Crossbow Basics

The main difference between a modern compound bow and a modern crossbow is that the crossbow does not have to be drawn in the presence of the game. Meaning, that a crossbow can be drawn and held in the fully drawn position prior to your intended target being presented. Outside of that, both of these compound bows require advanced limb systems, risers, cams, strings and trigger systems. A 70lb vertical bow and a 150lb crossbow will produce virtually the same ballistics in regards to arrow speed and flight.

Both units have the same hunting range, 40 yards and closer. The reason for the weight difference is power stroke. Power stroke is the distance the string travels in order to provide the force necessary to propel the arrow down range. A modern vertical bow will utilize up to 30 inches of powerstroke, while a crossbow averages only 13 inches of power stroke. That is why most crossbows are double the draw weight. Simply put, the crossbow must double the draw weight of a vertical bow in order to overcome the shorter power stroke and achieve the same ballistics. Both bows require lots of practice and the same required skills in the woods so that close range hunting can be achieved.

REVIEWING SAFETY
  • Always aim in a SAFE DIRECTION. Always keep the muzzle of the crossbow pointed in a SAFE DIRECTION.
  • Never point the crossbow at any person or at anything you do not intend to shoot.
  • Always treat the crossbow as though it is loaded and with the same respect you would a firearm.
  • Always keep the crossbow on safe until you are ready to shoot.
  • Always check to see if the crossbow is "ON SAFE" and unloaded when getting it from another person or from storage.
  • Always keep your fingers and thumb below the travel path of the bow string and cables. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.
  • Always keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
  • Always check your crossbow thoroughly for worn, damaged, loose or missing parts prior to shooting.
  • Never dry fire your crossbow.
  • Never cock or load your crossbow until you are ready to shoot and are sure of your target.
  • Before shooting be sure the crossbow limbs are clear from striking tree limbs and other obstacles.
  • Never shoot any projectile in your crossbow except for arrows recommended by Crosman for your specific crossbow. Shooting other than recommended arrows could result in injury to you or damage to your crossbow.
  • You and others with you should always wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes.
  • If your reading or prescription glasses are not safety glasses make sure you wear shooting glasses over your regular glasses.
  • Do not shoot at hard surfaces or at the surface of water. The arrow may bounce off or ricochet and hit someone or something you had not intended to hit.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble or tamper with your crossbow. Use an Authorized Service Station. Using unauthorized repair centers or modifying the function of your crossbow in any way may be unsafe and will void your warranty.