Crossbow for beginner?

[Punisher84]

Looking at getting a decent entry level crossbow to start hunting with and was wondering if anyone else here used one and had any info/tips on them.

[DaveS]

I purchased a Horton Yukon 3 years ago, and still use it today. It is 150lb draw weight, rugged built and nice to shoot. If I was to "do it all over again", I would get one with a built in cranking device for cocking. Cocking the crossbow while in a ground blind and/or a ladder stand works like a champ. However, while in my climbing stand (Summit Viper), recocking the crossbow is nearly impossible because of the need to use your foot in the cocking process. My Horton is topped with a Tasco 4x32 rifle scope. She's sighted in at 50 yards, and shoot 22 inch carbon express bolts at 280 fps..Tipped with 100 grain mechanical broadheads, my horton is a very capable "game getter". Squirrel, turkey, deer and pigs have all been taken with tremendous ease. Depending how much you want to spend, the selection is non-ending. I would like to offer one piece of advice though. When choosing a crossbow, read the "customer reviews". I was looking at upgrading to a newer crossbow, and when I read the customer reveiws, I backed out. Very difficult to cock without a cocking device (100+ dollars), customer service not returning calls and/or not answering the phone at all. After the sale service was non-existent. That is all part of it. I hope this helps you out.

[Punisher84]

Thank ya sir that's pretty much exactly what I was looking for! I've been checking out the Horton brand mainly since they are in my price range.

[kb4ns]

The Parker Bushwhacker is worth a look as well from what I've heard. Usually runs around $300 ($350 with an optic).

Or you could get a real bow.

Just kidding man. I've been thinking about picking up a good crossbow myself.

[McAllyn]

If you're just getting started, hit up Craigslist. Crossbows seem to have poor resale compared to standard compound bows. You should be able to have one in hand for about $100, shoot it, and figure out what you like and don't like about it.

Mac

[Guest sneakboxer]

If you're just getting started, hit up Craigslist. Crossbows seem to have poor resale compared to standard compound bows. You should be able to have one in hand for about $100, shoot it, and figure out what you like and don't like about it.

Mac

Right after Christmas (when the bill come due) and hunting season is winding down there are alot of hunting items for sale. Just a thought.

You will love hunting with a bow or X-bow if you never have. You will learn more about deer in one season than a lifetime of gun hunting too.

Edited November 14, 2010 by sneakboxer
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[DaveS]

Let me just say, that if you are after a "Used" crossbow, ask to take it to a bow shop and have the limbs checked. A friend got stung with one that turned out to have a hairline crack in the limb.