Kilo 5K Rangefinder Too

The Sig Sauer rangefinding system begins with an app that pairs the scope to readings from the Kilo Rangefinder.  The Kilo operates like a standard rangefinder and sends a Bluetooth signal to the scope. During set-up, the Sig Sauer app calculates the path of an arrow based on the weight and speed of the shaft.  In this way, you can vary the weight of the arrows and they all become part of the sighting system.

Quality Adjustments

Most crossbow scopes are average at best but remember that this optic is designed to handle .300 Weatherby Magnums and even much harder recoiling cartridges.  Elevation and windage adjustments click with precision and crispness that you will not find in factory crossbow scopes.  The Sierra features an illuminated dot with 10 levels of brightness adjustment.

Tank-like Construction

I once zeroed a crossbow and leaned it against a post while I retrieved arrows.  Returning, I found that the bow had fallen into the grass and decided to take one more shot to double-check my settings.  The first arrow flew at least a foot high and I was astounded that such a light bump could cause the scope to be so far off target.  You will immediately see that the scope rings which come with the Sierra are built for adventure.  Everything about the mounting process is ultra strong and ultra snug.

Ultra-long Range- 100-Yard Group

In preparation for my spot-and-stalk African safari, I wanted to test ultra-long-range shooting and began practicing at 100 yards.  By ranging the Morrell Kinetic target with the Kilo rangefinder, the algorithm picked the dot for the shot.  This launch was made from a rest similar to a hunting situation. I quickly learned that by practicing well beyond my expected shooting range, the additional distance challenged my physical shooting skills like breathing, trigger squeeze, and target focus.  The added distance in practice forces a shooter to be at his best on every shot.

Arrow Variables

In my long-range tests, I quickly learned that all arrows don’t shoot the same.  Arrows #1 and #2 impacted one inch apart, while #3 and #4 flew three inches to the right.  Regardless of the range you shoot, numbering your shafts is important and it’s fairly common for one arrow to fly slightly different than its apparent twin.  The same applies to broadheads.  It’s absolutely critical that you test your shafts with your hunting heads.  Most expandable heads come with a practice point and you can use the same fixed broadhead to test multiple arrows in a foam target.

Impala at 55 Yards

Much of the game I stalked in South Africa was rifle-hunted year-round.  Not surprisingly, the animals were very, very, spooky.  I spotted this male impala at 300 yards and made a circular stalk using small trees for cover.  It had moved slightly from the location of the first sighting, yet not fast enough to avoid a shot.  After ranging the animal with the Kilo, the scope showed the exact aiming dot for a perfect quartering-away shot.  I used a Final Rest tripod which greatly improved accuracy at long range.  It’s fun to shoot at paper and foam targets at long range, yet an entirely different world on game animals.  Forty yards can be “long-range” on a whitetail and each hunter must assure the excitement of the moment doesn’t override ethical shooting choices.  When you practice successfully at 60 yards, that 30-yard shot seems much easier.

Embrace Technology

When it comes to “old school” I’m of the Flintstone generation, yet I use my Fitbit watch to monitor my movements every day.  My goal is to walk about three miles and I can usually put in two miles around the house by constantly being active.  When I shop I always park at the far end of the parking lot for extra walking, I prefer doing multiple trips instead of multi-tasking, and I climb stairs as often as possible.  I”m always on the lookout for small pockets of deer cover near my home and use the mapping app on my phone to identify property owners to ask permission.

Set up Mineral Sites

Deer need minerals just like people and you can benefit deer and other wildlife as well as improve hunting.  I have a cellular camera at one site and have had black bears, raccoons, a porcupine, and deer visit it routinely.  Unlike a bait site, you rarely have to visit the spot to replenish the minerals because they dissolve into the ground, making the site attractive for months.  Check your state’s regulations, but most treat minerals and bait differently.

Gear UP-

Thinking about a new crossbow for the coming season?  Now is the perfect time to visit an archery shop and check out the latest offerings.  Most shops have their new gear arriving and have the time to answer questions and give you a test run.  Shops become so busy in late summer that you may have to stand in line to make a purchase.  Also, don’t exclude a used bow from your prospects.  Even if you choose to re-string and cable, you can save hundreds off the price of a new bow and get years of service.

Increase Your Range

Don Wilson is an opening-day mechanic, having taken three velvet bucks on the last three opening days of the Maryland season.  He shoots a CAM-X crossbow which is out of production and standard arrows.  The key to his 50-ish yard shooting is a solid tripod rest.  Both the Final Rest and Death Grip tripod rests are great investments and will double as a shooting table.  If you are thinking of extending your shooting range, a solid rest is your best bet.

Practice Realistically

Using a tripod will improve accuracy tremendously at a longer range, but is that how you will be hunting?  If you mostly hunt from a tree stand and shoot at modest distances, then practice from a deck or at least standing in the back of a pickup for that downward angle.  I like to hunt deer like turkeys where I’m fully camouflaged with my back firmly against a tree.  Practice shooting quickly, to maximize opportunity.  Whatever your style, realistic practice will make you a more effective hunter.

Buy One or More Cellular Cameras

As I’m typing this, a camera on a tree 15 miles away is beeping my phone with pictures of a young buck by a mineral site.  These mobile cameras will pay for themselves in gas savings and allow your stand site to be undisturbed since you don’t have to retrieve media cards.  I use Vosker cameras which are designed for security, yet their built-in solar panel makes one set of batteries last an entire year.  It’s worry-free.  I get as many as 50 pictures in a single day with little battery use.

Sharpen Your Deer Knowledge-

I’m also a field editor for Whitetails Unlimited, a deer hunting and conservation group that publishes a quarterly magazine that’s packed with relevant information to make you a better hunter and deer steward.  They cover turkey and Western hunting in season so there’s something for everyone.  Whitetails Unlimited is the number one organization in whitetail deer conservation and hosts banquets to raise funds throughout the country.   Summer is a great time for leisurely reading about hunting tactics and watching videos.  Deer hunting may end at sundown, yet preparation and education can be 24/7.

Crossbows are Different.

Because they shoot much faster, deer rarely can duck the path of an arrow and I’m going to make the case that planning for a 30-yard shot is better than 20.  It may sound like heresy to those, like me, who grew up with compounds and always looked for that magical 20-yard shot but hear me out.

Better Camouflage

Deer can see blue, but most other colors are in shades of grey such that camouflage and solid rock stillness help to fool their eyesight.  If you are accustomed to setting your stand or blind 20 yards from a trail or ambush point, move back 10 yards further and see how different things look.  At this distance, you may be able to sit at the base of a tree and not need a blind.

