Lethal range of fire from a crossbow.

Which crossbow is better to buy

One of the main criteria for choosing a crossbow is the speed of the arrow. The value can reach 120 meters per second for the most productive models. To hit a target at a distance of 60-80 meters, a crossbow providing up to 100 m/s is sufficient.

It is important to consider the recoil when using it. It is influenced by factors such as the length of the shoulders and the direction of their movement. The accuracy of the hit directly depends on this. Crossbows with short arms, whose motion vectors are directed in opposite directions, are characterized by the lowest recoil.

Don't forget about size and weight. Compact and lightweight models are more convenient for dynamic or long-term hunting. Long and heavy crossbows are designed to hit targets in open areas.

The specific design also plays a big role in the ease of use of a weapon. There are recursive and block models.

The former require certain operating skills, but are easy to repair and easy to recharge. Compound crossbows are characterized by easy cocking of the bowstring and greater power.

According to current legislation, the right to use a crossbow for hunting can be used by holders of a military ID and a permit to store and carry weapons. In this case, the arc force of the model should not exceed 43 kG.

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Choosing a crossbow for hunting

A block crossbow is capable of accelerating a 20-gram arrow to 120 m/s, which is unlikely to be achieved by a classic one, so most hunters choose block crossbows
. Given the many characteristics of this weapon, some novice hunters are interested in how to choose a crossbow for hunting.

If we are talking about hunting small animals, then any high-quality crossbow will be sufficient for these purposes. When choosing a weapon for serious hunting, you should pay attention to the tension force of the arms. Some hunters in this case are guided by the principle “the more, the better.” However, this is not entirely correct.

As practice shows, for a successful shot at a large animal from a distance of 40-50 meters, a crossbow with a shoulder tension of 50-70 kg is quite sufficient. For wild boar hunting, experts advise choosing a weapon with a tension of about 80 kg.

The best hunting crossbows

Such models are designed for use in difficult conditions. They are easy to maintain and have low recoil. Hunting crossbows operate silently, making them convenient for shooting from an ambush.

Mathews Mission SUB-1 Forest

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The model is equipped with a CNC cutting insert, the use of which eliminates vertical movement of the shank. To safely and conveniently unload the crossbow, just press the corresponding button, pull the string tensioner and remove the arrow.

The string is wound onto the blocks from the side of the block, not the lock. This allows for increased bolt muzzle velocity without increasing the length of the weapon or increasing the tension.

The group accuracy during active shooting corresponds to a value of about 2.5 cm, which is comparable to the performance of rifles.

Advantages:

high accuracy;
silent shooting;
ease of use;
light weight;
compact frame.

Flaws:

high price.

The Mathews Mission SUB-1 Forest is suitable for medium-range shooting. It can be disassembled without the help of a press and is convenient for long hikes.

Barnett Ghost 350 Carbon

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

The frame of the model is made of polymer materials, which ensures light weight and comfort during long-term use.

The crossbow's shoulders are made using Carbon Riser technology. They are slightly susceptible to vibrations when releasing a projectile, which guarantees accuracy and noiselessness of shooting.

The initial speed of the arrow is 106 m/s, the working stroke of the bowstring is 304 mm. The design is equipped with a mount for a collimator or optical sight for more comfortable use at long distances. The MIM hook guarantees a smooth release with 175 lbs of power.

Advantages:

high projectile speed;
light weight;
ease of guidance;
quiet shooting;
ease of maintenance.

Flaws:

requires initial setup.

The Barnett Ghost Carbon is a must-have for those who love dynamic hunting - an excellent choice for hunting large birds or deer.

Tenpoint Vapor

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

Thanks to the String Dampening System, when using a crossbow, the level of noise and vibration of the bowstring is reduced.

The kit includes a quick-release quiver, six arrows and an optical sight. Compact dimensions and a protective case make the model easy to transport and store.

