I was wondering if any of you use a crossbow? With the shoulder surgeries I've had I've been thinking of trying one. Kentucky has opened up some on the crossbow season so there are more opportunities to use one. I know nothing about them so I'm not trying to start a flame war between the longbow, compound bow and crossbow guys. Just trying to find out the pro's and con's of using one and what to look out for. :wo:
The crossbow is harder to pull but you get to use both hands and a foot to pull and lock it
I went to using a cross bow after I broke my elbow because I couldn't hold a compound steady last year was the first time I used a compound in 10 years
With a crossbow you don't have to worry about getting full draw and holding it till the deer presents itself for the shot
Some folks up here call a cross bow a string rifle cause you lock and load then point and shoot
a cross bow has the recoil of a .22 rifle so that shouldn't bother your shoulder any at all
Hope this helps
I use one here in PA in the Special Regulations area. I bought a Excalibur Exocet two years back and absolutely love it! It's taken over twenty deer in the past two years. It's a 200Lb draw weight. But it uses a cocking rope (the rope has small pulleys that work in conjunction with leverage) that makes it very easy to cock. -It uses your back muscles verses your arm muscles. On mine, you sight the scope crosshair in a 20 yards. -And the subsequent "hash marks" in the scope are automatically sighted in for 30, 40, and 50 yards. The Excalibur is scarey accurate. I will not shoot at the same point of aim at 30 yards out of fear of splitting my bolt! For me personally deer hunting, I limit myself to shots under 40 yards.
The first year I got mine, I lent it to a friend and his nine year old daughter. She shot her first buck with it the very next morning. A fat 6pt taken with one shot at 30 yards. My friend (and a bunch of other friends) all bought Excaliburs the next year. I can't say enough about them. Best money I ever spent!
Dave
I use a Horton & Dave is dead on with it's accuracy. WOW!! That thing will split bolts quick!! :yoyo: They have several cocking devices on them to make it easier. The system Dave uses I think eases the draw weight by 50% IF I remember correctly. There are other types that use a crank handle & you just crank til it's cocked.
The Horton bows,, or at least mine has to have the safety in the Fire position when being cocked or it won't engage the string. Keep the string waxed & the rails lubed with the proper lube.
I use a mechanical broadhead & they have always worked flawlessly for me. I've also found that they shoot close enough to the POI of my practice tips that it's a matter of shooting one or two broadheads at the target & I'm ready to hunt. Diane will use it again this fall for her 1st deer. HTH
Thanks for the replys. Another question: Is there any significant advantage to a particular draw weight? In other words, is a 200lb draw weight better or worse than, say, a 150lb draw weight? Is there a minimum weight for hunting?
Semp,
Chips my next door neighbor, and hunting buddy bought a Excalibur Vixen 150Lb draw weight crossbow a few years back. He's gonna turn 80 years old, and had bypass surgery done a few years earlier. Anyway, he got the crossbow so he could still hunt archery. He has no problem cocking it with the rope aid. It's a pretty fast crossbow. Those bolts really zip out of there. Compared to my 200Lber there's only a very slight difference. Mine is shooting 330 Fps vs his at 275 fps. The difference is in the flatness of the trajectory as you exceed 20 yards. The Excalibur's scopes are set by a "fps" ring on the scope that automatically compensates the internal hash marks for the ranges over 20 yards (30, 40, 50yards). You just have to sight it in at 20 yards, then set the Fps ring to whatever velocity your crossbow is rated at.
Here in PA the draw weight minimum is 125 Lbs, and the maximum "was" 200 Lbs. -They changed it this year to unlimited maximum draw weight. -I've only seen a 225 Lber (Excalibur ExoMax). The best thing for you to do is to go to a "archery shop" and test fire a few, at the different draw weights to see what you are comfortable loading? I'd personally go with the most Lb's you can handle.
Dave
Check out the following link for a starter.
http://excaliburcrossbow.com/demo/listings.php?category_id=47
Thanks, Dave.
I have also found some good info on the Ky Hunting site. I'll check out that Excalibur link too.
Ahhh, I like 'em! :biggrin:
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/vvarmitr/deer004.jpg)
BTW You can get scope eye from 'em. If you'll notice the the red spot I have between the eyes. :doh2:
I like X-bows cause they are more like rifles, trigger, stock, & scope, w/ the limited range of an arrow.