Practice at 30 instead of 20.

Even shooting from the off-hand position, it’s easy for crossbows to destroy nocks of arrows when practicing at 20 yards.  I use a target with multiple aiming points which allows me to check for consistent accuracy without damaging arrows.    If you shoot from your knee or rest, you’ll see little accuracy deterioration at 30 over 20 yards.  Crossbows are so accurate, my last Robin Hood used new Easton FMJ arrows at 30 yards which cost two arrows.

Less Spooky Sounds-

The brush of a shirt, jacket, or bow against tree bark can spook a buck at 20 yards.  Being 50 percent further away diminishes the sound and you may get away with that audible error.  Thirty yards is still close enough to stop a buck with an “Erp” and the speed of your arrow will catch it before it can duck.

Smell Too

The closer you walk to your ambush point, the more likely a deer will scent your presence.  A direct wind won’t make a difference, yet subtle breezes and swirls will be less alarming to deer the farther you are away.  Deer treat scent like the sound of a barking dog.  At a distance, the sound can be heard but is not alarming.  Louder means closer and the deer will run.  The same is true for human scent and a little further away may help you tame the wind.

Finally, excitement lessens with distance.

If a buck walks under your stand, expect your heart to pound and your hands to shake.  Although heart-pounding excitement is the reason we hunt, close encounters with deer can be problematic and cause you to lose your practiced shooting routine.  Thirty yards is still exciting, yet far enough to eliminate panic.  Consider 30 yards when planning your next ambush.

Think Thick

The above 8-point was taken in the last hour of daylight on the last day in camp.  While my rifle-toting buddies searched for vast visibility and long-range shooting, I searched for thick cover, the kinds of places bucks seek when pressured.  This buck passed by at 20 yards, searching for a doe and an arrow through the boiler room anchored it.

First Success

Deer drives are used frequently in firearm seasons.  Our gang often pushed deer into thick cover where they seemed to vanish.  I chose to hide in the middle of a dense cedar bottom and tackle these “ghost bucks” at close range.  First try, first success. The buck attempted to sneak away, and at such close quarters, the suspense was heart-pounding.  It entered a tiny opening and saw my figure sitting against a small tree, but the arrow caught it before it could whirl and run.  Since then, I have taken three bucks in four days of hunting in firearms season.

Prepare for the Cold

Patience is a prerequisite for crossbow hunting in firearms seasons.  Many rifle hunters use box blinds or protected stands where they maximize visibility in search of moving deer and are partially protected from the elements.  Crossbow hunters want just the opposite.  You want deer moving naturally where they move cautiously and respond to grunts and rattling.  Make sure you have a warm cushion to sit on and a backpack filled with extra insulation and hot coffee, whatever you need to stay put and engaged.

Think Creatively

As the pumpkin army invades the deer woods, wily bucks head for small patches of thick cover, often in areas where rifle hunting is not allowed.  Ironically, look for “Deer Crossing” signs in urban and suburban areas which indicate abundant deer numbers.  Even small tracts of land with “No Hunting” signs have potential.  Many residents with small properties don’t want guns cracking near their homes, yet welcome a means of reducing deer damage.  Look for these out-of-the-way places and you may have a honey-hole for life.

Difficult Access Means Bigger Deer

Rifle hunters seek large deer populations, great visibility, and a high probability of success.  Small woodlots and suburban thickets don’t hold large numbers of deer but may allow bucks to grow to older age and grow big-boy antlers.  Seek out these spots by asking permission well ahead of opening day and consider them prime spots as the rifle season progresses.

Blind Up

A pop-up ground blind can work miracles in tight hunting locations.  Install it weeks ahead of the season or brush it in heavily and you will have a means of staying put in frigid conditions in those places with a high probability for success.  Today’s newest models allow “picture window” viewing while deer can’t see inside.  Finally, double-check your state’s regulations, yet most allow crossbows to be used in rifle seasons often with fewer restrictions.  Get out there and good luck!

I’ve been experimenting with the Burris Fastfire line for several years and love the simplicity of a single-dot aiming system.  Especially for newer shooters, the ability to put the red dot behind the shoulder greatly simplifies the shot and helps to calm nerves.  A red dot allows the hunter to aim with both eyes open giving full vision to the hunting action.

Setting up a red dot scope is easy.  Set your sights to be slightly high at 20 yards and you will be dead-on out to 30, perhaps 35.  The speed of your bow and the weight of your arrow will show you the aiming curve.  Since most tree stand shots are under 30 yards, you can concentrate on releasing an arrow at the optimal time and not worry about the distance.

For example, I had an 8-point buck run past my stand, chase a smaller buck, and stop in a position that gave me a steep quartering-away shot.  I knew the buck would bolt any second, yet by using the FastFire, I put the dot well behind the shoulder, squeezed, and shot the buck nearly end to end.  The blood trail was one of the most abundant I’ve followed.

Red dot sights can be effective at longer ranges if you practice and know the correct distance.  I paired a Burris FastFire with a Barnett crossbow for a very successful elk hunt.  Although the bull showed up at 50 yards, I knew the trajectory of the arrow and made a perfect double-lung shot that downed the big 6×6 in seconds.

Since archery shots are usually at close range, a large red dot is easy to see and put on the target.  Youngsters and newer hunters may have difficulty finding an animal in a standard scope but the large field of view of a red dot eliminates this problem.  Additionally, the FastFire weighs only a few ounces and makes the bow lighter to aim and gives a lower silhouette.

In 2015, I challenged two friends to use red dot sights on an African plains game safari.  We each used different models of crossbows and broadheads, yet we each used a red dot sight.  The result was 15 animals with 15 arrows, an amazing result.  Shots were as close as 8 yards and as far as 35, but the single red dot greatly helped shot execution at times of extreme excitement.

I am a believer in the KISS formula- “Keep it simple, sir” and this easy-to-use sight fits that definition perfectly.  For more information about the Burris FastFire 4, visit BurrisOptics.com  

Mission Crossbows are the Mercedes models of the industry.  Like Ford and Chevy, most companies change and introduce new models each year.  Mission has found a platform that works and only tweaks as necessary.

Walt Lane has taken three safaris with his Sub-1 and lauds its performance and accuracy.  Mission nearly “owns” crossbow competitions, with podium-earned performances in almost every category.

Dead On-

I helped Lane test the zero on his Mission in camp, setting up a Morrell target at 30 yards with a tiny mailing label as an aiming point.  He shot from the standing position, and I pulled the arrow, “You missed… by ¼ inch,” I laughed.