The use of a bullpup layout with a forward trigger ensures compact dimensions of the weapon without loss of shooting characteristics. The parallel arm design reduces recoil and promotes faster arrow flight.

Advantages:

light weight;
compactness;
low noise level;
initial boom speed - 110 m/s;
automatic fuse.

Flaws:

difficulty of maintenance.

Tenpoint Vapor is effective at both short and long range. This crossbow is good for hunting fast-moving game.

Darton Archery Rebel 135SS

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

A stop with replaceable inserts and a non-slip coating on the handle make it easy to customize and comfortable to hold the weapon.

The crossbow can be loaded with bolts with different types of shanks and is equipped with a mechanical tensioner for comfortable use.

The initial speed of the projectile reaches 107 m/s, the working stroke of the bowstring is 34 cm. The design is equipped with an advanced system of eccentric blocks. They give shots increased energy and strength. Thanks to this, the weapon has high lethal characteristics even at long distances.

Advantages:

small dimensions;
ease of maintenance;
lifetime warranty;
high shooting accuracy;
low price.

Flaws:

heavy.

The Darton Archery Rebel 135SS is a versatile solution for use in any terrain. It is suitable for hunting both birds and large animals.

Possibility of opening a crossbow shooting range

To provide a variety of recreational shooting facilities, archery and crossbow shooting ranges have increasingly begun to open. To obtain permission for such activities, it is necessary to fulfill a number of requirements that will significantly protect visitors from all sorts of troubles.

Crossbow shooting range

According to State standards for entertainment establishments, the shoulder tension should not exceed 20 kgf.

A crossbow with such characteristics is considered an entertaining toy.

Plus, there are requirements for the material of the arrows. They are made of wood or light alloys.

There are also restrictions on their size. The length of crossbow arrows is allowed in the range from 350 to 610 mm, and that of bow arrows from 400 to 1000 mm. The shape of the tips must be oval or conical with a sharpening angle of at least 60°. The thickness of the arrow must match the diameter of the tip.

Recreational shooting must be carried out in full compliance with technical safety measures. For which the owner of the establishment and the shooting instructor are responsible.

These restrictive measures provided for by GOST, namely the establishment of maximum draw power of bows and crossbow arches, increased requirements for arrows, are necessary to eliminate the destructive power of weapons for recreation and entertainment. Much attention is paid to eliminating the severity of consequences in the event of an accidental hit and injury, the risk of which cannot be guaranteed when using such weapons.

The Department of the Ministry of Nature is working to legalize a universal sporting and hunting bow with an arc force of more than 27 kgf, equating it to a hunting weapon. Hunters hope that this will also apply to crossbows in the near future. Foreign hunters are especially looking forward to the permissive law. There is no such game and beast in any country.

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Documents for bows and crossbows for hunting in Russia - on video:

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The best sporting crossbows

Such models are used for competitive target shooting. Sports crossbows are distinguished by high accuracy and high tension force. In some cases it can reach 120 kG.

Bowtech Archery Desert Stryker

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The main feature of the model is the unique Center Pivot design. The attachment point to the block is located at the center of each shoulder.

Thanks to this, less load is placed on the ends of each of them, which reduces vibration during shooting.

The universal Weaver rail allows you to attach various types of optics to your crossbow. The trigger safety operates whenever there is no arrow on the guide, eliminating the possibility of a dry shot. The forend is adjustable to the owner's hand, and the block synchronization system centers the bowstring.

Advantages:

high shooting accuracy;
no vibration;
noiselessness;
wear resistance;
light weight.

Flaws:

high price.

Desert Stryker is comfortable when used at close and medium ranges. Ease of aiming and lightweight guarantee accurate shooting at targets.

Browning PSE TAC Elite

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The double arm design and large eccentric blocks guarantee a high initial arrow flight speed - up to 123 m/s.

The projectile holding system is not a standard guide, but a shelf with brushes. Its use significantly reduces friction and ensures minimal impact on the flight path.

