Frequently Asked Questions about Crossbows
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about crossbows. If you feel that you have a question that can't be answered here, please write us and ask!
- Q: What is different between a recurve crossbow and a compound crossbow?
- Q: How do I restring my recurve crossbow?
- Q: How much draw weight do I need to hunt?
- Q: When I place the string on my recurve crossbow, it seems like it's too short, and the frame is hard to bend. How do I resolve this?
- Q: What is the best brand of crossbow for hunting?
- Q: Why is the arrow used in crossbows called a bolt?
- Q: How long should strings last?
- Q: How long can I keep my crossbow cocked?
- Q: Why does my crossbow shoot to the right or to the left?
- Q: Why does my crossbow shoot high or low?
- Q: Why are some 3-blade broadheads inaccurate?
- Q: What size ring do I use for scope mount?
1. What is different between a recurve crossbow and a compound crossbow?
Although the two are primarily the same, there is one predominant difference, which is how the crossbow string attaches to the prod. A compound crossbow uses what are called 'cams', which are spherical track-wheels that reduce the strength and force needed to span the crossbow. A recurve crossbow has the string that attaches at the end of the prod, so the string is responsible for pulling the prod back into the cocked/spanned position.
2. How do I restring my recurve crossbow?
Restringing is simple for a recurve crossbow, and can be accomplished within a few moments. Make sure the crossbow itself is in an unspanned position, and press the left prod into the dirt between your feet so that it may not slip. Doing this correctly will make the string loosen so that you may remove it. When you do remove it, make sure to slip the new end of the string on the end of the prod. Once the old string is off, repeat the holding procedure with the bow until the new string is on correctly. Once it is on, release the tension slowly, and you're finished! To better your crossbow after a new string, make sure to apply string wax and to mark either side of the dead center of the string on your crossbow with white or bright permanent marker.
3. How much draw weight do I need to hunt?
150lbs. of draw, minimum, for smaller animals, like rabbits and squirrels, is needed for how quick these little critters are, thusly, the power is not always an issue. You could also use a 150lbs. crossbow for hunting deer and antelope, but when you start to get larger than that, towards elk and caribou, a draw weight of 175lbs. should be used. When confronting dangerous and life-threatening animals such as grizzly bears and cape buffalo, you should be using a 200lbs. Don't forget to include other such defining factors, like the thickness and bone structure of your chosen animal. A broad head and bolt can also make an incredible difference.
4. When I place the string on my recurve crossbow, it seems like it's too short, and the frame is hard to bend. How do I resolve this?
First things first, make sure that you have purchased the right length of string for your crossbow; the best way to do that is to use an old string that posed no problems, and figure it that way. If you are unable to check with an old string, read the owner's manual, and look for suggested material and length. If the string is the right length and the bow itself has not been modded any, then it's probably just the basic difficulty of spanning a recurve crossbow. Crossbows above 150lbs are incredibly difficult to span, and to help with the process, you can purchase a cocking device.
5. What is the best brand of crossbow for hunting?
This is actually a question that can not be answered directly, because everyone views and enjoys different styles and models, but Horton, Excalibur, and Barnett are popular brands.
6. Why is the arrow used in crossbows called a bolt?
The mechanical title for a crossbow bolt is actually a "quarrel", so the reason why it is called a bolt is most likely because of the fast ejection of the projectile, i.e., to move quickly. It may also be because of its shape, and calling it an arrow would be confusing as to others on them interpreting which weapon you're using.
7. How long should strings last?
When taken care of, the string should give you a minimum of 100 good shots, but it isn't unusual for the string to last several hundred shots. Always make sure to lubricate the string where it touches the flight track, and that the flight track is free of debris, scratches, and gouges, and so on and so forth.
8. How long can I keep my crossbow cocked?
It is safe to keep your crossbow cocked while you are hunting in a stationary position, however, for safety reasons, do not stalk or get off of your stand while your bow is cocked, as you could harm yourself or another. We do recommend that if you break from your hunt that you let the crossbow down to the uncocked position by shooting a target arrow into a safe backstop. It would be good practice to let the crossbow down every 4 hours and relax it for about a half hour.
9. Why does my crossbow shoot to the right or to the left?
Well, if that does happen when you shoot your bow, it may be perhaps because the bow is being cocked off center. If the bow is cocked to the left or the right, it will shoot in that direction. To fix this, place a mark on the string's center serving where it crosses over the flight track when the crossbow isn't cocked. When you get ready to shoot, with your bow cocked, make it your first concern to have the string's marks centered in the trigger. If it's cocked, and still is stubborn enough to be off center, try to push and nudge the string in a central position.
If the problem still exists even then, then it might be more mechanical in nature. The bow itself may be out of square; if you have adjusted the bolts on the limb, which secures the limb onto the crossbow, then this may be the case. To figure if this is the problem, measure from where the point where the limb meets the prod housing back to the string. Repeat this for each side of the prod housing. As such, if the measurements are off, then it is out of till, and it is best to let the manufacturer or dealer to fix it.
10. Why does my crossbow shoot high or low?
If field points are being used, you can control the sights to fix the problem. And just to make sure, check to see your arrows are the same size and length. If broadheads are being used, you could be experiencing planing, where the broadhead blades get caught on air as they fly. If this is the problem, then the only way to solve it is to get a different type of broadhead.
11. Why are some 3-blade broadheads inaccurate?
The design of some 3-bladed broadheads simply don't work well with crossbows. With a large and bold blade shape and surface area, along with other design specs, most of this when placed on a less that 20” arrow will not fly as well as you would hope.The shorter the arrow, the harder it will be to get it to land in a tight group with a broadhead attached. If their surface is large, or there is a large cutting diameter, planing will take place when they are in flight.
12. What size ring do I use for scope mount?
Choose a set of rings made for the tube diameter of your scope, with 3/8” mounting clamps. A few red dot sights that are on the market are sold with 30mm rings with 1/2” mounts, though you would want to buy rings for a 30mm tube that has 3/8” base clamps.
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