The Mission Sub1XR is rated at 425 fps, which isn’t as fast as the fastest bows, yet  it delivers all the power any North American hunter needs.  Lane faced numerous shots like this one where exact shop placement and animal angle were critical.

Whoa! What a Waterbuck-

Tops on Lane’s list was a waterbuck, and this management species came to drink.  It was so mature that it was post-breeding and earned a discount to help manage the herd.

Spike Buck-

The Klipspringer is one of the most unique antelope in Africa and this small target takes a precise aim.  Note all antelope are “spikes” with no branched horns.

Easy Peasy-

The Sub1 was so easy to shoot that Walt’s wife asked to take a shot.  When this big impala came to drink, Krista squeezed the trigger and shot the trophy right behind the shoulder.

Heavy Arrows, Too-

I used the Sub1 to take a Cape buffalo in 2016.  I took a frontal shot, and the arrow opened the buffalo like a can of beans.  The blood loss was the size of a pool table.

The Sub1 cocks with a rope can be uncocked at the push of a button and can shoot heavy arrows with dangerous-game broadheads like this 225-grain Phat Head. These are the sharpest broadheads I’ve ever used.  Check out the Sub1 Models at MissionCrossbows.com

Many shooters transition from compound bows to crossbows for a variety of reasons. Some welcome the horizontal format while others wish they could still use their vertical gear. If you are in this latter camp, check out the Gearhead Tactical X16 as it embraces more elements of vertical archery than any other crossbow.

 “Wow, that bow is light,”

Exclaimed John Salvatore when I handed him the Gearhead crossbow for the first time. We were headed for Africa and John wanted to update his launch capacity. I suggested the X16 for its unique benefits, less weight just one of them.
The bow was topped with a Hawk scope with illuminated reticles, so we headed to my backyard shooting range to test the bow and see how Salvatore liked it.

Unique Features-

Erector sets were the Lego blocks of the late 20th century and if you are a boomer, you will recognize the unique structure of the X16 immediately. This design is the hallmark of the Gearhead brand and their compounds and crossbow have similar construction.

The X16 shoots compound bow arrows that snap into a trigger box and launch through a Whisker Biscuit rest. You read that correctly, this crossbow uses one of the most popular compound rests and shoots regular compound arrows.

In addition, the bow comes standard with a Triggertech trigger which is the best in the industry, in my humble opinion. Trigger function is one of the most critical elements of crossbow accuracy and this premium upgrade makes a difference.

The X16 is a “takedown” crossbow.

The stock and limb sections separate creating two parts that fit securely in a padded case making it one of the best designs for the traveling archer. Salvatore packed his dissembled crossbow in a suitcase along with his hunting clothes and flew one bag to South Africa.

Bumping Penetration 

Due to its unique design, the 75-pound draw weight of the X16 can be cocked with bare hands or a cocking rope. Normally, using a cocking rope provides more consistent accuracy, yet it’s great to know that forgetting your cocking rope doesn’t end the hunt.

The X16 is rated at 330 fps and launches with amazing quietness. Compared to traditional crossbow decibels, the difference is significant. To increase penetration, I wondered if using Easton Axis 5mm shafts would increase penetration as occurs with compound bows.

Although the X16 shoots traditional arrows matched for its 75-pound launch, the shafts must be re-fletched with a greater distance from the nock to access the trigger box. I began testing the Axis arrows and WOW! much greater penetration in my bag target.

To the Hunt

Arriving in camp, after 24 hours of travel, everyone tested their equipment, and the X16 had the advantage of flying in a padded case designed for travel. Salvatore’s first shot was dead on, and no adjustments were necessary.

We hunted with Louwlardus Safaris which is primarily a bowhunting property in South Africa. We watched water holes from well-constructed blinds and hunters used a tripod rest to enhance accuracy when launching through small shooting windows.

John used Rage crossbow heads and Axis arrows, taking three animals with three well-placed shots. I was with him when a mature Nyala bull came to drink. He put the reticle on its shoulder and made a perfect shot.

Three animals with three arrows-

A perfect score. Additionally, one day he forgot his cocking rope, but cocked his bow with his hands and didn’t have to waste the day.  If you are in the market for a new bow, especially if you travel, the Gearhead X16 Tactical deserves a look. It has the accuracy of a crossbow with many traditional archery elements. Check them out at www.gearheadarchery.com

This past spring during my annual physical I got some unexpected news – I had a blockage in one of the arteries in my heart.   Worse yet, it was the one referred to as the “Widow maker”.  The Bad news is with the widow maker you have no symptoms and then you have the “Big one”. 

Obviously I had no choice but to have surgery and see if the situation could be corrected with a stent or stents.  The quickest I could get the procedure scheduled was six weeks away.  A couple of physician friends said I should literally do nothing until the procedure was performed.  I spent the time reading, watching videos on trapping (my latest bad habit) and catching some TV shows.   I was so concerned that I didn’t even shoot my bow in that time period. 

Now the good news.  The procedure was performed and two stents were needed to correct a 90% blockage, but there was no sign of heart damage.  I was a lucky and thankful guy. 

During this time period, I missed hunting turkeys on our Missouri farm.  I was fine with that since with the correction hopefully there will be more turkey seasons in my future. 

I had planned to field test a Barnett crossbow during turkey season but that would have to wait until the fall season.  

I’ve read and heard the debates over the crossbow and whether it should be allowed in the archery hunting season.  I figured this would be a good way to develop my own opinion based on my personal usage. 

A long time archer I know switched to a crossbow after an accident made it difficult to shoot a traditional bow.  He suggested I try the reverse limb style crossbow.  He stated the balance of the reverse limb was better since the weight of the weapon was moved back closer to your body and that’s why I chose the Barnett crossbow.

BARNETT BUCK COMMANDER REVENGEANCE CROSSBOW

The Revengeance is a reverse limb crossbow.  It seems all crossbows are heavy compared to a compound and this one was no exception.  It weighed 8.4 pounds.  I found a carrying sling solved the problem and made the weight less of a factor than I had feared.  Shooting sticks provided stability in practicing and hunting. 

The draw weight is 145 pounds and the bow comes with a rope cocking device.  I decided to have a crank cocking device installed and really liked this addition. 

It has a tremendous amount of kinetic energy (135 foot pounds) and the bolt speed is advertised to be 400 fps.  I didn’t shoot it through my chronograph but I can tell you it’s plenty fast. 

The reverse limbs measure 18” axle to axle in the cocked position.  I found this made it a lot easier to maneuver in a blind. 

Barnett has done a lot to make their crossbows safe to operate.  The Revengeance has a folding vertical foregrip.  I had heard a lot of stories about people getting excited and putting their thumb in the path of the shooting string.  This foregrip eliminates that possibility and added to the comfort of holding the crossbow.

