crossbows

[shingletownwalt]

I have been thinking about what I would do if we have a long tern economic event in this country. No income, money worthless, and we are all on our own to survive. I have a few guns ( sks, remington pump 12 ga,s&w 38special) but they take ammo that I would like to save for home defense. How about a crossbow? A crossbow with 150lb pull is fine for taking everything from rabbits to deer and you can reuse the bolts after you recover them. Another plus is it's silent, you won't let others know you have shot dinner. I think a crossbow would be better than a Bow because it works more like a rifle. I have seen a crossbow with 150lb pull on sale for $89. What do you think? is it worth having one in the gun rack?

[chloe3388]

I have been thinking the same way you have. I like the idea of silent hunting, in SHTF scenario it would be invaluable. I have been wondering about if a person could make bolts for a modern crossbow?

That price sounds good who is the maker? I would like to get one but price has been the big draw back.

chloe

[RangerRick]

I've been an archer for 45+ years. Started out as a kid along with buddies making our own stick bows. We lived in SE Texas swamp land and did considerable hunting all manner of critters. I've got 3 compounds now and I still manage to take a deer or three each year with a bow and for the most part use the below 15 year old Golden Eagle set at 55lbs, like me old but it still still makes meat. However, when my shoulder/elbow starts acting up I fall back on my Dakota crossbow by Horton ($300). Personally, it's a bit like kissin your sister, no matter how good she looks she's still your sister, yuk! The crossbow still slings an arrow but it's really just a bolt and it doesn't take any talent to make it work. It's like a gun, anyone can do it with little talent or practice, but at the end of the day it makes meat for ya and a tool worth having when the need arises especially at under $100.

http://i10.tinypic.com/71d62dd.jpg\

;)

Ranger Rick

[chloe3388]

RR you are the man, that Horton looks like the one I was drooling over at the gun show. I have an old compound that has done well for me, need to get it restrung this year.

[AlchemyAcres]

I have an older Barnett Wildcat with a wooden stock and a Barnett Commando, also fairly old.
I love the Commando, the cocking device is built in...it breaks apart in the center...much like a break apart shotgun...the leverage pulls back a rail which hooks up over the string.....it's slick!
Bolts are as easy to build as arrows. I turn arrow nocks down in the lathe to make endcaps.

~Martin :)

[shingletownwalt]

I can't remember the brand of the crossbow but it is on sale this week at BIG5 for $89.

[remington]

Sportsman's Guide always has a few cheaply priced name brands.

[chloe3388]

Gonna check out Sportsman's Guide thanks

[Bill_in_FL]

RR , When you shoot a deer with the crossbow does the bolt go right through , in one side and out the other ? I have often thought about getting one but figured I would never find the bolts after shooting something . I currently have a Hoyt compound bow 74lbs and unless you hit bone the arrows don't stop .

Bill

[RangerRick]

Yep Bill it does a "thru-n-thru" every time and I've lost a couple bolts from ground blinds. Actually when "Ole Mr. Arthertis" get his head up I start lookin for my compound permit and a tree so the "thru-n-thrus" don't go far on the down angle. What with the 150-180lb bows the bolt passes through em so fast it's been my experience that the deer don't hardly seem to know what happened. They seem confused and may walk off a few feet but usually they'll drop without a struggle.

Rick

[jim]

I've got an old Barnett Wildcat with a synthetic stock. Can it be upgraded to handle the new compound type bow instead of the recurve type it came with?

jim

[RangerRick]

I don't think it would be worth the cost or effort and you may well end up with a poorly functioning weapon.

IMHO,

Rick