Composed of a stock and a bow, a crossbow presents itself as a shooting weapon for which the projectiles are bolts. It can be reloaded manually or mechanically. It is a tool that combines some of the mechanisms of a rifle and a bow. The crossbow takes its stock from the first weapon, its simple or mechanism trigger system, its safety lever, as well as its aiming mode. This shooting weapon approaches the bow with its limbs, strings, and projectile capable of killing game. However, these characteristics do not make the crossbow a hybrid weapon. It is specifically an arrow weapon offering great precision but with a reduced rate of fire. Classified by the legislator in the D2H category of bladed weapons, the conditions of sale and use of crossbows are governed by decree n° 2013-700 of July 30, 2013 of September 6, 2013. This weapon can be sold to any minor with the agreement of the guardian. Its purchase therefore requires the prior presentation of an identity document. It is a silent string weapon, but of great power. Available in several variations, a crossbow can be classic (recurve) or compound. Discover in this article, the details that distinguish these models.
Presentation of a compound crossbow
The compound crossbow, also called compound, is a combination of the traditional crossbow and the compound bow. This shooting weapon resembles its ancestor by reducing the force needed for its cocking, but also by optimizing shooting accuracy. By increasing the launch speed of the bolt, it approaches the compound bow.
Compound crossbows are currently used for hunting, except in France. The BARNETT Raptor Pro STR model is designated by specialists across the Atlantic as one of the best on the market. It is also one of the most popular in the United States. This model is of course also used for target shooting sessions. It will guarantee you crossbow hunting sessions providing strong sensations. As a general rule, the compound crossbow has a force of about 150 pounds for an arrow speed that can reach 420 FPS feet/sec or 460 Km/h. The length of the bolts varies from 14 to 22 inches with a total weight of about 30 to 35 grams.
Presentation of a recurve crossbow
The recurve crossbow, as its name suggests, is a type with inverse curves at the ends of the limbs without pulleys. In French, the word recurve translates to 'recourbé'. Unlike compound crossbows, recurves are wider. With fewer moving parts, the recurve crossbow is characterized by its ease of maintenance. Indeed, changing a worn string is done very easily using a false string.
Equipped with a simple operating system, this weapon uses a simple string, unlike the so-called compound crossbow whose system has cables. Regarding Recurve crossbows, the Excalibur brand offers excellent quality models with lifetime warranty, such as the Excalibur Micro Suppressor 400 TD crossbow.
Required power for a crossbow
Crossbows are classified according to their strength from 50 to 260 pounds. This tension, when applied to the string, pushes the bolt at a maximum speed of 130 meters per second. If you plan to join a deer hunting party, you will need a model that offers a power of 200 pounds.
Crossbows, whether classic or compound, will be fully capable of providing you with this power. However, it should be noted that crossbow hunting is prohibited in France. To test the performance of your crossbow, you will have to go to America, Africa, certain European countries, or even Russia.
With such great power, the bolt can easily pierce through large game. Using a stirrup, a muscular enough hunter can manually cock a crossbow with a power of 150 pounds. Most models are sold with a manual cocking aid. In parallel, other better-equipped crossbows come with a crank cocking device as standard.
With this pulley system, manufacturers can reduce the draw weight by 50%. It is a cocking aid that allows for easy stringing of a very powerful crossbow model. The pulleys also allow for sometimes incredible bolt speeds to be achieved.
Details that distinguish the recurve crossbow from the compound crossbow
The main difference between the recurve crossbow model and the compound pulley model is the pulley system. For example, the Barnett XP400 compound crossbow (which, by the way, has a very successful design) is equipped with a system of pulleys of different sizes. Usually, they are oval or round in shape and are found on the limbs.
For the recurve model, the string is attached directly to its limbs. The pulley system has the advantage of reducing the force that is provided when tensioning the string, similar to the principle of a block and tackle. Consequently, this system allows users to easily use their crossbows. When actuating the mechanism, the pulleys reduce the amplitude of the force applied to the mechanism.
The difference between the recurve crossbow and the compound crossbow is also felt in its strength. Comparing the two models, we find that the compound model is more powerful than the other. This resistance is related to the limbs of the crossbow which are significantly more rigid in the simple limb version or flexible in the double limb version compared to the Recurve crossbow.
This elasticity of the limbs gives more energy to the launch of the bolt. The pulley system also plays an important role in the crossbow's equipment, as it facilitates the winding of the string. Arrows of the same weight launched with a compound crossbow will reach a higher speed than arrows launched from a recurve crossbow.
It should be noted that the speed record for a bolt is held by one shot with a compound model. This model also holds the power record among other crossbow models. From a mechanical point of view, the recurve crossbow is easier to use than the compound crossbow.
This simplicity in the mechanism has advantages for this crossbow. The recurve model is not equipped with any cable unlike the compound crossbow, making maintenance easier to ensure without the need for specialized tools. Indeed, if for example you break a shooting string, you can repair it yourself.
This is not the case with compound crossbows. If you break your string, you may need a bow press, or find a compression system like a pipe clamp, jack, or other hydraulic press. You may also need an expert technician to repair the broken string.
This specificity also facilitates the storage of recurve crossbows compared to compound crossbows which are more fragile at the pulley level. 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.
This facilitates the transport of compound models, as the Centerpoint CP400 crossbow has been specifically designed to allow you to reach your target with peace of mind during your crossbow hunting sessions. Unlike recurve models. This small size also allows for easy handling of the compound crossbow in rather narrow places.
We also see reverse draw crossbows on the compound crossbow market, of which Barnett was the first to introduce the concept. Since then, the largest crossbow manufacturers such as Mission, Ten Point or Ravin have followed this trend, each having their own compact reverse draw compound crossbow.
Crossbow hunting: what you need to know
The art of hunting big game with a crossbow is a booming sport worldwide. That said, there are certain things you need to know to get the best performance with your crossbow when hunting deer.
Crossbows can withstand difficult weather conditions. Many hunters have used them without issue in the extreme heat of the south and in the freezing temperatures of the north. Hunters use them in these extreme conditions day after day and there has been no effect on the performance or accuracy of the crossbow.
Crossbows must be properly cocked. This is a crucial step, as most crossbow accuracy problems are due to the fact that it has not been correctly cocked. The string must be pulled and locked in position correctly. This means there must be the same amount of service on each side.
If this is not the case, the arrow will disengage with an uneven amount of energy, which will result in a lack of uniformity in the trajectory.