The bolts are held in place by a floating bristle retainer.  This seems to be very durable and not as fragile as some of the plastic retainers I’ve seen. 

Unless bolts are properly installed touching the anti-dry fire trigger system, it will not fire.   The trigger system is smooth, has a 3 pound pull and no creep.  From my time with it, I thought the trigger system was impressive and I had no complaints. 

The 4×32 mm illuminated multi reticle scope performed without any problems.  I didn’t hunt under rainy conditions so I can’t attest to it being waterproof.  I did like the illumination in red or green, it made the sights more visible, especially early in the morning or late in the day. The scope is mounted on picatinny rails making it easy to move for the proper eye relief for you.

Accurate – very much so.  I was impressed with the consistency of each bolt I shot.  No fliers or bad grouping.  The accuracy was so good that I didn’t aim at the same bullseye on my target when shooting more than one bolt for fear of destroying a bolt. 

Overall I thought the Revengeance was well-made and well designed.  I was impressed with its accuracy.  Another thing I liked was the bow required no assembly except installation of the scope. 

It comes with a rope cocking device, side mount quiver, two bolts and lubrication wax.  I would recommend that you check it out if you’re in the market for a crossbow.    The MSRP is $999.   You might consider the crank cocking device as an add on, it costs about $125. 

PLANO MANTA CROSSBOW CASE

Of course I needed a crossbow case so I looked around for one that was reasonably priced and durable enough to withstand the abuse of traveling.  I found the Plano case and it fit the bill.  The hard shell case is virtually crush proof.  The tail stock is adjustable up to 11” so it will fit a wide range of crossbows. 

It comes with high density foam to cushion the bow from damage.  A shoulder strap makes carrying the case a lot easier than using the built in handles on the case.  The rigid construction of the case gave me comfort in transporting the Revengeance.   I found it on the internet with prices ranging from $85-100.  For the money, it’s a good buy. 

Although I wasn’t successful in taking a turkey with the crossbow, I did take two nice bucks with it.  I’ll detail that hunt later on Bowhunting.net. 

For more please go to: Roy K. Keefer

For more please go to: Barnett Crossbows, Plano

MORE:

• GO TO: Deer Pictures By Robert Hoague
• Enjoy TEN New Bowhunting Videos Every Day At Bowhunting-Videos.com.
• Visit Bowhunting.net on Facebook.
• Visit Robert Hoague Deer Pictures on Instagram.com.
• Visit Bowhunting.net For Daily News, Bowhunts, Tips on Archery and Bowhunting, Videos, Deer Pictures and lots more for bowhunters.

The answer to the question, “is there a way to un-cock your crossbow without shooting it.” Yes there is, The Ravins Crossbows all new R20 — the same Crank that cocks the crossbow ALSO un-cocks it. Shoots your crossbow bolt a 430fps.

MORE…

• GO TO: Deer Pictures By Robert Hoague-2018
• ALSO, Enjoy TEN New Bowhunting Videos Every Day At Bowhunting-Videos.com.
• Visit Bowhunting.net on Facebook.
• Visit Robert Hoague Deer Pictures on Instagram.com.

        I have been involved in both competitive archery and bowhunting since 1964 and have seen and experimented with many new innovations that have taken archery by storm. I have witnessed arrows from cedar shafts, to fiberglass, to aluminum and eventually carbon, bows transform from straight limb to recurve, to High-Tech compound bows and crossbows. I have seen fletching progress from feathers to plastic vanes and crude, home-made tree stands made from 2×4’s to today’s popular lightweight, portable tree stands and much more.

Throughout my fifty three years in archery, I have been a ‘hands on’ person. I started making my own bowstrings, doing my own bow set-up, making and repairing arrows and more. I began doing these things for myself but before long I was also doing these things for my wife, my two brothers, friends that lived close or I worked with or were members of the local indoor archery club.  I  really enjoyed making arrows.

I have used a variety of arrow fletchers from the old Thompson ‘Barrel’ Fletchers, Jo-Jan Multi-Fletchers, Bitzenburgers, Rhoades, Bohnings, and Arizona’s and a few I can’t remember but was never totally happy with any of them. Some were bulky, slow to work with, a few had too many parts and some of them were too expensive. All were adequate but all lacked something.  I admit, much of it was personal preference but I feel I have finally found what I consider to be the ‘Perfect Arrow Fletcher’.

My good friend, Rich Walton, recently sent me a news release about a new fletcher the Goat Tuff Products company was coming out with. I watched the videos he sent discussing the Goat Tuff GT Arrow Fletcher and was immediately interested. It was small, compact and with it’s new innovative design extremely practical and easy to use. I liked that. It is made of durable plastic material and it is quite easy to store when not in use. Included in the package is the main base with two spring loaded V-blocks, one three fletch indexer, one four fletch indexer and two lockdown clips. (There is also a special nock indexer available for their newest offering this year, the GT Arrow Fletcher for Crossbows.) There is four vane nests for ½ degree, 1 degree and 3 degree. The 1 degree is for fletching up to 4”, the 2 degree is for fletching up to 3.25” and the 3 degree is for fletching up to 2.25” the ½ degree is for fletching up to 4” long.

This little fletcher is quite unique because with most fletchers, the arrow shaft is locked in to position and you move the fletching clamp to the shaft. With the GT Fletcher, the Vane is placed into the appropriate nest you secure inside the base. Once the adhesive is applied, you simply apply downward pressure to the shaft until the shaft and vane base make contact. Hold for approximately 6 seconds (if using the special Goat-Tuff Fletching Glues) and you are done. Then, you simply rotate the nock indexer to the next position and repeat the process until all Vanes are applied. Every vane, on every shaft is the same, every time due to a feature Goat Tuff President Jerry Smith calls ‘True Contact Design’ (TCD). This unique design concept ensures the shaft and vane mate together completely, consistently and accurately every time for a maximum bond regardless of the helical desired or the shaft size.

There are some great videos available their website and YouTube.com. You will be amazed at how simple the procedure of arrow fletching is and it is also fast and fun. This is by far, the best idea I have ever seen for fletching an arrow. Simple, Fast, Easy to Use, Compact, Easy to Store and Transport and Affordable. If you want to save money, enjoy doing things yourself I highly recommend the GT Arrow Fletcher. And it is now available for standard shafts and their new model for Crossbow arrows.

You will also want to check out some of the other products this innovative company has to offer. Just go to: Goat Tuff Products.  Telephone: 520-742-1701,  Email: goattuff@msn.com.