The built-in manual tensioner allows you to cock in just 15 seconds and quickly unload the crossbow. The block is equipped with special rubber dampers. They reduce vibration and noise levels during shooting. Mounting strips make it easy to install additional accessories: lights, bipods or sights.

Advantages:

high speed of arrow flight;
accuracy;
no vibration;
wear resistance;
durable frame.

Flaws:

heavy weight.

Browning Elite is convenient for use not only at close range, but also at long range. An excellent solution for shooting at targets at a distance of more than 90 meters.

Megaline Phantom II

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

The material used for the forend and buttstock is wood, and the shoulders are made from fiberglass. Thanks to this, the model weighs only 2.2 kg, which means it will be convenient when pointing and holding for a long time.

The working stroke of the bowstring is 43 cm with a tension force of 40 lbs. The crossbow is equipped with a dry-shot safety device and an 11-centimeter long sighting bar with a dovetail mount. The elongated design allows the use of projectiles of increased length - up to 43 cm.

Advantages:

compactness;
light weight;
wear resistance;
accuracy.

Flaws:

difficult cocking.

Megaline Phantom II is designed for targeted shooting at a short distance from the target. The maximum range for this weapon is 25 meters.

Sanlida Next Camo

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

83%

buyers recommend this product

The butt of the model is made of impact-resistant plastic and covered with non-slip material. Light weight and a center of gravity in the middle make it easy to carry and hold while shooting.

The working stroke of the bowstring is 36 centimeters, the maximum flight speed of the bolt is 114 m/s. The trigger force does not exceed 1.8 kG, the automatic safety eliminates the risk of an accidental shot and guarantees the safety of the owner.

Advantages:

lightweight design;
fuse;
convenient sight mount;
bowstring tensioner.

Flaws:

difficulty of repair.

The Sanlida Next Camo is designed for shooting with long bolts. It can be used at short to medium range.

Crossbow shooting technique

Leaving aside all the issues of configuration, adjustment and shooting, discussed in the relevant articles, we proceed directly to shooting. To the very beginning - loading.

And we immediately come across the specifics of different approaches. Athletes would never dream in their wildest dreams that they can walk around with a loaded weapon for more than one hour. Even the design includes one feature that is unusual for mass-produced crossbows. Compare the T-shaped stirrup of sports models and the loop-shaped stirrup of ordinary ones.

The fact is that in sports there is an accepted order of actions in which all of them are performed directly at the “firing line”: we cock the crossbow without removing the foot from the stirrup, insert the arrow into the guide, raise the weapon to the firing position, put it in, aim, shoot. To prevent the inserted arrow from piercing the shooter’s foot in the event of an accidental break of the bowstring, the stirrup “pedals” are offset from the axis of the guide.

An ordinary shooter, and even more so a hunter, is sometimes forced to cock a crossbow in an extremely uncomfortable position, even while sitting on a tree branch, so you can’t do without a frame stirrup; your leg will definitely slip off the T-shaped one.

Now let's compare our actions during recreational and hunting shooting in parallel. But before that, I strongly recommend that you read the article “Where to shoot with a bow and crossbow?”. So to speak, in order to avoid...

Sports and recreational shooting

The above procedure for a sports crossbowman is perfect for entertaining target shooting. By and large, this is an amateur competition, with the same approaches to safety. All actions related to loading, preparing for a shot and the actual shooting are carried out without leaving the firing line.

In this case, enthusiastic spectators and pets are located behind the shooter's position. To the left and right of the shooting line and behind the target there is also no one or anything valuable. The shooter has a table or a bucket of sand at hand. where the arrows are stuck.

Loading a crossbow with GOST shoulders of 95 lbs (43 kgf) is carried out without auxiliary devices - any teenager is capable of this. In this case, it is advisable to grab the bowstring not with the joints, you can pinch the nerve, but with the pads of the second phalanges of the index, middle and ring fingers. In this case, the index fingers should be pressed quite tightly against the sides of the guide (left picture, wrong hand position on the right). Then the bowstring will not skew towards the “weak” hand.

