Picking out a crossbow

[RdFx]

Cant draw back my recurve any more.  Too much pain in shoulders.  Suggest a book or what ever  to  be able to select  medium priced crossbow.  Dont want  junk or top of the line, something to start out with and graduate up as  i learn more about crossbows.   Thanks....

[Bigeasy]

Bought a Barnett Penetrator last year.  Within 10 shots the finger that retains the bolt (Plastic) broke off, and the illuminated scope stopped illuminating.  Returned it.  A little after the fact internet searching showed a lot of problems with Barnetts.  Lots of good reviews on the mid priced Horton Bone Collector - about $399.00 with scope, bolts, string cocker, quiver.  Bought one, and am happy with it.  Its accurate and consistent, well made, and I have had no durability problems.  Great trigger pull, and auto dry fire safety.   Shot my 1st crossbow deer this year with it.  My only complaint is the poor balance, compared to a rifle, as most all crossbows are very muzzle heavy.  Although satisfied with this bow, my next might be a crossbow with the reversed limbs, as they seem to handle better.  There are several good internet talk forums on crossbows.  Picked up a couple crossbow magazines off the news stand, but they were more manufacturers hype then anything else.
 
Larry

[Lloyd Smale]

first one was a barnett and it would cut the strings after about only 50 shots and just wasnt all that accurate. Last year i bought a wicked ridge invader crossbow and couldnt be happier. Its very accurate and quiter then the barnett and is much lighter to boot.

[longwinters]

I have an Excalibur and really like it.  They have a fairly wide price range, fantastic service and a great website/forum.
 
Long

[woodsie57]

What are the advantages of a recurve over compound in a crossbow? Recurve,being simpler,makes sense to me,but compounds dominate the market-Anybody have experience w/both types?

[T.R.]

Parker is a USA company that builds very good crossbows.  You can save money by purchasing a crossbow model that was recently dropped from production.  Parker adds new models every year.  For example these two models were TOP sellers just a little while ago:
 
-  Spartan
-  Buck Buster
 
Suggest look at eBay to find these models.  Parker has lifetime warranty.
 
TR

[Bigeasy]

What are the advantages of a recurve over compound in a crossbow? Recurve,being simpler,makes sense to me,but compounds dominate the market-Anybody have experience w/both types?

Basically, a little more speed, and slightly shorter limbs is the only real benefit to compound crossbows.  Archers like speed and hi tech.  Compounds made sense with regular bows, as they reduced the draw holding weight, and offered notably faster arrow speed compared to traditional recurve bows.  Except for a little more speed, they offer no real advantage in a crossbow platform.
 
 Non compound crossbows do tend to be lighter in weight, and more reliable, not to mention easier to change a string in the field.  A lot of models offer 300 fps, or close to it, plenty for hunting, and don't suffer the timing issues that can happen with cam type pulleys.
 
Larry

[Mike in Virginia]

I bought a Horton at WalMart some years ago because I'd had surgery.  That was before VA changed to allow crossbows for anyone.  Then, I had to have my doctor's signature.  Anyway, it has a 150lb. draw weight and a sight.  Cost about $200.  That cheaper end bow shot very well.  The first deer I shot with it was a 4point buck that was facing me head on.  I was on the ground.  The arrow entered his chest and went out of sight.  Buck dropped.  I found that the bolt had deflected inside him and exited completely in front of his rear leg.  Lots of speed generated by a crossbow.  Really a deadly weapon.

[FPH]

ebay is the place to go.

[readyfreddy]

Lee pick up a excaliber I have a phoenix if you want to try it sometime.Lee its cause your getting old that you can't pull a regular bow back!

[dpastordan]

I spent a year researching crossbows before I bought one.   I got the Excalibur Axiom.  Accurate...very accurate....I talked with friends who had the compound crossbows and they all had some issues.   The recurves seem to be simpler, easier to maintain.   Did not have a chance to go hunting though as my wife had major surgery followed by a lengthy physical therapy.   

[Mike in Virginia]

I've developed problems with the shoulder that didn't have surgery.  To avoid another 1 year recovery, I'm going back to a crossbow, and this time it will be a recurve crossbow.  Not much to go wrong with them, except replacing the string.  I'd sure like to find one that didn't have a scope.  I really don't see the need for one on a short range weapon.  I think I'd like one with a rear peep and a one-pin front sight.  Sight it in for 20 yards and learn how much to hold over for longer shots. 

[KIMBER45]

I just purchased a Tenpoint. Best consumer service on the market.3 day turn around if anything goes wrong.Excellent accuracy and 3.5 lb trigger.