Sponsored by: Whitetail University, Atsko Products

 

Years ago, my twelve-year-old daughter asked to shoot my TenPoint crossbow. I set her up at 20-yards at my deer target. First shot she scored a perfect double-lung shot. She smiled and asked if I’d take her deer hunting. Of course, I did and she took a big mama doe for the freezer. She made the same double lung shot. She gained confidence with that first shot. Confidence and accuracy go hand in hand.

I’m still shooting the same crossbow brand and just last week I got an idea about testing my TenPoint Eclipse crossbow trigger against match rifle triggers. I love to do the science, so I contacted a friend who builds championship rifles. I knew little about trigger pull and the role it plays in accuracy but that means I learned a lot fast.

It seems that a championship trigger pulls and breaks consistently time after time. Jim Short, my rifle smith explained it like this…He said, “the snap you’re looking for is like breaking a glass rod. You apply force or trigger pull and it breaks at the same force each time. Although that sounds like an easy task to reach, it is not.

A trigger works like this. Two surfaces are pulled across one another and the surfaces slide under pressure. The surfaces are called sear faces. When they bypass each other, the trigger is released and the rifle or crossbow fires. The trick is to get perfectly smooth sear surfaces. Custom trigger assemblies come with this smooth surface but if you want to build great trigger a rifle smith works the surface sears until they are as smooth as a babies’ aaa…ankle.

The top competition shooters in the world know this fact and employ expert rifle smiths to work up their triggers. A sniper trigger even more consistent. Dave showed me a lot of rifles he’s worked on and a wall of championship plaques. Short explained that most production rifles have OK but inconsistent trigger pulls. We used a digital gauge to index them.

I was really impressed when we tested two of his personal rifles, a Remington Guide rifle and a vintage model 700 Remington. Jim had worked on them and they were both very consistent. Then we put the trigger pull gage on my TenPoint Crossbow. It stood up quite well to triggers worked on by a champion rifle smith.

How and why, I had to ask? Well, TenPoint uses a High-end engineering strategy to make their trigger surfaces. It’s called MIM technology. MIM manufacturing is only used in parts that require perfect aerospace tolerances. It stands for metal injected molding. This process merges plastic injection molding and powdered metallurgy. MIM allows for creative blending of metals such as titanium and polymers. The result is trigger sears as smooth as glass.

That was the magic in TenPoint’s consistent trigger pull. It is right up there with competition triggers relied on by champions. If accuracy is a non-negotiable part of your hunt, then you may want to have a TenPoint crossbow trigger pulling for you.

For more please go to: TenPoint Crossbows

Sponsored by: Whitetail University, Atsko Products 

For more please go to:  Wade Nolan and Scent Control

Sponsored by: Whitetail University, Atsko Products

 

Hanging on the wall of my buddy’s log cabin was a TenPoint crossbow. It was cocked but unloaded. I asked him why his bow was cocked and he said that he often left it cocked for two and three days at a time. He said it would shoot just as accurately after being cocked for days, as not.

 I challenged him on the safety of having it cocked on the wall and eventually convinced him to unload it with a practice arrow after each hunt. Although I’ve changed his mind about the safety side of the argument I ‘ve always wondered if limbs, under full cock pressure wouldn’t cause some loss in accuracy. After all, aren’t the limbs likely to have a memory of being bent and holding over 100-foot pounds of stored energy?

I have a science background, so this question has bothered me for years. I recently decided to do the science and learn the answer. Here is what I learned.

I love to arrow whitetails so I devised a plan to simulate a real October hunt. I’d shoot an arrow right after cocking the bow at 7 AM then cock the bow and wait until last light 12-hours later and shoot at the same dot.

To make it easier to observe I set the shot up at 50 yards so the arrow would have a lot of room to drop.

In that my new TenPoint Eclipse crossbow would shoot robinhoods and ruin ten-dollar arrows as fast as I could buy them I decided on shooting an open dot and filming it early in the morning.

I did this and placed an arrow dead center in the target. I immediately cocked the bow and set it on my workbench until last light at 7PM. I fully expected a two-three inch drop straight down from the morning shot. Zap! That arrow hit in the exact place where my morning shot landed…dead center.

Step 1- As expected our morning shot was dead on. It served as our control shot.

How did that happen? How could limbs that were at full cock and under crazy pressure still hit in the exact spot at 50 yards, twelve hours later?

Step 2.- I had to re-shape my thinking once I observed the arrow dig into the center of the dot. The accuracy under pressure was dead-on.

The answer is engineering. TenPoint has been making the industry’s most accurate bows for over a decade. The secret is synergy. TenPoint’s split limbs are made to the highest standards demanded by TenPoint engineers. Couple limb performance with an absolutely straight ACURA-ANGLE barrel and a crisp trigger and you have a formula for accuracy. 

When all the marketing smoke clears in the rapidly expanding crossbow market one thing will always separate the best from the rest. That factor is accuracy. Really it is the only variable that counts.

For more please visit: TenPoint Crossbows.

The Multi Weapon Crossbow Pack by In Sights Hunting is the newest and most innovative pack in the MWP series. Featuring the Realtree Xtra camo pattern, it features a single-weapon compartment capable of carrying and protecting most crossbows and rifles on the market.

All your hunting gear can be packed and organized in five spacious cargo compartments totaling 1985 cubic inches of storage.

The MWP Crossbow Pack comes equipped with a removable compression-molded outer storage shell that protects optics during transport. The storage shell comes equipped with a universal stand attachment strap allowing you to attach the shell to the rail of your stand keeping your gear within easy access while hunting. An adjustable butt stock sling allows you to adjust the pack to carry even the largest of crossbows and rifles comfortably on your hunt.

The MWP Crossbow Pack is designed with padded back and hip panels, along with a cool-fit-vented frame suspension system that pushes the weapon’s buttstock and trigger guard away from your lower back, making it supremely comfortable. In Sights Hunting guarantees you will have the best multi weapon pack on your hunt with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and an option allowing you to safely carry your crossbow or rifle leaving your hands free to drag out that big buck after a successful hunt!

For more please go to: In Sights Hunting

When it comes to hunting with a crossbow, there’s no substitute for speed … as long as comfort, accuracy and shootability are not sacrificed in the process. Recognizing this, Carbon Express set its sight on creating a crossbow that produced incredible speed without sacrificing performance. The result? The birth of the PileDriver® 390 crossbow – which is being packaged with a free Quiet Crank rope cocker.

As indicated by the name, the PileDriver 390 unleashes bolts at a screaming 390 feet per second, with an adjustable foregrip and an adjustable buttstock to create the perfect fit for nearly any shooter. Other high-end features Carbon Express crossbows have become known for, such as Anti-Dry-Fire technology and an extremely lightweight overall design, are built in throughout the PileDriver 390.

