I'm looking to get a crossbow. Anyone here know much about them?

[Doogoon]

So my maximum spending limit is $500, (after taxes and additional bolts) but the cheaper the better. I also don't want to get something of poor quality. Mind you, I'm new to this so I don't care much for high quality. Right now I have my eyes on a 175 lb jaguar, shooting at 310 fps. It's priced for $150 on a Canadian site- which is good because I'm Canadian so I wont have to do any cross border shipping.

Anyone have any better suggestions? I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for, but the Jaguar seems ideal, however a better deal would obviously be much more preferred.

Also, what kind of purchases would I be looking at to maintain and care for a crossbow?

 

[hung-solo]

crossbow? its the compound bow for pussies (unless you have a medical condition of course). other than that i cannot help you bc ill never own one unless i lose and arm and cant draw back my bow

 

[Doogoon]

crossbow? its the compound bow for pussies (unless you have a medical condition of course). other than that i cannot help you bc ill never own one unless i lose and arm and cant draw back my bow

In the long run I'd much prefer to have a bow and arrow, but I seriously have a hard time finding a bow I'm willing to spend money on. Most of them having all these silly gadgets on them that I'm not very interested in. Also, a crossbow seems really fun and easy to play with.

 

[Piso Mojado]

Patrick Stewart cocking and preparing to fire his 24th century crossbow in Star Trek: The Nest Generation "Starship Mine," Season 6, Episode 18 (27 March 1993), a TNG homage to Die Hard.

An extremely cool piece with a vertical bow and side cocking lever, this was a real production 1993 hunting crossbow. I don't remember the manufacturer and model name, but a real Trekkie would be able to tell you that. Long out of production, but no doubt one is for sale somewhere.

 

[willydigger]

The Jaguar is a rebadge of the old Barnett Wildcat. Years and years ago I owned a Barnett Panzer which was a Wildcat without the stock. It had a pistol grip and it was the coolest thing ever.

There are a lot of fancy crossbow configurations. If you've never owned one, the Jaguar/Wildcat/eBay special will all function the same. It will require a burst of strength to draw the bow. There is a good shock with the shot and you can expect the string to wear relatively quickly. That said they are the second coolest things ever.

I think it will suit you fine and you will really like it. Extra bolts and a variety of target and broadheads will suit your needs and shouldn't break the bank. I would invest in a scope. A crossbow range isn't great. A close laser sight will work fine.

I currently don't own a crossbow. I've "upgraded" to a traditional recurve bow. It is faster to draw and much more challenging. That said, there is still a chronic calling to get another crossbow.

 

[Doogoon]

Thank you so much for keeping me into getting the jaguar then! I ran into some trouble trying to get it and was considering not getting it.


I HAVE TO GET THIS TOY.

 

[rkg20]

yah i own one just make sure to bring the string back all the way or else it will come back down and slap your hands also do not dry fire it will break the bow i personally like horton crossbows but their are many more brands out their.

 

[mwerner]

I built a medieval-style crossbow a couple of years ago. Not full-powered, I didn't want to spring for a replica steel "prod". I made one from red-oak much as you'd make an oak "board bow". Thing drew about 50 pounds, sufficient for backyard cardboard-box shooting. Actually worked quite well... I might put a real bow on it sometime.

Modern compound-bow crossbows with optical sights and all just seem way too complex for me, I'm rather in the primitive camp. I know that many states relegate hunting with them to the firearm season, and many public archery ranges prohibit their use due to target damage.
I know that in Europe there is still a very active target-shooting scene with very high-tech crossbows that rival contemporary target archery in terms of scary-looking high-tech do-dads.
Fer instance:
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn137/karman333/Match Crossbows/Matchtargetbooklet.jpg

 

[Crewdawg]

crossbow? its the compound bow for pussies (unless you have a medical condition of course). other than that i cannot help you bc ill never own one unless i lose and arm and cant draw back my bow

Buy from a reputable archery shop and they'll set you up with the proper accessories such as string wax, along with good advice. If it's simplicity you are looking for, look into a traditional recurve or longbow. They are simple, a ton of fun, and it's extremely rewarding when you start hitting where you're aiming, which only takes a little practice and dedication (like any sport worth pursuing).

Like Hung-solo says, dont be surprised if you are shunned at the local range if/when you show up with a crossbow. They are seen as the wimpy side of the reusable-bullet crowd, meant for those who have a medical condition that prevents them from drawing a real bow or else are too lazy to spend the minimal time it takes to learn.

 

[cop911]

The jaguar has string issues (they give an extra with purchase). I've talked to two people who owned one and the strings lasted about 5-7 shots before replacement was needed.