Semp.... I've killed whitetails & wild boar with a #150 Parker compound type crossbow. So.... with this type of crossbow... I honestly dont see much need for more draw weight for hunting in Kentucky . Most of the hype on increased draw weights is really just increasing speed... which tranlates to the arrow being stuck in the ground a little deeper after a pass through. Mine shoots around 320fps.... plenty fast. More weight ....more speed .... more wear & tear on the strings & cables...increased noise ..ect.
The only real exception is when your discussing recurve type crossbows....like Excaliber. You will notice on this type most of their models minimum draw weights will begin at 175# or higher. The higher draw weights again relate to speed... more poundage is necessary. A 175# recurve crossbow.... is very comparable performance wise to the 150# compound crossbow.
Other pros & cons...
Recurves pros.... change string without press, overall easy to maintain....one string..no cables ,wheels or cams.
Recurve cons..... overall width ..tip to tip wider than compound type which does create issues with blinds more than treestands.
Compound pros.... more speed at lower draw weights, Narrow limb profile.... blind & treestand friendly.
Compound cons..... need press to change string, more maintenance.
In my opinion ...its a toss up.
Excaliber, Ten-Point, Parker , Horton.... all good hunting crossbows.
The only difference in draw weights, performance wise, is how far the bolt is going to go after it passes thru the deer, I draw my 150lber by hand, any more than that and a cocking device would prolly be needed...jsb
Semp-- The 1st thing you need to do when you pick one up at the store is pay very close attention to where your thumb & fingers are on the fore end. Most cross bows have a finger groove running up both sides of the fore end. If you get any fingers or your thumb too far above that groove the string will rip them real good. It will be something that only happens once tho. :laf:
I prefer a peep site & pin too. There is no mechanical failures & you only need one pin. The peep mount on Hortons have a dial that raises the peep 10yds for each click. Mine works perfect at 10 & 20yds. At 30yds I hit the bottom of the 3" circle on my target. Still a dead deer. I have no idea where 40yds hits tho.
Diane & I can put up a little video or some pics of what I mentioned.
Here you go Semp.
OUCH!! SUMANA,,,, :argh:
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee217/BrightwoodTurnings/hunting%20photos/parkers033.jpg)
:biggrin: :yoyo:
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee217/BrightwoodTurnings/hunting%20photos/parkers034.jpg)
This is my 20yd setting. I usually set down & range a couple trees & leave it on 2. I aim a little low for the closer shots & a little high out to 30yds if I don't have time to adjust it.
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee217/BrightwoodTurnings/hunting%20photos/parkers035.jpg)
Thanks for the pics. I see what you mean about watching where you place your fingers. :eyebrownod: Sort of like placing your weak hand thumb on top of your strong hand and behind the slide on a semi-automatic pistol. Ouch! :laf:
Yep!!! :laf: :laf:
:whew: After I posted that I was really hoping you didn't think I was talking down to you. Which I wasn't. I just didn't want to read about your fingers or thumb getting lopped off. Especially since I know 1st hand how easily that could happen to a fella. :wink:
Quote from: HaMeR on September 06, 2009, 09:49:23 PM
:whew: After I posted that I was really hoping you didn't think I was talking down to you.
Talk down? :confused: Naw, I needs ALL the help I can get! :eyebrownod:
I started to say "Talk down, naw, you are one of the guys I look UP to, Glen." But then you'd know I was BSing ya for sure. :roflmao:
:laf: :laf: Well then it looks like ANOTHER quality post from HaMeR!! :yoyo:
Been awhile since I had one of those ya know. :wink:
Quality? :wo: I think Semp was just being nice :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
:sad3: Leave me alone!! It WAS a good post dammit!! :sad3:
:laf: :laf:
Semp,
Glen has covered things very well. I have the Horton @150# and really like it. I visited Horton http://www.crossbow.com/customer and then gave them a call to see if my ideas were right. Everything that I read said that the 150 would take care of deer with no problems and that is what I was looking to use it for. All three of the deer that I have shot with it have passed through the chest cavity and turned the lungs to jello. One dropped right where I shot it and the other two ran about 30 yards. I had a red dot sight on mine - it has three dots for the different distances, but bought a scope for this year. The red dot was fine, but I think the scope will work better for me in the last two minutes of the hunting hours. The red dot worked fine, but seeing the deer was where I was having the (very slight) problem. I "think" the scope will take care of this problem. There are some used crossbows that can be found, but you need to check the strings to make sure they haven't started to go. You really need a press to replace the string. I have the cocking string and it not only makes it easier to cock, but also allows you to keep the string straight. From what I have heard, you can pull the string off center which will cause erratic flight. I have not had the problem and haven't even tried to do it, so it could be an old wife's tale. I put a couple of marks on the string when it was not cocked (used a magic marker) and then use the cocker and keep the lines along both sides of the rail. It is fun.