Then the crossbow is pointed forward and down and an arrow is inserted into the guide.

The shooting stance, as already mentioned, is practically no different from the sports rifle stance.

It allows, by shifting the body back, to compensate for the peculiarities of the weapon’s weight distribution; the placement of the feet and the position of the hands form rigid triangular figures, which contributes to a stable shot.

Of course, this kind of rack can be used exclusively for weapons that do not have serious recoil - crossbows, small sports guns and pneumatics. A shot from a shotgun or normal rifle using powerful ammunition will simply sweep away the shooter who is in fragile balance, so in these cases the recoil is compensated by the appropriate position of the body and legs.

Summing up a kind of summary of the consideration of sports shooting techniques, I give its general provisions:

Shooting technique from a prone position

When shooting from a prone position, the shooter's body has the largest area for support and is in the most stable position. This pose ensures immobility, the legs are spread out to the sides without tension, the right one is slightly bent at the knee, and the left toe rests on the ground. The left arm is bent at the elbow and brought forward more, supporting the fore-end of the crossbow*. The right hand covers the neck of the butt, the elbow is lowered to the shooting line. The butt fits snugly to the right side of the chest, in the area of the collarbone. The position of the butt should be checked every time. Before firing, the right hand is placed on the neck of the butt, and the right elbow is lowered to the ground. The head tilts slightly forward and the cheek rests on the ridge of the butt.

The correctness of the position is checked as follows: the shooter, having found the most comfortable position, closes both eyes and stops the crossbow, then opens his eyes. If the barrel deviates from the target, you should turn your body in the right direction so that the crossbow is aimed exactly at the target.

*Note : In the photo we see a rifle insert; when shooting from a crossbow, the holding hand must be located below the fore-end, outside the zone of movement of the bowstring and cables - otherwise your fingers will be knocked off or even cut off (alas, this is also possible).

Shooting technique from a standing position

When shooting from a standing position, the shooter does not have a large area of support, being in an extremely unstable position. The shooter stands with his left side in the direction of shooting, feet shoulder-width apart, the left hand holds the crossbow, the right hand freely holds the neck of the crossbow butt.

The butt touches the right shoulder joint, and the weight of the shooter’s body with a crossbow, as a rule, is distributed evenly on both legs.

The back is curved slightly to the right and back, for better balance, which reduces muscle tension when holding the weapon, and also provides additional stability to the shooter. The shooter's head is held freely, straight, without tilting.

Shooting technique from the kneeling position

When shooting from the kneeling position, the shooter also has a fairly large area for support: the support under the right foot, the bend of the right knee and the left foot, which rests on the ground.

However, it should be remembered that the overall center of gravity is above the right leg. The left leg should be placed so that the shin is almost vertical.

Most often, the left foot is brought forward about half a step, with the toe turned to the right of the direction of fire. The crossbow is in almost the same position as when preparing it “prone” - it is supported by the left hand, bent at the elbow. The elbow of the left hand is placed on the knee of the left leg. The back of the butt is adjacent to the right side of the chest, in the area of the collarbone

The right arm, bent at the elbow joint, covers the neck of the butt with the hand and is freely lowered down with the elbow.

When taking a pose, you should ensure that the weight of the body with the weapon is distributed evenly, the body should be stable, without unnecessary muscle tension.

Hunting and recreational shooting

Let's start again with loading. Now we are dealing with original shoulders that are twice as strong as GOST ones. This is especially noticeable when you cock a powerful full-size “recurve” more than a dozen times, which not only does not have any force release, but it also increases with every centimeter of stroke of the bowstring.

Therefore, we have to resort to various kinds of devices. Here is the simplest thing, the so-called “cable”:

The thing is not bad, especially considering that it self-centers the bowstring when cocked. The cable works like this:

In this case, the cocking force, according to the laws of mechanics, is reduced by half, although the amplitude of hand movement increases by the same amount.

