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Crossbow question

coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
I have my paperwork for a permit to use a crossbow during archery deer season so I'm looking for a suitable crossbow. I'd like to have something not too heavy shooting a decent bolt length/weight better than 300fps with a $500 upper limit for a total go to the woods package.
Initial research points me toward a Barnett Quad 400. Any suggestions?

Comments

  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
    edited November -1
    So I'm thinking about diving into the life of crossbow, though I'm completely unfamiliar with brand, types or anything crossbow. If anyone could help me with what a good brand and well basically all the average info to make a relatively informed purchase decision I would be greatly appreciated.
  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
    edited November -1
    I have a Barnett x-bow with compound limbs and struggle with "unloading" it. A real PITA to have to haul a target around or use one of the "de-cocking" bolts (which still break if they hit something hard).
    While visiting a friend who has an Excalibur recurve x-bow, we were discussing this and he says "that's no problem, just use the cocking rope and let it down". We go to his garage and he proceeds to show me how he does this. After watching him, I realize there's no way I can do this due to my shoulder problems but it does work for him.
    So, my question is: does anyone else have a trick by which to de-cock a compound x-bow w/o actually firing it? I have a spare rope cocking devise that could be modified if I sort of know where to start.
  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
    edited November -1
    Was wondering , how long can you leave a crossbow cocked ?

    Without an arrow in it . If your hunting for 3 or 4 days in a row is it OK to just take the arrow off , or should it be shot off after each hunt , and then recocked for the next hunt ?
  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
    edited November -1
    Can I use any broadhead with a crossbow? OR do I need to use crossbow specific broadheads? Thanks
  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
    edited November -1
    Hey guys, i need some help. I am thinking about getting a crossbow for the next deer season. Im not sure why, I just thought it would be fun to take a deer with something different I guess.. So I need help on what makes and models are a good buy. If I end up getting one I want a good brand/model that will last, any of you shooting crossbows.??? Ive been shooting my mathews for years and love it- Never lets me down, but when it comes to crossbows Im clueless on what to look for.. Any help/input would be greatly appreciated.
  • ignitor58ignitor58 Member Posts: 9 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have an Excalibur Exocet crossbow that I've used for hunting whitetails In NE.PA for about 5 yrs. I started with the fixed 3 blade but switched to the Crimson Talon's. They are a fixed blade with a few small curved blades that help with spin because the bolts are straight fletched to fit into the groove in the crossbow. I have had good luck with these and have taken a few deer that only ran a short distance after being hit most close shots were complete pass thru.
  • taco413taco413 Member Posts: 2,504 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Any broadhead you want to try will work fine. My dad switched to Rage expandables last year.
  • coltpaxcoltpax Member Posts: 8,114
    edited November -1
    Thanks guys. I don't know much about crossbows, and in the Basspro catalogue they had "crossbow broadheads" and then a section of just broadheads
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