Built with dedication and stringent standards, the PileDriver 390 has been engineered to capture Carbon Express’ extensive knowledge of arrow flight, featuring state-of-the-art performance compression molded limbs, premium alloy cams, and tunable synthetic strings and cables. To maximize the shooting experience, every crossbow trigger is rigorously tested before it leaves the manufacturing facility.

The PileDriver 390 is available in a ready-to-hunt package that includes: rope cocker, quick-detach 3-arrow quiver, 3 PileDriver 20-inch crossbolts, rail lubricant, 3 practice points and a 4X32mm scope.

Highlighted Features and Specifications:

• Speed: 390 fps
• Draw Weight: 185 pounds
• Weight: 7.2 pounds
• Width: 18.5 inches un-cocked, 14.5 inches cocked
• Power stroke: 13.5 inches
• Length: 35.5 to 37.5 inches
• Length of pull: 15¼ to 17¼ inches

• Lightweight, compact slim-line stock design
• Adjustable buttstock for a custom fit
• Step through foot stirrup
• Multi-position foregrip
• Aluminum rail for repeatable accuracy
• Anti-Dry-Fire technology
• Durable compression-molded limbs
• FREE Quiet Crank Cocker included ($100 value)
• Ready To Hunt Kit includes three bolts, quiver, rope cocker, 4X32mm scope, lube and three field points

MSRP for the PileDriver 390 Crossbow: $399.99

 To learn more visit: CarbonExpressCrossbows.com

About Carbon Express:

Carbon Express is committed to consistently delivering innovation to help hunters Shoot Better. Through extensive product lineups of power-packed arrows, arrow accessories, crossbows, crossbolts and accessories, Carbon Express leads the industry in innovation. At Carbon Express, performance is delivered through precision manufacturing processes and proprietary design that produces consistent results, all well above industry standards.

In march I called my good friend Mike Kurr  with 3G Guide Outfitting [ Gobbler Getter Guide Service ] and asked if he had room for me to turkey hunt this year.  He responded, “You bet”.  I was too late for the draw but I could apply for a leftover tag if there were some remaining.  I went online to the  Wisconsin DNR web site and found a tag for zone 4, May 10^th to the 14^th.  I quickly  applied, gave my credit card number and just like that I had a turkey tag.  This was going to be my 4^th trip to the Badger state and I was excited to go again. I have gotten a turkey the first two years but last year due to some medical needs I was only able to hunt one day. So I was hoping for a chance at redemption.

I received my license on-line and started the planning process.  My grandson Reed has gone with me for three years and was eager to go again.  He was also going to hunt this year so he applied for and received a tag. Our plan was to leave 9.00 am Thursday morning so we could be there to hunt that afternoon. 

Thursday came, Reed picked me up and we  made the 2/12 hour drive to Mike’s house. He was waiting in the driveway and motioned for us to follow him so he could take us to our hunting location.  It was a great looking spot, a big, wide open field with hills and valleys and a corner woods jutting out into the middle.  It was  here we set up the Barronett OX 5 Ground Blind. 

We had a good view all around and could see 350 yards to the east.  With everything set, Mike suggested that we not hunt that afternoon as it would be better if we let things rest as turkeys were using the field all day. He suggested it would be better to get out early in the morning and get set up while the turkeys were still on the roost. So we left and checked in at the hotel, had a big dinner, then went to bed early and waited for the 3.00 am alarm.  Reed and I would be hunting alone in the  morning as Mike was guiding two hunters from Ohio.  This was no problem, we had done this before. 

The alarm went off at 3.00am, we got dressed and were ready to go. I still don’t know why I get up so early just for a turkey. I need to find something to hunt that gets up later. This is nuts!  We made a quick stop for coffee and donuts and then it was off to the blind.  Reed drove me out to the blind where we unloaded our gear and then he drove the truck away.  When he came back we set out the decoys, got situated in the blind and sat back and waited for the action to start. 

As the eastern sky started to lighten we could make out dark objects in the field.  But they were just lumps of dirt not turkeys.  We tried calling to see if anything was close but all we heard was gobbling in the distant hills.  After sitting about an hour a hen walked out in the field. 80 yards away. I thought, “Oh Boy”  here they come but I was a bit premature because that was all we saw.  I was thinking that maybe this wasn’t such a great spot when Reed said, turkeys on the hill to our left.  I looked but didn’t see anything. He  kept saying they were coming in. I looked again and all of a sudden a turkey appeared  25 yards away.  Reed had been looking hard to the left and behind us at spot I couldn’t see.  He didn’t say they were on a hill behind us.  But just like that there were three jakes and a tom on us.  I whispered to Reed that I was going to shoot the closest jake and when I shot he should take the tom which was about 40 yards away.

I had my bow up and was just getting ready to shoot when Reed said to wait, his bird was not in position.  After several minutes, well maybe a few seconds,  he gave the okay.  I pick out a spot on the bird and sent the Swhacker tipped arrow on its way.  Just as I shot Reed shot.  His bird dropped right there, my bird flopped several times but I could see the arrow in him and knew it was going nowhere.  Within seconds we had two turkeys down.  Reed was all excited, he kept hugging me and doing the high fives and shouting how great that was,  Everything happened so fast, in about a minute I saw the turkeys, got ready for the shot and we had two birds on the ground. What a thrill. 

I called Mike and told him we had two turkeys down and he said his hunters from Ohio had gotten their birds too. This was really something that the four of us filled out the first morning after only hunting four hours.  Mike came over and took some pictures and did an interview with me for his TV show.

We dressed out the birds, loaded our gear and headed home. I did it, two for two.  One in MN and one in Wis.  Not bad. And both with a bow which made this even more special.  There are more and more turkeys every year so get out there and give it a try.  With not much happening in the spring it’s a great time to get out the bow and start flinging some arrows. 

 Industry leader TenPoint Crossbow Technologies’ introduced its NEW Carbon Phantom RCX.  One of TenPoint’s three new crossbows for 2017, the Carbon Phantom RCX generates maximum efficiency in combining a newly engineered reverse cam bow assembly with a newly engineered stock and carbon fiber barrel combination.“The goal from the outset was to truly push the envelope and create the easiest-to-handle bow with the lightest draw weight that still generates top-end speeds,” said Rick Bednar, TenPoint CEO. “The combination of speed, weight, size, efficiency, and adjustability make the Carbon Phantom RCX the most technologically advanced crossbow we have ever produced.  All indications point to it being the ideal high-end crossbow on the market.”