In cramped conditions, using the “cable” is extremely inconvenient. For such cases, mechanical tensioners are provided - in fact, small winches, analogues of medieval gates.

They can be either relatively universal, installed on the butt of various crossbows (pictured), or branded built-in, as on the already mentioned Ten Point products. There are even electric tensioners designed for people with disabilities - they make up the majority of overseas crossbow hunters; the majority of bowhunters prefer bows.

We can generally talk about a shooting stance only in relation to recreational shooting that simulates hunting, for example, at 3 D targets. Since the plastic and rubber “game” will not run away anywhere, no one bothers you to take a beautiful pseudo-sports pose, take your time, thoughtfully aim and shoot an arrow. On a real hunt, everything is not so good:

As the hero of the famous film said: “If you want to live, you won’t get so excited.”

Walking hunting is still more fun. It was not for nothing that I compared it to combat operations; by and large, the only possible use is an ambush shot in the back of a lone adversary. The approach, accordingly, is the same: there is camouflage, and the ability to move silently, instantly freezing, and many kilometers of forced marches along the intersection. Moreover, the more “chepyzhnik” the hunter crawls along, the greater the chances of success. And also the lousier the weather: “rain is a saboteur’s assistant.” And all in order to finally reach the distance of a confident shot (see “Hunting for deer with a crossbow by stealth”).

Crossbow shooting

Now about the shot itself. The requirements for aiming, breathing and triggering are no different from firearms.

In short.

Aiming

When aiming, you must carefully ensure that there are no shadows in the field of view of the sight; it must be completely clean

If the eye is closer or further than the eye distance, then a circular darkening occurs in the field of view, which reduces it and complicates aiming. If this darkening is the same on all sides, then there will be no deflection of the bullets

If the eye is positioned incorrectly relative to the main optical axis of the sight (displaced to the side), moon-shaped shadows are observed at the edges of the eyepiece during aiming. They can be on any side, depending on the position of the eye axis in relation to the optical axis of the sight. The bullets will be deflected in the direction opposite to these shadows (Fig.). If, while aiming, the shooter notices shadows at the edges of the field of view, he needs to find a position for the head in which the eye clearly sees the entire field of view of the sight.

Rice. Deviation of the point of impact to the side when the eye is positioned incorrectly in relation to the main optical axis of the sight

Breath

A person can easily hold his breath for 12-15 seconds without experiencing any discomfort. This time is more than enough to fire a shot. However, you need to keep the following in mind. In general, you can hold your breath for the longest time while inhaling rather than exhaling. Consequently, the total holding of breath during inhalations has a less negative effect on the general condition of the shooter’s body, since he experiences less oxygen starvation. Observations indicate that holding your breath to fire a shot by prolonging the natural respiratory pause (i.e. while exhaling) is not at all necessary. As the practice of leading shooters has shown, before shooting you need to take two or three deep breaths and exhale, and then, after taking almost half an inhale, gradually hold your breath (Fig.).

The best amateur crossbows

Models of this type are purchased for shooting at distances from 15 to 40 meters. They have compact dimensions and are used for entertainment or training.

Man Kung MK-250

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

The material used to make the arms is fiberglass, which ensures the strength and elasticity of the parts. Eccentric blocks guarantee a high level of energy return during boom acceleration. Thanks to this, the starting speed when releasing a projectile is 76 meters per second.

The mount for the sight and front sight can be adjusted depending on the planned shot distance. The weight of the crossbow is 3.3 kilograms, the tension of the bowstring is 43 kg. For more accurate guidance, it is permissible to install an optical or collimator sight.

Advantages:

compactness;
Ease of use;
noiselessness;
smooth release of the hook;
durable frame.

Flaws:

requires block settings.

Man Kung MK-250 is easy to use. It is designed for recreational shooting at a distance of approximately 25 meters.

