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crossbow question

jdr308jdr308 Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
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

  • jdr308jdr308 Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
    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.
  • jdr308jdr308 Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
    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.
  • jdr308jdr308 Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
    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 ?
  • jdr308jdr308 Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can I use any broadhead with a crossbow? OR do I need to use crossbow specific broadheads? Thanks
  • jdr308jdr308 Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
    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.
  • Joes Custom GunsJoes Custom Guns Member Posts: 1,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    HORTON XL 175 with scope package would be hard to beat. besure to get the coking wench as that will tighten your groups
    you should get one inch groups @ 50yds.with Mussy 100gr. tips.
  • wpagewpage Member Posts: 10,204 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There are some good ones out there go to reviews and check...
    www.cabellas.com
  • JimmyJackJimmyJack Member Posts: 5,385 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I got a Horton and love it.
  • bang250bang250 Member Posts: 8,021
    edited November -1
  • jmsmithyjmsmithy Member Posts: 69 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've owned Parkers, Hortons, TenPoints. Been using crossbows in various forms for number of years now due to bad arthritis. I still shoot my Matthews on good days....

    Anyway I believe for the money, based on a number of factors including speed, power, accuracy as the most important, for my money nothing beats the Equinox by Excalibur. I thought the recurve limbs were a turnoff...UNTIL I realized a few things. Cocking, without a screwy device, is SIMPLE. Wrap their patented rope cocker around the correct posts and stannd up. That's it! Cocked locked and ready to rock Doc (thanks Uncle Ted). Also, no issue, ever, with timing issues on wheels mounted on short limbs limbs, on a horizontal bias, that are constantly banging tree limbs etc....

    Needless to say I'm impressed...

    Most importantly however, get one and get out there! Crossbows are a blast. Another reason to go outside and shoot. Whether at a deer, some other critter, a target or whatever....[8D]
  • wpagewpage Member Posts: 10,204 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Buy a crossbow its like quantitative easing...

    Good for the economy and your arsenal!
  • omegassomegass Member Posts: 56 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    bought a Horton vision what a bow right out of the box. Called my hunting buddy over to see this thing and he was so impressed he bought one that week accuracy like you read about. A++++++ Hope this helps
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