At the heart of the crossbow’s efficiency is the bow assembly’s new RCX Cam System. Measuring 13.375-inches axle-to-axle when cocked, the bow assembly creates an increased power stroke, at 16-inches, for a crossbow measuring just 35.5-inches long.  In addition, it allows the lightweight 160-pound bow assembly, equipped with 10.5-inch RCX limbs and new Brownell Rhino string and cables, to generate speeds up to 385 feet per second. Its newly designed, machined aluminum riser features Over-the-Top limb pocket and Zytel® Limb Suspension System both separates and isolates the limbs from direct contact with the riser to reduce sound and vibration, as well as pre-installed String Dampening Rods (SDR) that further reduce noise and vibration.             

The Carbon Phantom RCX’s newly engineered ACX (Adjustable Comfort Crossbow) stock is molded from PolyOne OnForce polypropylene and features a one-piece adjustable cheek and butt plate. The butt plate simply slides along a rail and can be secured in any position within a 1-inch range to match the shooter’s length-of-pull. In addition, the stock is equipped with larger, newly designed rubber safety wings that include finger reminders when the shooter’s fore-hand is in the proper position on the fore-grip, further helping to prevent the fore-grip fingers and thumb from moving above the flight deck while shooting the crossbow. A fully enclosed trigger guard provides added safety as well.

Its 19.9-inch wrapped carbon fiber barrel dramatically reduces weight, noise, and vibration. It is equipped with a 4 ½-inch bullpup version of the company’s 3 ½-lb. auto-engaging safety trigger housed in a lightweight machined aluminum trigger box. Like all TenPoint models, the trigger assembly is equipped with a DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor). Its weaver-style dovetail is fitted with a nylon-filament arrow retention brush that improves arrow grip and alignment to further reduce noise and vibration.                                                                               

Assembled, the Carbon Phantom RCX weighs 6.9-pounds, measures only 35.5-inches long, and shoots a blistering 385 feet per second.

Equipped with the patented ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50, and illuminated RangeMaster Pro Scope, the Carbon Phantom RCX is double-dip fluid imaged in Mossy Oak Break-Up® Country camo.

The model sells only as a complete package that includes the cocking mechanism, scope, six Pro Elite carbon arrows, String Dampening Rods (SDR), and a quiver.

Carbon Phantom RCX MSRP: $1,699 with ACUdraw 50 or $1,799 with ACUdraw.

For more please go to: TenPoint Crossbow Technologies : 100% USA owned, operated, and all its crossbow models are manufactured in Mogadore, OH.

This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we may receive a small commission from your purchase – click to view our Affiliate Disclosure.

I attended this year’s Industry Day at the Range for the 2017 SHOT Show at the Boulder City Rifle and Pistol Club just outside of Las Vegas. This was my first time to participate, and I was looking forward to getting my hands on as many bows and firearms as I could. Unfortunately, most of the bows were previewed at the ATA Show the week before in Indianapolis and didn’t make an appearance, but the one that did really stood out.

The first thing I noticed about the Ravin Crossbow was its unusual shape. As a crossbow shooter myself, I am used to much wider limbs and an overall bulkier frame. When un-cocked, the Ravin has an axle to axle width of 10.5 inches, and when it is cocked, it’s narrow frame contracts down to a mere 6 inches. Weighing in at just under 7 pounds, I wondered if its power would be a direct reflection of its size.

I drove my Action Track Chair up to the table, adjusted my shooting sticks and listened as the rep explained the crossbow’s operation.  There were two models, and I would be shooting the R9. Along with its compact design, the Ravin sports a HeliCoil system. The cables coil away from both the top and bottom of the cams in helical grooves, keeping the cams balanced perfectly. This improves the speed and accuracy of the bow.

The Ravin uses a Frictionless Flight System, which allows the arrow and string to float freely above the rail. This reduces friction for increased string and cable life and consistent accuracy. The Trac-Trigger Firing System slides forward and attaches directly to the center of the string.

After I understood the system, it was time to shoot the crossbow and test its accuracy and ease of use. Attaching the cable to the string was simple enough and the crank was smooth with a ten pound draw. The Versa Draw cocking system crank is ambidextrous and allows the user to both cock and un-cock the string. Before removing the safety, which automatically moves in the safe position once the crossbow is fully cocked, I looked through the scope to visualize my target and familiarize myself with the scope.

There were multiple Block targets set up at varying distances, and I assumed with its small size, I would be aiming for something in the 40 yard range. I was surprised when the rep told me to focus on a target at 100 yards down range. I let the rep know that I would be zeroing in on the middle circle on the target. I switched off the safety and started to squeeze the trigger. It was much lighter than I was expecting and the arrow flew at 390 fps before thunking into the Block. I was surprised to see the vanes sticking out about 2 inches left of the bull’s eye. I sat back with a grin and began the process of preparing another arrow. Knowing the light trigger, I again looked down the scope at the center circle on the 100 yard block. I lined up on the proper yardage, steadied my breathing and let the arrow fly. Dead center of the bull’s eye at 100 yards.

The Ravin Crossbow may be small but it is mighty. Without the wide limbs, this lightweight bow could be a definite contender for someone who struggles with maneuvering a heavier, wider crossbow. The slim design rests easily on a bipod and the cocking mechanism was simple to use with limited hand and/or arm strength. The webbed guard keeps fingers away from the cable and the safety and trigger are smooth to operate. Right after I shot the Ravin, my friend Chad took a turn.

Chad is paralyzed at the C7 level which means his sensation stops at his mid-chest. He uses a trigger device on his finger and had this to say about the Ravin. “My first time shooting the Ravin was my first time shooting long distance with a bow and it was fast, quiet and on target.  Can’t ask for more than that!”

Suggested retail for the Ravin R9 is $1549.99 – which includes the crossbow and six arrows, the cocking handle, a quiver mounting bracket, six 100 grain field points, scope and a sling mount.

Check out the Ravin Crossbows Predator Crossbow Package on Amazon for current pricing, more reviews and additional information or go to ravincrossbows.com.

More articles by The Disabled Archer on BHN.

Part of Realtree’s newly expanded EZ Hanger Line, the EZ Hanger Crossbowallows you to hang your crossbow safely within reach, while keeping movement to a minimum. Just screw it into the tree. The additional EZ Hook secures the bottom of the hanger, while providing you an area to hang your binoculars, gloves or other accessories.

Realtree has expanded its exceptionally popular Realtree EZ Hanger Line to include exciting new offerings designed to make time in the stand a bit more convenient.

Visit your local retailer to purchase this great new product.

