UPDATE Horton Explorer Team Realtree® 175 UPDATE

[Graybeard]

OK guys as expected the big brown truck made a stop at my house today.

He was gone before we could get to the door but on the porch were two boxes. Got a crossbow target in one and the rest of the stuff in the other. Got NAP Thunderhead 100 broadheads and extra blades and the string cocking device.

After reading the instructions 2-3 times I decided it was time to see if I could follow them. This particular device is not a Horton brand but seems to fit OK. I had to put the hooks with pulleys on and then the second handle and set it all to the proper length for me. After doing all that I decided it was time for the ACID TEST.

Yup I was able to cock it. Still not a breeze by any means but I can cock it.

So nothing was wrong with the crossbow which is kinda what I figured. This old fat boy just has too many physical problems these days to do it without help. If I were gonna shoot it in long range sessions I think a crank type cocking device would be most helpful but in a hunting situation I think I'd rather have the string device. Neither is gonna be nearly as fast as being able to pull it back with your hands but when ya can't, well ya can't.

So perhaps tomorrow I'll be able to get out and get it sighted in and give some first hand impressions of it after actually firing it.

[ihuntbucks]

Hi Bill,so far,so good on xbow.Did you leave it cocked?I guess you did cuz you said you would shoot it the next day.Did Horton seng you some string wax and rail lube?......................Rick

[Graybeard]

I stopped an inch or so short of cocking it. Didn't want to engage it really as I didn't want to go out and set up the target to discharge and wouldn't want to leave it in house cocked and locked. It had already broken over and was moving much easier at the time I backed off on it. So I know I can cock it with the string device.

Yes they sent me both string wax and rail lube.

[GaryL]

Super duper news Graybeard   There is a way but I would have too check out the horton you have to making it even easier with the rope aid. I will check it out and let ya know. On yours do you have to put the string/rope over the rear of the stock ?

[Graybeard]

No. It has a thumbhole stock. What I do it put one end thru the hole in the thumbhole stock and center it there. Then put both hooks on the string and pull back and up. I set the length of the rope device such that it is pretty close to as short as it can be so I don't have to pull so high. The device I have is an Excalibur brand. Just what Cabela's had for sale.

[GaryL]

All Right thats the way to do it   On the Excaliburs they have a notch just behind the scope on the stock where the rail ends. Keeps things short and easy  

[Graybeard]

Further update. The string cocking device didn't help me.

I was able to pull the string back with it but for some reason was not able to get it to lock in place. Ottie at Horton seems to think it might be that the Excalibur device is some how knocking the safety off fire position too soon. He might be correct.

I can use a string to simulate the bow's string being pulled into place and it locks in just fine. So nothing is wrong with the bow, just my attempts to cock it.

Ottie is sending me the crank cocking device made just for this bow. That should fix all the problems. I found out in my attempts to use the string device that about 6-8 times really got my back to hurting anyway. So it likely wouldn't work too well for target work for me even if I figured out what's going on. Using the crank device isn't likely to be much if any slower and a LOT easier.

So things are still on temporary hold but when the crank cocking device arrives I do have everything else in place so should be able to get to it soon afterward.

[jh45gun]

Glad to hear you are getting the crank setup that should solve all your problems and be a lot easier on the shoulders and back. Jim

[GaryL]

What type of cranking device is it ? The last one I seen by Horton mounted on the front of the xbow. Reckon I could visit the site and see fer me self    As for the Excalibur rope cocking aid it should not hit the safty latch as the older Wolvierne (Excalibur) has the same safty lever on the side of the trigger and the hooks do not hit this. Gonna go check this out, later,
GaryL

[GaryL]

:eek: $175.00 a little costly :eek:  They sure have changed them since I had one.  Looked pretty nice in the picture, and for your back and shoulders the best way to go.

[Blue mtn redneck]

I am GB's oldest son & have taken over the crossbow test for him. He was having problems cocking it, which I showed was just him. Since I took over I have shot it about 30 times. It is currently sighted in for up to 35 yards. At 25 yds free handed using the carbon arrows & Terminator 100 grain broadheads I am currently grouping 3 bolts in a 3" group. I will post more on it as I have time to test speed & groups shot from a rest. Took it hunting today & it was about like carring in a short rifle. It was a little hard cocking it in the tree so next time I am going to cock it on the ground before I pull it up. Today was opening day of bow season in Alabama. Lets hope I have a picture of a nice deer & the crossbow to post soon. :-)

[Blue mtn redneck]

I received the x-bow back just a few minutes ago. Not bad turn around it was shipped out on last Fri & back on Thurs afternoon. I will out it back together on Fri shoot it to verify that its still sighted in & try to head for the woods on Sat morning to hopefully get a chance to field test it. Will keepyou all updated on how it shoots since the recall.