Jerry
Quote from: HuntnCarve on September 05, 2009, 07:27:00 AM
I use one here in PA in the Special Regulations area. I bought a Excalibur Exocet two years back and absolutely love it! It's taken over twenty deer in the past two years. It's a 200Lb draw weight. But it uses a cocking rope (the rope has small pulleys that work in conjunction with leverage) that makes it very easy to cock. -It uses your back muscles verses your arm muscles. On mine, you sight the scope crosshair in a 20 yards. -And the subsequent "hash marks" in the scope are automatically sighted in for 30, 40, and 50 yards. The Excalibur is scarey accurate. I will not shoot at the same point of aim at 30 yards out of fear of splitting my bolt! For me personally deer hunting, I limit myself to shots under 40 yards.
The first year I got mine, I lent it to a friend and his nine year old daughter. She shot her first buck with it the very next morning. A fat 6pt taken with one shot at 30 yards. My friend (and a bunch of other friends) all bought Excaliburs the next year. I can't say enough about them. Best money I ever spent!
Dave
My oldest son also 2 years back picked a bow like yours. He killed a doe at 60 yards, dropped her in her tracks ! 3 Years ago , a member of our club almost shot his left thumb off using a crossbow. He had his thumb sticking up above the rail the string follows down. Ouch.........
Quote from: Hawks Feather on September 07, 2009, 10:09:58 AM
I have the cocking string and it not only makes it easier to cock, but also allows you to keep the string straight. From what I have heard, you can pull the string off center which will cause erratic flight. I have not had the problem and haven't even tried to do it, so it could be an old wife's tale. I put a couple of marks on the string when it was not cocked (used a magic marker) and then use the cocker and keep the lines along both sides of the rail. It is fun.
X2 on the rope cocking aid.
Just like regular bows where you strive for consistent anchor.....the use of a rope cocker allows you to position the string at the same place every time. I also have marked the string on each side of the rail with a marker for quick identification. The rope device usualy has pulleys which serve two purposes.... to align the string properly and reduce the felt draw weight by 50%.
This is a simple $25 device that will allow you to maintain good accuracy. I ususally just roll mine up and carry it in my jacket pocket....not a big deal to carry.
I bowhunt & crossbow hunt.... love using both . I've bowhunted for about 30 years and there was a spell of about three years I only crossbow hunted due to an injury. Last season was the first in awhile that I got back to using my compound bow again but as long as theres a crossbow season.... I'll use one when I can. I enjoy hunting with one very much... just takes a little while to get use to.
Heres a few pics of critters I've harvested with a 150# Parker Terminator..... again plenty of punch for just about any critter you may hunt. Every single one of these were pass throughs.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/JDMiller1967/100_1068.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/JDMiller1967/JamieDeer.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/JDMiller1967/100_0797.jpg)
Yep! you always have to make sure you know where your fingers and thumb are when shooting a crossbow.
Jerry, It is a fact that if the string is cocked off center the bolt will fly off course. We're only talking about a couple of inches, but it still could be enough to throw the shot. Excalibur has a short video where the owners wife shows the results of cocking the crossbow off center. She made marks on the string like you did. Then shoots the crossbow with the string centered, and off center. It shows the difference.
I can cock my 200Lb Exocet without the string aid. Have done it to shoot multiple deer. I just make sure I pull straight back on the string. With the cocking aid, it's very,very consistent.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/HuntnCarve/PhotoofDeer.jpg)
Aboves a triple I got one afternoon two years back hunting on a area where they want the does removed.
JDMiller, a couple of my friend have Parkers and they love them. Bottom line is they all do the job! Taking up crossbow hunting got me back out into the woods in the Autumn. I had given up bowhunting several years back, mainly due to the fact that I could not practice as much as I would have liked. I did not feel confident enough with my bow shooting, and did not want to wound an animal. The first year I was out with the crossbow, I came to realize how much I had missed being in the woods that time of year.
Dave
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/HuntnCarve/ExocetA.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/HuntnCarve/Fortyyardrange.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/HuntnCarve/FortyyardsA.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/HuntnCarve/FortyyardsB.jpg)
Went out this morning and set up the "Block Target" on a stump. Laser ranged 40 yards, and took two shots off a shooting stick with the Excalibur Exocet. Didn't dare attemp another, shot carbon bolts costing what they do!
