barnett bows but struggled to differentiate between them. Sounds as though 150lbs is enough? What kind of distance do you get on a bolt like that? Does lbs equal power and distance? Thanks again Joab


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[tom.moran]

more than enough distance. check this out http://www.bladesandbows.co.uk/armex-jaguar-camo-crossbow-175lb-recurve-kit-1448-p.asp
fantastic value

 

[TeeDee]

Does lbs equal power and distance? Thanks again Joab


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No. Not exactly. Draw length is quite important.

 

[uncleboob]

more than enough distance. check this out http://www.bladesandbows.co.uk/armex-jaguar-camo-crossbow-175lb-recurve-kit-1448-p.asp
fantastic value

That looks like a fab bow for the money, mightily tempted- is the quality good on these?


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[tom.moran]

For that money yes, if you want anything better then expect to spend double just for a bow. I have to be honest I'm tempted at the deal aswell lol

 

[GGTBod]

Such a shame that bow hunting of any kind is completely illegal in UK, can't even fire a bolt from a slingshot if hunting

 

[dwardo]

Keep some of that cash back for a target capable of taking a bolt at close range. Without one you will soon get bored of ruining bolts or only being able to shoot 5 yards.

 

[tom.moran]

im going to get a hay bale, i think it should work ok

 

[British Red]

It won't. A crossbow will put a bolt straight through a hay bale - it won't even slow down.

You need a proper crossbow target boss.

 

[tom.moran]

Right, ok, I'll get that sorted too. I use mattress foam for my pistol crossbow, it just about works.

 

[dwardo]

Right, ok, I'll get that sorted too. I use mattress foam for my pistol crossbow, it just about works.

I use two bails back to back for bows upto about 45lbs and even then its only the length of the shaft that slows the arrow. My heavy bows just blast straight through which is a pain in the butz.

Think ratchet strap and cardboard with a wooden frame if you want to go DIY but it does have to be solid. They are no-where near as efficient as a bow due to their physics but what they lack in performance they make up with it in shear power and light weight bolts. Dont want to put you off but unless you have access to a lot of land or some serious back stop and target you might get bored pretty quickly. Fascinating tools mind.