Consisting of a stock and a bow, a crossbow is a shooting weapon that fires bolts. It can be loaded manually or mechanically. It combines some of the mechanisms of a rifle and a bow. From the rifle, the crossbow takes its stock, its simple or mechanical trigger system, its safety lever, and its aiming system. It resembles a bow in its limbs, string, and projectile capable of killing game. However, these features do not make the crossbow a hybrid weapon. It is specifically an arrow-firing weapon that offers high accuracy but a low rate of fire. Classified by French law as Category D2H bladed weapons, the sale and use of crossbows are governed by Decree No. 2013-700 of July 30, 2013, and September 6, 2013. This weapon can be sold to a minor with a guardian’s consent. Its purchase therefore requires an identity document to be presented beforehand. It is a quiet but powerful string-powered weapon. Available in several versions, a crossbow can be traditional (recurve) or compound. Read on to discover what sets these models apart.
An introduction to compound crossbows
A compound crossbow combines the traditional crossbow with the compound bow. This shooting weapon resembles its predecessor while reducing the force needed to cock it and improving shot accuracy. By increasing bolt speed, it moves closer to the compound bow.
Compound crossbows are currently used for hunting, except in France. Specialists across the Atlantic consider the BARNETT Raptor Pro STR one of the best on the market. It is also one of the most popular models in the United States. Of course, this model is also used for target shooting. It promises thrilling crossbow hunts. In general, a compound crossbow has a draw weight of about 150 pounds and a bolt speed that can reach 420FPS feet per second, or 460 km/h. Bolt lengths range from 14 to 22 inches, with a total weight of about 30 to 35 grams.
An introduction to recurve crossbows
As its name suggests, a recurve crossbow has limbs that curve back at the tips and no cams. In French, “recurve” translates as “recourbé,” or “curved back.” Unlike compound crossbows, recurve models are wider. With fewer moving parts, a recurve crossbow is easy to maintain. A worn string, for example, can be replaced easily using a stringer.
With a simple operating system, this weapon uses a single string, unlike a compound crossbow, which also has cables. For recurve crossbows, Excalibur offers high-quality models with lifetime warranties, such as the Excalibur Micro Suppressor 400 TD.
How much power does a crossbow need?
Crossbows are rated by draw weight, ranging from 50 to 260 pounds. When this tension is applied to the string, it propels the bolt at a maximum speed of 130 meters per second. If you plan to join a deer hunt, you’ll need a model with a 200-pound draw weight.
Both traditional and compound crossbows can deliver that power. However, it’s worth noting that crossbow hunting is prohibited in France. To test your crossbow’s performance while hunting, you would need to travel to the Americas, Africa, certain European countries, or Russia.
With that much power, a bolt can easily pass through large game. Using a foot stirrup, a fairly strong hunter can manually cock a crossbow with a 150-pound draw weight. Most models are sold with a manual cocking aid. Other, better-equipped crossbows come with a crank cocking device as standard.
With this cam system, manufacturers can reduce the draw weight by 50%. This makes it easier to cock even a very powerful crossbow. The cams can also produce remarkably high bolt speeds.
Key differences between recurve and compound crossbows
The main difference between a recurve crossbow and a compound crossbow is the cam system. For example, the Barnett XP400 compound crossbow—which also has a particularly attractive design—has cams of different sizes. They are usually oval or round and are located on the limbs.
On a recurve model, the string attaches directly to the limbs. A cam system reduces the force needed to draw the string, much like a block and tackle. This makes the crossbow easier to use. When the mechanism is operated, the cams reduce the amount of force applied to it.
The difference between a recurve crossbow and a compound crossbow is also apparent in their power. Comparing the two models, we find that the compound model is more powerful. This difference is linked to the crossbow’s limbs, which are much stiffer in the single-limb version or more flexible in the double-limb version than those of a recurve crossbow.
This flexibility in the limbs gives the bolt more energy as it launches. The cam system also plays an important role in the crossbow, making it easier to draw the string. Bolts of the same weight shot from a compound crossbow will travel faster than those shot from a recurve crossbow.
It’s worth noting that the record for bolt speed is held by a bolt fired from a compound model. That type also holds the power record among crossbows. Mechanically, a recurve crossbow is easier to use than a compound crossbow.
This simple mechanism gives the recurve crossbow certain advantages. Unlike a compound crossbow, it has no cables, making it easier to maintain without specialized tools. For example, if you break a bowstring, you can replace it yourself.
That isn’t the case with compound crossbows. If your string breaks, you may need a bow press or another compression device, such as a clamp, jack, or hydraulic press. You may also need an expert technician to replace the broken string.
This feature also makes recurve crossbows easier to store than compound crossbows, whose cams are more fragile. In terms of appearance, a recurve crossbow is longer than a compound crossbow, and some models, such as those in Excalibur’s TD range, can be taken apart with the string still in place.
This makes compound models easier to transport. The Centerpoint CP400 crossbow, for example, was designed to help you hit your target with confidence on a crossbow hunt. Unlike recurve models, its smaller size also makes it easy to handle in tight spaces.
Reverse-limb crossbows are also available on the compound crossbow market, where Barnett was the first to introduce the concept. Since then, major crossbow manufacturers such as Mission, Ten Point, and Ravin have followed the trend, each developing its own compact reverse-limb compound crossbow.
Crossbow hunting: what you need to know
Hunting big game with a crossbow is a sport growing rapidly around the world. That said, there are a few things you need to know to get the best performance from your crossbow when hunting deer.
Crossbows can withstand harsh weather conditions. Many hunters have used them without problems in the extreme heat of the south and the freezing temperatures of the north. Hunters use them in these extreme conditions day after day, with no effect on crossbow performance or accuracy.
Crossbows must be cocked correctly. This is a crucial step, as many crossbow accuracy problems arise from improper cocking. The string must be pulled back and locked into place correctly. This means an equal length of serving should be visible on each side.
If not, the bolt will be released with uneven energy, resulting in an inconsistent trajectory.