PoeLang EK Archery Galaxy

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The length of the crossbow is 74 cm, the shoulder width when unloaded is 41 cm. Despite its small dimensions, the model provides an arrow flight speed of up to 92 meters per second. The bullpup design simplifies on-the-go reloading and minimizes recoil.

The soft handle is equipped with finger slots for a more comfortable grip. Blind shot protection helps extend the life of the weapon. The included optical sight facilitates quick targeting.

Advantages:

compactness;
weak recoil;
light weight;
durable frame;
Comes with a sight.

Flaws:

difficulty of maintenance.

PoeLang EK Archery Galaxy is worth purchasing for lovers of outdoor activities and real men's entertainment. Inexpensive projectile for short and medium range shooting.

Interloper "Cayman" (Next 1)

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

The handguard of the model has individual adjustment for a more comfortable hold by the owner of any height.

The lock is designed for a fivefold increase in load and is distinguished by clear and quiet operation. The shoulders do not lose their elasticity even after several hours of the crossbow being cocked.

The automatic safety device is equipped with levers that make it easier to use with gloves. The anti-reflective coating on the aiming bar makes aiming easier in daylight. The working life of the bowstring is designed for more than 5000 cycles.

Advantages:

durability;
flexible forend adjustment;
accurate shooting;
diopter sight;
light weight.

Flaws:

large dimensions.

Interloper "Cayman" will be an excellent acquisition for target practice. It will be equally convenient to use for both adults and teenagers.

Licensing and transportation

Only athletes who have confirmed sports status are allowed to use a crossbow for shooting in the Russian Federation. To obtain permits for the purchase and operation of a powerful crossbow, you must contact a special police department, providing the documents required for this procedure:

Confirmation of sports status in an organization that has state accreditation and permission to use just such sports equipment.
Application for a license.
Document confirming payment of state duty.

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Having received permits, you can freely purchase the necessary weapons in specialized stores. The law of the Russian Federation strictly prohibits making any design changes to weapons that enhance their destructive power and firing range. Violation is punishable by law, including criminal liability.

Transporting or moving crossbows permitted without a license is permitted with a certificate that confirms that the type is not a lethal weapon and can be used for sporting and recreational purposes.

More powerful weapons are allowed to be transported only in disassembled form and with a license.

Crossbows for large animals

The most powerful devices have a tension force of over 55 kg. They are used for serious hunting, large game. Their range is around one hundred meters, and often much further. This is already a serious weapon with high penetrating power and arrow speed. To tension the bowstring, special devices are used, which come in different types. However, some shooters deliberately choose to use only the strength of their muscles to draw.

Throughout Russia, a crossbow requires a permit only if its tension force is more than 43 kg. Such devices are widely sold legally in our country. Naturally, there are sellers who can offer a more powerful crossbow, however, purchasing and owning one would be illegal.

Basically, such weapons are smuggled illegally or in parts and sold under the counter to trusted people. There are also those who independently make such powerful crossbows, but again, if their strength exceeds the permissible 43 kg, then it is illegal. As for bows, the draw weight should not exceed 27 kg. Such devices are called weapons-like products. Therefore, answering the question of whether a crossbow or bow requires a permit, we can say unequivocally: no, if the permissible limits are met.

Next, we’ll look at whether you need a permit for a homemade crossbow

With homemade devices, everything is more complicated. They need to be sent for examination, where the weapons are tested, and subsequently the experts pronounce their verdict. The created device needs to be sent to the State Economic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, where they will determine what characteristics the product has, in addition, it will undergo a forensic examination.

In accordance with GOSTs, special conditions have been developed under which the weapon must have not only the appropriate bowstring tension, but also the prescribed weight of the arrows, their penetration to a certain depth and many other parameters. In addition, the degree of reliability of the hook is regulated so that the product is bladeless. This also applies to bows; the same parameters are measured in them. And also the curves of the shoulders with a taut and relaxed bowstring.