New, need help.

[JoeE]

Hi, all. I'm new to crossbows and this forum. I attempted to post this earlier, but forgot to put in a subject. If it posts twice, I apologize.

I have a problem with raccoons on my suburban property and am looking for something quieter than my .22lr's. I am considering a relatively inexpensive crossbow like the Barnett Panzer V or RX-150.

My problem is, I'm having trouble finding on-line dealers who handle them.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Joe E

[GaryL]

 Joe E I can't help ya with  Barnett Panzer V or RX-150. But can recommend a Excalibur Vixen.

http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/images/vixenR2C1.JPG

[wabi]

Excalibur is definately one of the simplest, most accurate crossbows available. The Vixen would be a good choice if you're serious about consistantly hitting the critters you shoot at!

[jh45gun]

Despite what our excaliber friends say about their great but expensive xbows the Barnetts will hit what you are shooting at. I killed  couple grouse with my Barnett Ranger straight prod last year  and 2 deer and that is a more inexpensive xbow than what you are looking at with the Panzer or RX 150. The 150 is a good xbow for the money my buddy just bought one on my reccomendation and he likes it really well. Not knocking  the Excaliber's they are great xbows as is the Ten Points, Hortons ect. THe nice thing about Barnett is they make good entry level bows and of course more expensive bows also but even the entry level bows work great and shoot great also. It just depends on what money you have to spend and what you are looking for. Even though they are fairly inexpensive the Barnett bows like the RX 150 are nice xbows. Use this search engine to search for Barnett products. http://www.dogpile.com/

Here is a link to allow you to locate a local dealer.   http://www.barnettcrossbows.com/                  If none in your area the dogpile link will allow you to find a internet one. Like I said before not knocking the other brands but they do not make a entry level xbow for the price that Barnett does if you want to keep the price down and still have  a accurate very usable xbow. I like mine and it works well it is a Ranger straight prod non compound at 150 # but is accurate and gets the job done. Jim

[GaryL]

 jh45gun, The Excalibur is not a very expensive xbow, and up keep is very limited, smooth trigger, 150LB, best buy! :lol:

This is not in any way knocking the other brands,  I have Horton, TenPoint, and a couple others. :wink:

Cost fo a Vixen out of Canada Vixen - Deluxe Hardwoods - 150 lb - 14" power stroke - 285 fps - with Dissipator Bars Sound & Recoil Suppression System - FREE SHIPPING within Canada or USA 364.00

USA contact Sportsmans Den in Shelby, Oh or
Horizontal Archery
37432 Fifth Ave.
Sardis, OH
43946 US
740-483-2312

Should help ya some...Sportsmans Den may be a little cheaper as they were having a sell. :wink:

[jh45gun]

Sorry I must have seen the higher priced models. That is a good price still  a RX 150 Barnett can be had for around 150 and it is a nice xbow for the money.  I suppose it ll depends on what you have to spend.

[GaryL]

Sorry I must have seen the higher priced models. That is a good price still  a RX 150 Barnett can be had for around 150 and it is a nice xbow for the money.  I suppose it ll depends on what you have to spend.

Sorry :oops:  back at ya! I did not know a RX 150 Barnett could be had for $150.00......I have nothing against a Barnett and you know the saying get the BEST YOU CAN AFFORD. :wink:

[wabi]

No intent of starting an argument.
Yes, Barnett, Horton, and many others do build good crossbows. I've owned & shot many brands other than Excalibur, but once I owned & shot an Excalibur I wouldn't own anything else!
If you prefer another brand, fine. But please be sure it's capable of hunting accuracy before hunting with it. Not all crossbow/arrow/broadhead combinations are accurate, so you need to test carefully before shooting at live game.

[jh45gun]

No intent of starting an argument.
Yes, Barnett, Horton, and many others do build good crossbows. I've owned & shot many brands other than Excalibur, but once I owned & shot an Excalibur I wouldn't own anything else!
If you prefer another brand, fine. But please be sure it's capable of hunting accuracy before hunting with it. Not all crossbow/arrow/broadhead combinations are accurate, so you need to test carefully before shooting at live game.

Wabi, No arguement Here I agree with you.  I do have to say though My Inexpensive Ranger made by Barnett will shoot as good as my buddies 700 dollar 10 point.I know we have shot side by side at the same target and have clipped each others practice arrows in the bullseye. . My xbow shoots broadheads just as well after I resight the bow to suit the broadhead. I respect your loyalty to your excaliber and I know they are fine xbows from what you guys have said and reading post at the excaliber forum. Maybe some day I will own one but for now My Ranger Barnett suits me fine and is all I can afford at the moment. I killed 2 deer with it last year both fatal shots so I cannot be doing too bad with it. Plus a couple of grouse also. I agree arrow/bolt/broadhead combinations have to be as accurate as target or field tips but that can be accomplished by trying different setups until you get a good one. I am lucky my xbow likes just about every thing as my Martin compound does also, but I agree some set ups are a bit more finicky. As a side note about the Barnett 150 compound, another buddy who never shot one before  bought one and sighted his in and it shoots great with broadheads and target tips. Every one has their favorite as they do guns. Expensive equipment is nice but if you cannot afford it at the time some other brands may fit the bill. That is the nice thing about Barnett they make inexpensive but good quality equip for those who cannot afford a higher price xbow as they do more expensive/copetitive in price xbows also. I liked my buddies 10 point but I know I never will be able to afford no 700 dollar xbow.  Maybe some day I can afford a better one but for now if my Barnett kills deer that is all I can ask of it. Jim

[jh45gun]

Sorry I must have seen the higher priced models. That is a good price still  a RX 150 Barnett can be had for around 150 and it is a nice xbow for the money.  I suppose it ll depends on what you have to spend.

Sorry :oops:  back at ya! I did not know a RX 150 Barnett could be had for $150.00......I have nothing against a Barnett and you know the saying get the BEST YOU CAN AFFORD. :wink:

Yep some day I hope to get an other xbow until then as long as I can shoot where I aim with mine and kill Deer I guess I will be satisfied.  :grin: My Ranger is Not as expensive as the RX 150
it also is  a straight prod instead of a recurve  or a compound, but it works so for now it will do the job I ask of it.



My Ranger looks just like this 150 but says Ranger on it. Also  the RX 150 comes in a compound version that is what I was talking about earlier. I forgot they make this version. The compound version can be had on sale for around 150. I think they make a compound version Ranger also.  I suppose this bow pictured runs around 135. The Ranger is the same bow
but I think they have that name for sportshops selling these as a package. ( Ranger) for a slightly cheaper price.