When it comes to buying a crossbow, big game hunting enthusiasts always find themselves faced with a very wide range of models. However, the purchase of this weapon must be done carefully, and it's important to find the bow that will perfectly match your type of activity. Do you want to go hunting in the forest, practice in your garden on targets, or are you simply a survivalist looking for an effective and not cumbersome weapon? Here's how to choose your crossbow.
Why buy a crossbow?
Today, we see that more and more hunters are developing a clear preference for the crossbow. It's a weapon that can also be used in the field of competition or simply for pleasure among friends around a target. Several advantages are associated with the use of the crossbow. First, there is its silent nature which allows you to easily surprise your prey. There is also the fact that it is inexpensive. Not to mention that its arrows are reusable. Many individuals have learned to abandon the bow in favor of the crossbow.
For those who practice in their garden, a crossbow is a precision weapon for learning to hit targets ranging from 10 to 100 m for competitors. For a survivalist, a camouflage crossbow allows easy movement in a hostile environment. Silent, easy to assemble and disassemble, it allows you to move easily and without encumbrance.
Looking for a deterrent defense weapon? A crossbow can do the job, especially since it's a weapon that can be purchased without authorization or declaration to the prefecture. Indeed, you just need to be of legal age to have the right to own one. For hunting, it should be known that the use of the crossbow is prohibited in France although many still use it to find game.
What you need to know to select your crossbow well
Purchasing a projectile weapon is not always easy. Between the power of the object, the intended type of use, or even the type of crossbow, an individual may find it difficult to navigate. But again, know that it is not the morphology or experience level of the person that should determine this choice. The purchase of this equipment should always be made according to the activity that is to be practiced. When the power of the crossbow is very high, the arrow becomes particularly fast. You will then be able to hit any target with considerable power. Depending on the target, you should ensure that your bolt tips are adapted with hunting tips if necessary.
Compound crossbow or classic crossbow?
In choosing a crossbow, you will be led to select between the compound crossbow and the classic crossbow. It is difficult to adjust the compound crossbow at first, even though it is by far the most powerful. The limbs of the compound crossbow are very stiff and produce a lot of energy. They are also easier to cock and less sensitive to the trigger mechanism. This weapon is generally used for hunting or target shooting. The advantage of the compound crossbow concerns its size. It is very short and narrow, thus allowing movement in denser environments. In terms of disadvantages, it is more difficult to maintain. Indeed, when the string breaks, it is also difficult to repair it yourself without specific equipment like a press.
Also known as a recurve crossbow, the classic crossbow is much easier to maintain. It is lightweight, easy to maintain, and equipped with good safety features. In fact, pistol crossbows are found in this category. The only weakness we found with this weapon concerns its lower power compared to the compound crossbow. That being said, technological advances now allow for some recurve models (from the Excalibur brand, for example) that can compete with compound crossbows.
The materials
To select a crossbow that meets your needs well, you must also focus on the choice of materials. We are now far from the time when the limbs of this weapon were made of steel. Now, they are replaced by much lighter composite materials. There are even manufacturers who offer crossbows with stocks made from wood or reinforced plastic. The goal is to ensure good stability for the weapon, and consequently, better shooting accuracy.
The best crossbows on Kodiak store
Even if you are a perfect novice who knows nothing about crossbows, you have probably heard of Kodiak Store. In any case, all those who have had to do research on the weapon have come across the site. This online store related to outdoor activities brings together all the essentials in terms of survival equipment. For your crossbow choice, here are the products you can find there:
Mini crossbow or pistol crossbow
Pistol crossbows are presented as leisure crossbows. They are characterized by great mobility and are very easy to handle. Their power is generally between 50 and 80 pounds. On the site, you can get the 80-pound pistol crossbow for €49.90. You can use it for recreational activities, or just to get started with shooting. And if you have little ones, you can facilitate their initiation by buying them a mini crossbow. Keep in mind that a crossbow is not a toy!
Classic crossbows for adults who are beginners with target shooting
These crossbows are highly accurate and perfect if you want to start target shooting as a leisure activity for adults. They usually have a power between 120 and 150 pounds. The purchase price of these weapons is very accessible. You will also get a remarkable design and good handling. For a black crossbow of the Skorpion brand available on the site, you can buy it for €164.00. This model is made of glass and aluminum, and is very light. The crossbows of the EK Archery brand are also perfect for leisure shooting.
Heavy crossbows
Heavy crossbows can be used for various purposes (hunting, sport shooting, survival, target shooting...). Their power ranges from 175 to 200 pounds, and allows shots from 50 meters to over 100 meters, depending on the model. On Kodiak Store, some products are sometimes presented to you in the form of a complete package.
This characteristic also facilitates the storage of recurve crossbows compared to compound crossbows, which are more fragile in the pulley area. Aesthetically, the recurve crossbow is longer than the compound crossbow, and certain models can be disassembled with the string in place, such as with the TD range from Excalibur.
Compound crossbows
At Kodiak Store, you'll always find the best compound crossbows. Whether for hunting or target shooting, they will suit you well. The 175-pound crossbow is available from €399.00, while the Missile crossbow with a power of 200 pounds is accessible from €590.00. These weapons are very accurate, with easy reloading. The BARNETT brand can also be a very good choice, as well as the BEAR X offer.
A wide variety of crossbows for a specific audience
Kodiak Store offers you a wide variety of products to ensure everyone's satisfaction. Among the lot, you can find pistol crossbows with a power between 50 and 80 pounds. They are light, manageable, and can always suit beginners. Even children and people who wish to engage in leisure shooting can find what they're looking for in the store. It should be noted, however, that children must always be at least 8 years old.
Target shooting enthusiasts will turn to classic crossbows between 120 and 150 pounds. Due to their power and accuracy, it will be possible for them to train shooting at several dozen meters. Regarding heavy crossbows, they are mainly intended for serious shooting sportsmen, those who engage in hunting, or even survivalism. These heavy crossbows, with or without pulleys, have a power of 175 pounds and more.
The legal framework for crossbows in France
In France, the crossbow is considered a freely held edged weapon. It is therefore a type of weapon that is not subject to any strict control and you do not need a shooting license, a hunting permit, or an archery permit. As such, the decree n° 2013-700 of July 30, 2013 relating to the control of modern weapons does not impose much regarding the possession or storage of a crossbow. However, it must not be transported while loaded and ready for use. For transport, it is important to disassemble it and put it in a bag.
