Crossbow Questions

[TexasBob]

I know nothing about crossbows. I have shot two different ones once each. I like the premise but they felt cumbersome. Now it looks like a number of them are more slim lined which should help. What should I look for in purchasing one? Is fps speed just like a compound? What would be the minimum? Is it like a rifle where once sighted in anyone can shoot it? Wife has taken to hunting this season and I can't wait for the next one already. She likes shooting a compound, but thinking a crossbow might be a better option especially if something we can both use.

[DFWPI]

I’ve owned several over the years and enjoyed shooting the heck out of pigs with them. It really depends on what you want, i.e. a recurve crossbow, reversed limbs, regular limbs. I’ve owned several of the recurves, liking the fact that if something happened the string, I could change it within minutes even out in the field. Mission crossbows, you can also change the string/cables without taking it the shop and putting it on the press.

[PYBUCK]

Just like compounds they have evolved. Smaller, more compact, faster. Depends on what you want to spend $800-3,000. Just like a rifle, once sighted anyone can shoot them. Look for something in the 375-400fps range with a built in cocking crank. Depending on the size of the blind you will be shooting out of determines how compact you will need especially if more than 1 person is in the blind.

[T/Chmr]

I just bought an Axe 405, it has a built in hand crank for cocking and this also allows for de-cocking without firing an arrow....just turn crank in opposite direction, which is pretty dadgum handy. It has reverse limbs so it is a little more compact. It is a tad heavy though.

[DaveC]

Keep the handguard in mind.
Look for one that blocks the holding hand thumb from reaching the string.

I have a higher end xbow with a small guard and a centerpoint with a nice big one.

The thumb floating up during the shot has removed more than one fingernail / fingertip.

[bowaddict40]

Just like a bow. Go to somewhere that has them in stock and shoot them. You really want the same things you want in a bow. Light, fast and quite. So pick the one that best suits your needs in those categories.

[Deathrow Jethro]

I know nothing about crossbows. I have shot two different ones once each. I like the premise but they felt cumbersome. Now it looks like a number of them are more slim lined which should help. What should I look for in purchasing one? Is fps speed just like a compound? What would be the minimum? Is it like a rifle where once sighted in anyone can shoot it? Wife has taken to hunting this season and I can't wait for the next one already. She likes shooting a compound, but thinking a crossbow might be a better option especially if something we can both use.

Take a drive over to Texas Archery in Spring, they carry a couple different brands and will let you shoot them.

[tpcollins]

I’ve owned several over the years and enjoyed shooting the heck out of pigs with them. It really depends on what you want, i.e. a recurve crossbow, reversed limbs, regular limbs. I’ve owned several of the recurves, liking the fact that if something happened the string, I could change it within minutes even out in the field. Mission crossbows, you can also change the string/cables without taking it the shop and putting it on the press.

I’ve had my share of different crossbows - I currently hunt with a Scorpyd Deathstalker (reverse limb) and just bought a Ravin R10 recently but haven’t hunted with it yet.

DFWPI is correct - I love the Mission crossbows. I had a Mission Dagger and regret selling it to my BIL. Mission also used to make the MXB-320 which is very similar.

Either would make a great crossbow for your wife if you can find a used one. I’d register on Crossbowtalk.com and CrossbowNation.com and keep an eye on the classifieds. Good luck.

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Just saw this old ad on CrossbowTAlk - this would have been a dandy.

https://www.archerytalk.com/threads/mission-mxb-320.5945763/