Learn me about hunting crossbows

[bluewing]

Hi,

I have officially gotten old. And one of the perks is that I'm now old enough to use a crossbow instead of a vertical bow. Which is nice because the arthritis is starting to make drawing my trusty old Fred Bear 50lb Recurve difficult.

Trouble is, I don't have a clue in what to look for in a "beginner" hunting crossbow. I could spend a couple hundred bucks to a couple thousand. Somewhere in between there must be a sweet spot.

And what accessories are needed? Should I get a pull string cocker or is a crank type better? How do I choose the correct bolts? Do I need a scope? They seem pretty common. What's a good crossbow scope? Tons of questions and little information to found.

 

[FarmerTan]

Congrats! Will be following this thread. I've considered getting one for home defense, lol.

Seriously, here in Michigan I believe just about anyone can hunt with them now. Due to age, my worsening birth defect, and foolish pride I never asked my doctor for a letter to give the DNR.
I have a friend that has hunted my property quite successfully with one. He says it's more like shooting a rifle, which he enjoys.

 

[OtterLunacy]

If you do a search for "crossbow" there's a few threads that pop up. I haven't checked how useful they are though. Good luck!

 

[kelbro]

I considered one until I started checking prices. Wow!

Way back when, I had the old Wham-O pistol and rifle crossbows. Fun but not accurate enough for hunting and at that time they were illegal in Texas for deer.

Interested in the responses here.

 

[jar_]

I've heard several people talk about a company called "Sportsman Outfitters" from Alabama and how they are great at answering questions both before and after the sale and that so far their advice has been spot on.

 

[CurtisB81]

Excalibur, crossbow makes a very nice one..

Excalibur Crosbows

 

[nortac]

I shot my buddy's Mission Crossbow by Mathews with the Hawke scope. Like shooting a rifle.

Mission Crossbows Sub-1 Crossbow Pro Kit Up to 15% Off w/ Free S&H — 4 models

 

[gsurko]

I hunted with an Excalibur that I payed around $1000.00 for 1 time. I hated crossbow hunting, they’re heavy,cumbersome,slow to reload and a real pain in a tree stand. On the plus’s side, a monkey can learn to shoot one in about 3 minutes, they’re scary accurate but they encourage slob hunting practices IE, shooting to far. All and all I gave mine to my nephew just to get him shooting something that isn’t electronic. I hate crossbows they are not archery, period.