I never realized they were that accurate, thanks for showing us. For years I was one of them
anti-crossbow guys till I realized it doesnt matter what you use, its all about the hunt and still being able to hunt. I think that came with age, not sure.
Mine will do that out to 30yds as well. These things are,, as said before,, scary accurate.
In regards to the cocking rope & being able to cock the bow straight I'll get some pics of the one I use & show how easy it is to keep things straight. Not sure if it will be today or tomorrow tho.
Quote from: HuntnCarve on September 08, 2009, 12:13:05 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/HuntnCarve/FortyyardsB.jpg)
:readthis: Please note Semp that there are other dots on the block.
Never aim at the same spot twice unless you get your bolts for free. :nofgr: (
Which wouldn't surprise me if Dave does. :rolleye:) I've been told too that it's just as cheap to buy new bolts as it is to refletch them. :madd:
I go w/ the carbon bolts as they are heavier. Ya might say they have a higher Ballistic Coefficient. :eyebrow:
I checked prices on the cocking devices at the bow shop this evening. They were between $30 & $80. Depended on the bow make & if you wanted to pull the string back like mine or buy one of the hand crank styles. Here's a video on mine & how I do it. I kinda doinked it up some but hey,,, it's HaMeR right?? :laf:
My Horton HAS TO BE on Fire when it is cocked. You can hear a very audible click when the string is engaged & the bow shifts over to the Safe position. The only thing I don't like about this device,, & it's a minor detail after 5 years,, is the string always hits the range dial knob on one side or the other & turns it. Once the bow is cocked I need to double check my setting is all.
HTH
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee217/BrightwoodTurnings/hunting%20photos/th_crossbow003.jpg) (http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee217/BrightwoodTurnings/hunting%20photos/?action=view¤t=crossbow003.flv)
thanks for that video, HaMeR. That helped me understand what you guys were talking about on getting the string even while cocking. :yoyo:
Cool. Now go get your bow & get it ready. Deer season is just around the corner Semp. :biggrin:
Hi Semp,
I had to go to a crossbow a couple of years ago for two reasons, not enough time to practice and I just couldn't handle my 70# Hoyt anymore, must be getting old or something. I went with the Excalibur Vortex model, 200# draw weight so that it would be legal to use in Ohio. I use the rope cocking aid (be careful when using in a tree stand), Excalibur carbon bolts, Wasp Boss Broadheads (recommended by Excalibur), Flemish string, and the Excalibur illuminated Scope sight. I love this outfit. I can hit an orange sized target at 50yds. all day long. The bolts chronograph at 232 fps average with only +/- 3fps, if I do my part. This is also the quietest crossbow that I have encountered. One problem that I had was the Illuminated Scope would not mount in the Excalibur rings and give proper eye-relief and binding of the power ring, until I modified the sight base, needed to file off the last two lugs or the rear of the base, they may have corrected this by now.
Good hunting! :yoyo:
Orange sized targets at 50 yards got my attention. Wow! Thanks for that setup info, Silvertip. :yoyo:
Hope to see ya at the LBL next February.
Quote from: Silvertip on September 09, 2009, 11:57:48 PM
Hi Semp,
I had to go to a crossbow a couple of years ago for two reasons, not enough time to practice and I just couldn't handle my 70# Hoyt anymore, must be getting old or something. I went with the Excalibur Vortex model, 200# draw weight so that it would be legal to use in Ohio. I use the rope cocking aid (be careful when using in a tree stand), Excalibur carbon bolts, Wasp Boss Broadheads (recommended by Excalibur), Flemish string, and the Excalibur illuminated Scope sight. I love this outfit. I can hit an orange sized target at 50yds. all day long. The bolts chronograph at 232 fps average with only +/- 3fps, if I do my part. This is also the quietest crossbow that I have encountered. One problem that I had was the Illuminated Scope would not mount in the Excalibur rings and give proper eye-relief and binding of the power ring, until I modified the sight base, needed to file off the last two lugs or the rear of the base, they may have corrected this by now.
Good hunting! :yoyo:
I need typing lessons! The bolt velocity is 332, not 232!
I'm hoping to make it this year,if I can afford it, I've only worked 2 weeks this year.
