A Crossbow? Really?

[mannyrock]

Dear Guys,

   I am constantly seeing references in these survival skills boards, suggesting that one should buy a good crossbow, in case of a shtf scenario, or other living off the grid situation.

  I don't own one, but my brother and his family are into them big time for deer hunting.   From what they tell me, and from what I see regarding their use:

   1.   A really good one costs $500.00 or more.. (My nephew's "Bow-Tech" cost $700!)

   2.  You can only shoot one about 100 to 150 times before you have to replace the string. You have to wax the string between every couple of shots.

   3.  They have to be tuned, tightened, fiddled with, all of the time.

   4.  The arrows are small and fragile, and expensive!  ($5.00 to $10.00 a piece.) An arrow is typically ruined (or has fletching torn off) if it hits anything but an archery bale.    The broadheads are very fragile as well, and have a limited use life if they hit deer.

   5.   As a practical matter, 35 to 45 yards is the maximum range on big game.

   6.  Cross bows are large and bulky.  (Yes, I've shot and carried one.)

   7.  In a shtf situation, you are never going to be able to buy new strings or arrows or fletching or glue.

   Now, in my view, I can't imagine why anyone would go to all of this trouble and expense.  For about HAlf the cost of all of this, you could buy a Handi-Rifle, in .357 Magnum, and buy several hundred rounds of ammo!   This would do everything that a powerful cross-bow would do, but do it out to 100 yards with absolutlely no problem, and very very little maintenance. (It would also shoot .38 specials).

   Yea, I know that cross-bows are silent, but I just can't see dumping $500 to $800 down the tube on one of these just for the cost of silence.  And, in a true shtf situation, you aren't going to be able to live by big game hunting anyway.  It will all be killed off in the first 60 days, and you won't be able to roam hills woods and fields looking for the few that may be left.

  Just some thoughts.

Mannyrock

 

 

 
   

[Dixie Dude]

A simple longbow or recurve bow is easier to use and reload quickly for a second shot.  It just requires practice to master.  In one of Fred Bears articles I read about 30 years ago, he said to look at your prey or target, draw the bow, and at full draw release it.  Don't hold it like in a compound.  Draw and release quickly.  I have a vintage 50's Ben Pearson fiberglass 50# takedown long bow.  Each half is about 30" long.  It will fit in my quiver with about 30 arrows.  I just screw on the broadheads on 2-3 when hunting.  I haven't used it in a while, but I could hit a paper plate every time at 30 yards once.  I like the broadheads the fold out when it hits.  This creates a little less wind resistance and can easily fit in my tube quiver.  I use field points to practice that weight the same as the broadheads.  In a very long term SHTF senario, bowhunting along with trapping and snaring is what may keep you alive and learning what wild plants are eatable. 

[Almtnman]

I will agree with Dixie Dude on this also. You also need to learn how to shoot a longbow or recurve by instinctive shooting. Instinctive shooting is the same as if you pointed your finger at something without the use of sights mounted on the bow. Where you line your arm and arrow is like pointing with your finger. It takes some practice but you can hit a fairly small sized area out to 30-35 yards.

An old Indian saying that comes to mind is; "Any bow good bow...arrow heap much work!"

[pab1]

One more vote for traditional bows, especially longbows. One of mans earliest weapons and just as deadly today. I would only use cut on contact broadheads with a trad bow. The Traditional Bowyers Bible (vol 1-4) is a great guide to making your own primitive bows and arrows.

[BBF]

There are still crossbows out there with a simple prod, no compound setup to fiddle with. Crossbow bolts do not need fletching as long as the forward part is heavy. If you want to fletch, two vanes will do. Regular aluminium shaft will do as well. Some of us OF's aren't much into pulling a regular bow anymore.

[Dixie Dude]

RPzB, I do agree crossbows have their place, but for most a simple recurve or long bow in a SHTF situation is the easiest to make, string, and use.  Save bullets for 2 legged predators, use the bow, snares, and traps for survival food, along with knowing the eatable plants in your area, also the medicinal plants.  I would rather live in the country than in a city in a very bad breakdown of society.  The further out the better, get to know neighbors also, and be prepared to ban together for protection if mobs come to the country for food. 

[bilmac]

I bought an xbow and used it a bit last season. Everything the rock says is exactly right. I especially dislike carrying it, just ain't no comfortable way to haul the thing through the woods. And, the strings and cables that have to be replaced frequently are not cheap. If I had to grab something and flee from my house, it sure wouldn't be a crossbow.