Crossbow for SHTF Questions

[Oldshooter]

Never was a bowhunter although I have used one at the range and liked them! Just could not afford a new toy. Been thinking of getting something to back up my smoke pole collection if push come to shove.

Is a crossbow better than a compound bow as far as accuracy and strength?

Is a bolt easier to make/aquire than an arrow?

What is the maximum effective range of a crossbow, considering the human element?

Are crossbows more/less fragile than compound bows?

I have a bad shoulder so can I cock one with 1 1/2 arms? I have a little problem with a compound bow of any heavy pull.


Your knowledge would be appreciated.

[Arier Blut]

Crossbows are  inherently more accurate than regular bows. I would bet a champion bow shooter couls outshoot the common guy with a crossbow. But if two average guys were lined up with the same quality equipment. The crossbow guy is going to win.

 They are good for about the same range as a bow. I have taken game to 50 yards. This is with a trajectory calculated scope. Years ago I would shoot targets with a bow out to 60, but not game.

The strings wear faster than bows. Sliding on the shelf increases wear. You can lube the shelf but still drastically reduced over a bow.

Bolts can be just chopped down arrows with correct spine, different knock and same tips. There are cocking devices which reduce pull 50%, still maybe too much. The electric cockers may be better for you. Or the crank cocker with a cordless drill.

Power wise the crossbow get's the nod, strength, about equal IMHO. Range about equal, possibly slightly farther with the crossbow due to taking out a little human element.

Crossbows are not a cure all long range compromise. Just a little more user friendly since they aim like a rifle. The triggers are notoriously bad so this needs to be a determining factor when purchasing. Often if the trigger weight is not discussed in the specs you need to search elsewhere.

Sorry if I couldn't answer all of your questions. I am not an expert on them, just a hunter.

[Oldshooter]

Exactly the kind of info I was looking for! Thanks Pard

[BBF]

AB: Two things in addition. It is going to take more time to reload a crossbow however you are also less exposed to "Incoming" compared to shooting  a vertical bow.

[SHOOTALL]

I have had compound and cross bow . The cross bow bolt did not go as deep in the target .
If i were going to have a bow for bad times it would be a longbow . simple .
a recurve is more prone to limb twist than a long bow

[BBF]

Shotall:
Some of us OF's just don't have the shoulder and arms anymore to pull a useful weight. That is providing you can even hit something you are actually aiming at without sights.
I can almost guarantee you the only safe place is directly in front of me if I shoot a bow. Any other location is dangerous

[SHOOTALL]

O'tay !

[gstewart44]

the crossbow propels a lighter bolt than the arrow of the compound or longbow.   The lighter mass of the bolt gives a straighter flight over distance. However when it hits the target its smaller mass gives less penetration.   

I have switched back to longbows too.  They are very lightweight (1 - 1 1/2lbs), very quiet, and can let loose a fairly heavy arrow for good penetration. 

The light weight and quiet factor is what I think would be the big plus' for a SHTF scenario.

[Doe]

Bought my cross for that same reason and for hunting too  .

[Cottonwood]

In todays world of new crossbows like the Excaliber used in Africa to take elephants, and the PSE Tac15 that shoots a bolt over 400 fps with 2" accuracy at 100 yards   in a mode like your talking I believe they do have the upper hand.  But for the ease of carry and weight, I would still want my modern compound bow.

As in a SHTF situation, it still would be for hunting game to survive on while living in the woods.

[awshucks]

Crossbows are  inherently more accurate than regular bows. I would bet a champion bow shooter couls outshoot the common guy with a crossbow. But if two average guys were lined up with the same quality equipment. The crossbow guy is going to win.

No offense, but this is a misconception you are helping promote.  If you bother to check, from the lowly local 3-D shoots to the competitons open to both, the compound guys clean the xbowers clocks regularly.

The xbow may have a slight edge on gaining proficiency w/ over the compound, but that's not a lot either.  Poor trigger pulls are rapidly becoming a thing of the past w/ a few exceptions.  Most of the bull pup designs leave a lot to be desired, mostly due to linkages needed.

I have read of no Tac 15's being used.  I have read that there have been none sold.  I frequent a slew of xbow forums, nada.  I have enough bow/xbow experience to know a trackless bow w/ whisker biscuit rest and string loop is not conducive to the accuracy claimed.  Two cents from the cheap seats..............

[Lawful Larry]

No offense, but this is a misconception you are helping promote.  If you bother to check, from the lowly local 3-D shoots to the competitons open to both, the compound guys clean the xbowers clocks regularly.

 

I  don't see any misconception here.  When I think of xbows, I think of hunting arms.  Now when I am in the  woods in a treestand, I can rest my xbow for a much more accurate shot.  Can't remember ever seeing a guy with any other bow resting them for this kind of shot.  I would have to say that I really think that other then xbows, bows can not be rested. 

Now as far as any kind of competition shooting, all shots would be from an unrested shooting position.  So the accuracy factor would be the same and no added advantage would be gained by the xbow.  Well actually the xbow would be at some disadvantage because it weighs more.     

[awshucks]

I would have to say that I really think that other then xbows, bows can not be rested.   

The Knight & Hale "Steady Ready" Steady Rest is a fully mobile, convenient way to keep your hunting weapon of choice ready for a longer period of time. This well-constructed unit allow hunters to shoot off-hand nearly as steady as with a rest. The "Steady Ready" can be used as a monopod rest or position the telescopic brace against your stomach and set your sites on your prey with confidence and superb accuracy. Archery hunters can hold at full draw for much longer, and keep the sights steadier, with the use of the Steady Ready.

[jedman]

I have hunted with all types of bows and taken big game with longbows , recurves and compound bows but now use a crossbow for most of my deer hunting. The one thing ( advantage ) that I have not read in these posts about a crossbow is that if you don't hunt from a tree stand and just like to sit with your back up against a tree quietly, the crossbow is a better choice. I have been bow hunting for over 40 years and thats my style of hunting now, very simple just hunt slow and quiet and when you find a area with good sign and a place to sit down with the wind in your favor, the crossbow is still no gun.
The arrows still fly with a arch trajectory and you have to follow the same limits as any other bow hunting.
   Jedman

[Default]

I would say you all touch on a number of good points considering the question and application in question.. Another good is the X-bow stays at the ready and to move in a hurry would only require grasping the body of the X-bow so that the bolt didnt get dislodged from the retaining bar that holds it in place... I would say that the common Compound would be a cumbersome weapon to have to shift position with in a hurry with a arrow nocked..

 Just some thoughts on it,


    Default

[Arier Blut]

Also take into consideration that special forces have employed crossbows since the early 80's. Personally I would want a silenced mp5 over a crossbow but civilians generally don't have that option under normal circumstances.

If the xbow is silenced properly it would be a good quiet option for taking game. Those of you that shoot or have shot bows understand there is a level of practice needed each year to stay accurate. If you have ever shot a crossbow you will also know shooting it rested will give you very small groups the first time you shoot it after sight in.