Remember when crossbows were front-heavy, hard to draw and as loud as your mother in law? Wait … most of them still are. But not the Vengeance 2! This amazing new crossbow from Barnett is redefining how crossbows look, feel and, most important, how they shoot.

One look at the Vengeance 2 is all it takes to realize this is a different kind of crossbow. For starters, the limbs face backward. This reverse-draw technology is the heart of what makes the Vengeance 2 so special. Not only is reverse-draw more efficient, it also places the heaviest part of the limb system closer to the shooter for an incredibly comfortable hold. No longer does a crossbow have to feel like you’re trying to shoulder the anchor of the RMS Titanic.

Efficiency is another big advantage of the Vengeance 2. Today’s crossbows are getting faster, but they’re also getting harder to draw. The Vengeance 2 is the exception, generating a whopping 380 fps arrow speed from a light 145-pound draw weight.

Reverse draw technology isn’t the only thing that sets the Vengeance 2 apart. Barnett has engineered in several company-exclusive technologies like their Custom Composite Laminated Limbs for strength and durability. Their patented Carbon Riser Technology cuts riser weight by 43 percent, and the Crosswire® String and Cable System helps drive the bow’s 128 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. Barnett’s patent-pending Bristle Retainer keeps arrows secure in the rail without the risk of bending while walking through brush or being hoisted up to a treestand.

Comfort features include an adjustable front pistol grip that virtually eliminates the risk of thumb injury, and a creep-free, anti-dry-fire precision Trigger Tech trigger. A CNC-machined 7/8-inch Picatinny rail above the riser provides a rock-solid mount for the included Premium Illuminated Scope. Finally, the side-mounted, quick-detach quiver keeps arrows tucked neatly along the stock for snag-free transport in the field.

The Barnett Vengeance 2 is available in Black or Mossy Oak® Treestand® camouflage and is sold through retailers as a complete package including the crossbow, a quick-detach quiver, three 20″ Headhunter arrows, a rope cocking device and a Premium Illuminated Scope.

Barnett VENGEANCE 2 Features:

• Reverse Draw Technology
• Bristle Retainer (patent pending)
• CNC Machined 7/8″ Picatinny Rail
• Adjustable Pistol Grip
• CNC Machined Flight Track
• Patented Carbon Riser Technology (43% less weight)
• Custom Composite Laminated Limbs
• Finger Reminders and Pass-Through Foregrip
• Crosswire® String and Cable System
• 18″ Axle to Axle

To learn more, please visit www.barnettcrossbows.com.

There was a time not too many years ago when crossbow hunting was restricted to those individuals who had a physical handicap that prevented them from being able to draw a compound or traditional bow. However, most U.S. states have now opened crossbow hunting to any archer who cares to take up the challenge. Consequently, both crossbow manufacturers and crossbow models have proliferated in recent years as more and more archers decide to enter the sport. However, many hunters wonder what could possibly possess an archer to choose to hunt with a crossbow instead of a compound or traditional bow? After all, crossbows are significantly heavier and far more ungainly to transport than any of the other types of bows. The fact is, crossbows do have significant advantages over the other types of bows such as they can be mastered by most any archer in a very short length of time whereas, mastering a compound, recurve, or long bow can take months or even years of practice.

One of the most important features that attracts archers to a crossbow is that once the string is drawn to a given point, it is then locked in place by the trigger mechanism and the bow is held at full draw without requiring any additional physical effort from the archer. Then, an arrow can be placed on the rail where it too is held in place by a leaf spring and when ready to fire, the archer can focus their full attention on keeping the sight steady on the target and squeezing the trigger without having to fight to hold the bow at full draw and maintain a steady aim at the same time. Consequently, because the crossbow hunter is not required to physically hold the bow at full draw themselves, they can instead concentrate on precise arrow placement and thus, hunters who shoot a crossbow are often significantly more accurate and more successful than the average compound or traditional archer.

While archers using standard types of bows are usually limited to fiber optic sight pins or crosshairs at best, there are numerous manufacturers on the market who make scopes specifically designed for use with a crossbow. Therefore, in addition to the bow being held at full draw by the trigger mechanism, the crossbow hunter can have the same, highly magnified, sight picture that the rifle hunter experiences combined with a reticle specifically designed with crossbow arrows in mind that enables the archer to place their arrow precisely where they want it at any distance within their range, which on the Crossbow Ballistic Calculator best modern crossbows is well over 50 yards in the hands of a capable shooter, assuming a speed of 300 FPS or more at the muzzle (use the linked calculator to experiment).

On the other hand, shooting a crossbow does have its disadvantages. Because a crossbow essentially consists of a miniature recurve or compound bow mounted on the end of a stock, they require more materials to construct which makes them somewhat heavier, bulkier and more awkward to transport than any of the other types of bows.  Furthermore, because the bow is mounted on the front end of the bow stock, crossbows are front heavy making it a bit difficult to maintain a steady aim. In an effort to produce lighter crossbows, some manufacturers are now using ultra-light materials such as carbon fiber for their bow stocks and bow risers combined with lightweight, quad, bow limb designs but, such materials are not cheap and thus, neither are the crossbows made from them.

In addition, in an effort to make the crossbow less front heavy as well as somewhat less bulky, some manufacturers have designed something called a reverse draw crossbow where the bow’s riser has been flipped over and then repositioned near the rear of the bow stock just forward of the trigger such that the belly of the bow faces forward instead of back. Plus, manufacturers have also radically repositioned the limbs on these ‘reverse’ crossbows so they are nearly parallel to the sides of the bow stock when the bow is drawn which significantly reduces their width and improves the center of gravity. However, even though this bow design is drawn in reverse, the bow’s string is still drawn front to back along the rail and held in place in the traditional position at the back of the bow stock and thus, the arrow is still fired in the traditional manor by pulling the trigger. Consequently, this type of crossbow not only has significantly better balance than the traditional design, it also tends to be somewhat less bulky and thus, it goes a long way toward alleviating the two main problems associated with standard crossbow design.

So, if you are one of those people who is fascinated with the idea of harvesting your favorite game species with a bow and arrow as well as having a significantly extended hunting season then a crossbow may very well be the perfect answer for you.  Even though a crossbow is easier than other types of bows to become proficient with, you will still need to practice regularly to lean to accurately gauge yardage and to learn your arrow’s flight path. Fortunately, part of the fun of owning a crossbow is that when you are not actively hunting, you can hone your skills in your backyard by target shooting. As such, when you consider the ease of operation combined with the pinpoint accuracy that can be achieved with a crossbow, it is no wonder that so many new archers are choosing it.

For more please go to: www.bestrecurvebowguide.com.