which crossbow to buy

[my82cam]

Guys, I'm looking at buying a crossbow to do some deer hunting. I'm still going to keep my compound bow, just wanting to add another one to the list of eqt to use. I'm not wanting to spend 700 on a set up, I found a horton cb609 on ebay for 260 plus 15 shipping, which doesn't seem bad at all, just don't want to buy junk. anybody use a good entry level crossbow? any advice would be great. I was thinking about going to bass pro and looking around, but wanting some knowledge before I did.

[Mdunntn]

I have a horton brotherhood, it has a very nice trigger.

Sent from secret underground bunker

[Guest Brent1973]

I have an Excalibur Vortex and LOVE it... I would NOT get anything else.. Just remember, you get what you pay for. I took my first deer last year with it and am counting the days.. Only thing i found is that you don't shoot for the same spot on the target. You will Robin Hood a bolt..

[my82cam]

I found one on sale from midway for 420 plus 11 shipping. It is a horton bone crusher. 320fps, not bad looking at all for an entry level bow or a few steps above entry level. Not in the position to spend 800 on one right now. lol maybe one day, but not right now.

[Guest Riverrat]

I hit craigslist.org mostly sporting goods country wide. Pick out what you want and sit back and read till a deal comes through. I've had lots of items shipped to me using paypal. I've watched ads for 3 to 5 days, if it's still there, I'll drop the price and offer them less for the item.

Example: My 2 grandkids want compound bows. A right hand 20# and up. A left hand 30# and up. I found an ad in west AR for 2 bows in the same ad. The person wanted $100 each. The ad is still alive since Aug. 15th. I sent an email yesterday offering $50 for the pair. We will meet in Little Rock saturday afternoon.

[quietguy]

I am all for you, but I just don't get the "draw" of using a crossbow for hunting, unless you are physically unable to use a bow. They are a lot of fun to shoot and tinker with, but I just don't find them practical for hunting.

Most of the manufacturers have bows that are nearly as fast, or faster, than most crossbows. They are loud, and much more difficult to reload, both of which can be critical in hunting scenarios.

[Mdunntn]

I find hunting in a blind much easier with a crossbow. Plus for some people they are easier to aim than a bow, I love shooting a bow but for hunting the bow I wanted was over twice the price as the crossbow.

Sent from secret underground bunker

[Guest Brent1973]

this will be the 2nd year i have hunted with my Vortex. I am disabled but i would still use a xbow if i was not. You could say the same thing for black powder . Why not just by a rifle? Its all in what you like and want.

[quietguy]

I find hunting in a blind much easier with a crossbow. Plus for some people they are easier to aim than a bow, I love shooting a bow but for hunting the bow I wanted was over twice the price as the crossbow.

Sent from secret underground bunker

Hunting from a blind makes perfect sense.

[quietguy]

Its all in what you like and want.

I agree, and my post was at lot more terse than intended.

Black powder does give you a little extra range during muzzleloader/archery season. The other 50 weeks a year, I am with you.

[Caster]

Horton Scout HD 125

It's good enough for Daryl Dixon.

[Fourtyfive]

I have an Excalibur Exomax , love it.

[Guest Brent1973]

sorry if i came off short but there is a lot of people out there that think hunting with a xbow is a way to cheat with archery. I feel it's not. You still have all the disadvantages of a bow. As for as the question, i LOVE mine, There is a new one (ibex) that is around the $450-$500 range. Excaliburcrossbow.com

Edited September 8, 2012 by Brent1973

[Guest Brent1973]

sorry, i was thinking there is only a week muzzleloader season then gun season?

Edited September 8, 2012 by Brent1973

[DaveS]

Horton Yukon XL here. I love it!

Dave S

[quietguy]

sorry, i was thinking there is only a week muzzleloader season then gun season?

Muzzleloader season is Nov. 3-16th for all three units this year.

[Caster]

Okay, now I'm seriously interested in getting one myself. There are deer right here in town. Hmmmmm.

[Guest Brent1973]

the main reason i got mine was i live in town on 10 acres that has a LOT of deer traffic and can't use a gun. I like it so much i use it on the 50 acres i also hunt.

[Guest Riverrat]

I'm seeing some good crossbows on craigslist for around 150. I have a Horton 250 with cocking cord coming for 175.

[Mdunntn]

Sounds like a sweet deal

Sent from secret underground bunker

[Guest Riverrat]

That deal in Little Rock was a wasted trip. A couple of old bows, orginal Bear whitetails in 50/55 lb. draws. I told the girl to take them to a pawn shop. They may give you enough to buy a pack of smokes for the pair.

If I'm reading the rules right??? I can hunt all seasons with a crossbow. I may need to move fish faster so I'll have space in the cooler for meat. Anyone tried smoking or curing one like you would a pig?

[DaveS]

That deal in Little Rock was a wasted trip. A couple of old bows, orginal Bear whitetails in 50/55 lb. draws. I told the girl to take them to a pawn shop. They may give you enough to buy a pack of smokes for the pair.

If I'm reading the rules right??? I can hunt all seasons with a crossbow. I may need to move fish faster so I'll have space in the cooler for meat. Anyone tried smoking or curing one like you would a pig?

If you're talking about deer, yes in deed I have cured and smoked deer hams and shoulders. Good stuff!!!

Dave S

[Guest JimMc]

I own a Barnett C5 and quite pleased. I have not owned another brand so my opinion is likely worthless. There is a place for crossbows especially for us on the downhill side of 65. I am right handed yet left hand shooter. Pulling a compound is a tad difficult on the weak side. Just for the record, I have not had my center fired rifle out of the case in some years now. During gun season I use only black powder so I am not just looking for an easy way out.

[my82cam]

I got a parker with a lifetime warranty, and I am loving it right now! I am going to take my 5 year old deer hunting with me this year, we are both very excited to say the least.

[Guest AmericanWorkMule]

I'm with you guys in that it is easier to use once your body gets worn out.

The fellas in this video have a lot in common with me. Ha Ha

Edited October 7, 2012 by AmericanWorkMule