Hey you ol'Grizz, good to see you! :biggrin:
Sorry you had to work two weeks this year. :sad:
It's been about 3 weeks Semp. You got a new crossbow setting there you don't want us to know about?? :eyebrow:
Nope, not yet. Still looking. I can buy a gun for what they want for one of these crossbows. :doh2: My brother in law passed away this year and he had one. I asked my sister to look around and see if they still have it.
OK. Just wondering if you made a final decision yet. :biggrin:
Heckuva deal for 3 bills Semp. :innocentwhistle:
Then again,,, it aint my $$ either is it?? :nono: :nono:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0039050417383a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=Horton&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=0&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
My sister found my BIL's old crossbow, a Barnett RC-300. I remember when he bought it and that was several years ago. Its like new except for a little dust and light rust from just sitting around. He never did hunt with it. He got to where he couldn't move around much. So it just sat in his garage.
I went to Barnett's website and they had no info on it. I guess it got replaced with a newer model some time back. I put some bow wax on the rail and shot it a couple of times. Its got a peep site and a couple of pins. I hit what I was aiming at so that was a big plus. It is loud but really fast so I think if the deer is in reasonable distance it wouldn't have time to jump the string. I told her I'd try it out for a while and see if I liked it.
Anybody know anything about this model?
I remember those old Barnett quivers well Semp, This could be a lot of that noise you heard as those things were noisy all of the time and the screws would often come loose.
If it concerns you ....Look into a different quiver and see if that quiets it down some. :wink:
Looks like it will get the job done...... :yoyo: :yoyo:
I always remove the quiver when I get on stand. It's just extra weight to hold up & can bump into things when manuevering for a shot. JMHO
In all seriousness I would recommend taking the bow to a dealer & have him check the strings & cables as well as the limbs for any cracks. I see it has the crank cocking device too. That will come in handy as well. Be sure to check the bolts that hold the bow on in the front too.
AND most of all,,,, Happy Hunting & I can't wait to see the pics!!! :biggrin:
If I remember right that is a 4 piece quiver and does not detach without tools......Thats why its so noisy.....I used to have a quiver just like it ........But not for long...... :nono:
The quiver holds 6 arrows. I'll try taking it off and see if that quiets things down a bit. Anyone know the history, draw weight, speed etc of this bow? I sent an email to Barnett so I hope to hear from them.
Its not the same Bow as the one I used to have.......I wish I could help more... :shrug:
Semp,
I use a Vista hip quiver, it holds 7 bolts and the crossbow balances better and no noise. I don't know if this quiver is still available, but you may find another.
Did Barnett get back yet with the info?? :eyebrow:
Quote from: HaMeR on October 06, 2009, 09:30:56 PM
Did Barnett get back yet with the info?? :eyebrow:
Nope. So I ended up calling them. They said the bow was old and they don't support it any longer. Wouldn't give me any info on it. :shrug: They referred me to a guy in Illinois who services all makes of bows. I talked to him about it.
Kinda makes you go :confused: .
I guess it's time you got to slingin bolts at some critters then!! :yoyo:
I had a fair size doe at about 40 yards on Sunday. It was real thick, could only see part of her and the angle wasn't good so I passed up the shot. I went this morning and saw no deer but a boat load of squirrels were running around.
One of em will make the fatal mistake of stepping into a clearing. :eyebrow:
We seen 3 does this evening as we were changing stands. We went right back to where we started as they were headed in that general direction. An hour later some people came in & started cutting firewood & we never seen them after that. :shrug: Oh well.
Here ya go, HaMeR.........
http://finsandfur.net/forums/index.php?topic=9780.new#new
That's what I been waiting to see Semp!!! :yoyo: :yoyo:
I kind of like my Parker Classic... 330+fps @150# compound crossbow, it is a little noisy and the trigger runs about 5lbs but other than that and being heavy it sure shoots good! This was shot at 25yds.
(http://blackdogcalls.com/RobinHoodshot2007web.jpg)
I look like a deer in the headlights! This was in the Fall of 2007.
A Robin Hood sure is hard on arrows. :biggrin: Nice looking rig ya got there. :wink:
Quote from: Nikonut on January 26, 2010, 03:21:14 AM
This was shot at 25 yds.
Well that is one way to get some new arrows. :biggrin: Nice shot.
Jerry
Why would you use an arrow as a target :confused:.
Quote from: pitw on January 26, 2010, 08:18:15 AM
Why would you use an arrow as a target :confused:.
Aim small. Miss small. :eyebrownod: