Gun Accessories l Hunting Articles l Gun Safes
By: Rome / Last Updated on August 7, 2022
Crossbows
Crossbows are great for hunting and sport shooting. Plus, they’re just plain fun! They can be used as a weapon, hunting tool or for target practice. You must take proper safety precautions while shooting a crossbow as they are considered dangerous weapons and should be respected.
Crossbows have improved drastically over the years. They’re made with higher quality standards and are more accurate than ever before. Crossbows are powerful weapons that can take down deer and other large game.
Crossbow Hunting
Crossbow hunting is a sport all to itself. They’re fairly easy to use and give you tons of advantages when hunting. Once you’ve practiced enough, you can get a head start on the hunting season before rifle season begins in many areas. Crossbow hunting is also a great replacement for bow hunting if you are unable to bow hunt. Many people who are injured or disabled can use a crossbow to simulate bow hunting to a degree and still get a head start on rifle hunters.
Hunting Crossbow
A good hunting crossbow will fill the freezer and last a long time. All you have to do is practice your accuracy in your backyard to get the hang of it and to learn your weapon. You can find a good hunting crossbow to fit your budget and will still do a great job at hunting.
Crossbows for Women
While you may not find an exact product for crossbows for women, you can find crossbows that are easier to pull back that women may find easier to use.
Best Crossbows for the Money
You’re probably looking for the best crossbows for the money, especially if you’re on a budget. You can find effective crossbows without breaking the bank. It’s a good idea to read reviews to see which crossbows are the best for the money you’re looking to spend.
A quick search for the best crossbows will give you thousands of websites. It’s no wonder it may be hard to choose a quality crossbow when there are so many choices on the market.
Here’s a Few Reasons Why You Should Own a Crossbow:
- Crossbows provide hunters with benefits beyond firearms and bows.
- Crossbows are super easy to learn how to shoot. They’re even easier than shooting compound bows.
- You won’t tire as easily.
- Crossbows are great for disabled hunters.
- They’re incredibly accurate.
- Crossbow hunting gives you a longer deer hunting season than guns.
We’ve done the research for you and found the top rated crossbows out there.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
This high-performance crossbow by Barnett Archery is one of the best selling crossbows currently on the market. You can read thousands of reviews from happy buyers that rave about this crossbow.
It’s lightweight and made from fiberglass composite. The single bolt assembly and anti-dry fire trigger are a plus. It’s covered in mossy oak bottomland to match your camo and it’s ready to use straight out of the package. In fact, it’s a complete hunting accessory package and comes with a powerful scope, quiver, rope cocking device, lube wax and 2 22” Headhunter arrows.
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow is compatible with the Barnett 17455 crank cocking device for easier use. You can literally put this crossbow together in roughly 15 minutes straight out of the box. You may have to purchase a stronger target as this crossbow has some power! It’s incredibly accurate and is perfect for bow season.
CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package
The CenterPoint Sniper 370 crossbow was the winner of the “Great Buy” award by Outdoor Life Magazine. It outperforms other crossbows in this price range and is perfect for hunters on a budget that don’t want to buy an expensive crossbow. It’s also a great first crossbow for those who have never used one before.
The fully adjustable stock and fore grip is a great feature to have on a crossbow as it allows you to fit it to your shooting style. This crossbow is accurate and can fire at incredible speeds up to 370 fps. You can maneuver with this crossbow and the 185 pound draw weight isn’t too hard to pull. The Sniper 370 comes with a 4x32mm scope, quiver, rope cocker and 5-year limited warranty.
This crossbow is ambidextrous and great for right or left handed hunters. It also has an anti-dry fire trigger for additional safety. It would be hard to find a better crossbow at this price and we’ve looked.
We like this crossbow due to its accuracy, power and durability. It’s a great crossbow for beginners and budget shoppers.
TenPoint Vapor FS470 Xero Elite Crossbow Package
This is the ultimate crossbow hunting package. The Tenpoint Vapor Xero Elite crossbow has tons of features that make crossbow hunting more accurate. It comes equipped with a Garmin Xero X1i auto-ranging digital crossbow scope that’s extremely accurate. You can hit targets with ease due to the illuminated aim points. It’s hard to miss with automatically adjusting aim points. Not only do they adjust to compensate for distance, but also for brightness so you can see your target.
Simply range and utilize the single aim point to hit your target. It also has ACUslide silent cocking so game can’t hear you. You can range game with a distance up to 250-yards by simply pressing a button.
The TenPoint Vapor Xero Elite Crossbow has plenty of options for even the most sophisticated crossbow hunter. This is literally the most accurate crossbow ever produced. Here’s what you get: Garmin XERO X1i rangefinding scope for incredible accuracy, ACUslide cocking system for easy use, soft case, sling, string stop system, 6-arrow capacity Tech Quiver, 6-pack EVO-X lighted crossbow arrows, 6-pack EVO-X CenterPunch premium carbon crossbow arrows and a 3-pack EVO-X CenterPunch rear-deploying broadheads.
That’s a total of 15 crossbow arrows and other goodies. We like this crossbow package because it has plenty of technology to assist you in the hunt.
Killer Instinct MSCKI-1000 Crossbow
The Killer Instinct crossbow has some serious knock down power. It has a speed of 405 fps that can hit a target with extreme power. It’s quiet due to the custom rubber shock absorbers. They not only reduce noise and vibration, but allow you to hunt with stealth.
The lightweight frame of this crossbow is made from ultra-light composite stock making it extremely easy to maneuver in the woods or while shooting at targets. It has an adjustable full-length PIcatinny rail for customization and holding options. You get a complete crossbow hunting package with the Killer Instinct MSCKI-1000 crossbow.
This is a great crossbow for all users; beginner, expert and everyone in between. This complete crossbow hunting package comes with an illuminated scope, 3-bolt quiver, 3 bolts with field tips ready to shoot, rail lube, rope cocker and string suppressors. It’s one of the most complete crossbow hunting packages on the market.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
This crossbow fires at 350 fps (feet per second) and has amazing knock-down power. The draw weight is 150 pounds which is a good range and not entirely hard to pull. It has 103 feet pounds of kinetic energy and is covered in Real Tree extra camo.
This is a lightweight crossbow that’s perfect for hunting as it’s easy to carry and only weighs 6.4 pounds. It has trigger tech technology for added safety and 3 pounds zero-creep release. You get a lot with this crossbow including stainless-steel components that will last longer and a nock sensor. The anti-dry fire trigger system is a great feature to have.
This crossbow hunting package by Barnett comes with a 4×32 scope, quiver with 2 20” Headhunter arrows, lube wax and a rope cocking device. It’s recommended that you lube your strings after every 10 shots.
Killer Instinct Boss 405 Dead Silent Hunting Crossbow
The Killer Instinct Boss 405 crossbow features speed and impressive power. It fires up to 405 fps and has great knock-down power at 134 foot-pounds. It’s the perfect combination of pin-point accuracy and power. This is a great crossbow for hunting or shooting at targets. You can hunt small and large game with this agile crossbow.
We like the fact that this crossbow is amazingly stealthy with a built-in Dead Silent limb with suppressors. They not only reduce noise while firing, but prey won’t hear you while you track. The 6-position adjustable butt-stock is a great feature to incorporate and allows you to find the perfect fit. The aluminum barrel stock is rugged and will last a long time in tough terrain.
This crossbow comes with 3 Hyper carbon crossbolts and a 5-bolt quiver to make this a great crossbow hunting package.
Wicked Ridge Invader 400 Crossbow
The Wicked Ridge Invader is a great choice for crossbow enthusiasts. It fires at 400 fps which is approximately 40 fps quicker than previous versions. It’s super lightweight at 6 pounds. You won’t have trouble carrying this crossbow to your favorite hunting spot.
The pro-view scope is higher quality than most crossbow scopes and has 3 crosshairs and 4 dots to give you options. It also has a built-in cocking device so you can pull it easier. In fact, the cocking device cuts your draw weight in half.
You get a 3x lighted pro-view scope that’s calibrated for various distances, 3 Wicked Ridge XX75 arrows and a 3-arrow quiver. This is one of the best crossbow hunting packages you will find.
Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow with DualFire Technology
The Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow has the ability to fire 2 shots at the same time! You can fire both shots from any distance with two, independent triggers. It comes equipped with extras such as the Excalibur Rebolt Quiver which is one of the best on the market and the Silent Crank which gives you an edge. This double crossbow isn’t overly heavy and has been skeletonized to reduce weight. It’s durable and can handle heavy-use.
The over/under crossbow configuration gives you an advantage and fewer missed shots. It’s accurate and won’t fire until you load an arrow, so you have nothing to worry about. You get a ton of extras with the Excalibur TwinStrike 2-shot crossbow such as an illuminated scope, 4-arrow quiver, 4-Quill arrows, Rhino Nocks, scope mount and more. This double-shot crossbow fires up to 360FPS and has a draw weight of 358 lbs. It only weighs 7.75 lbs and is easy to carry with your other hunting gear.
Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow
The Excalibur GRZ2 crossbow is a powerful crossbow that’s lightweight and ready for the task. It’s compact and easy to carry and can take down big game. It has a fiber-reinforced mainframe that makes it usable in all weather conditions so you can hunt anywhere. It fires at speeds up to 305 FPS and has amazing arrow acceleration to ensure an accurate shot.
This crossbow is easy to use and easy to load with the rope cocking aid that’s included. It reduces the draw weight by ½ and allows you to save your energy. You get a ton of extras with the Excalibur GRZ2 crossbow such as: 3 Diablo arrows, a quiver that holds 4 arrows, skeletonized stock to lessen weight, rope-cocking aid that reduces draw weight by 50%, 1” rings, fixed power scope and more.
We think the Excalibur GRZ2 is one of the best crossbows currently on the market at this price range.
Ravin Crossbows R29X 450 FPS Crossbow
The Ravin R29X Crossbow with Predator Dusk Camo is one heck of a crossbow! It’s lightweight and easy to carry. This model is 5.5” shorter than the previous R20 model. It fires at an incredible 450 FPS and features Helicoil Technology which gives you additional accuracy when you need it most and keeps it lightweight.
The Ravin R29X crossbow also features Frictionless Flight System which cuts down on friction and increases the speed of your shot. The Trac-Trigger System clasps at the center of your string each and every time you draw. We highly recommend checking out the Ravin 29X Crossbow.
Excalibur Assassin 420 TD – RTE with Tact 100 Scope
The Excalibur Assassin crossbow is a clean shooting crossbow that has plenty of knock-down power. In fact, it features more than 137 lbs of pass-through power and is nearly effortless to draw. It has a pro-shot trigger which is a 2-stage system that has a similar feel to rifle triggers. This gives you more control and increased accuracy.
Many users that have shoulder injuries have stated that they can crank the Excalibur Assassin with ease. The crank is dead-silent and provides additional safety. The speed is up to 420 FPS and a draw weight of 290 lbs. It comes with a Tact-100 Illuminated Scope and other features.
PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow Package
The PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow is a great crossbow for the price. It’s received great reviews from bow hunters and comes with plenty of extras. It fires at a speed of 380 fps and has a draw weight of 185 lbs. It shoots great and is perfect for bow hunting. It also has an anti-dry fire and an automatic safety trigger that adds to the safety features.
This is a compact crossbow that’s perfect for hunters of all levels. The 4×32 illuminated crossbow scope comes installed. It also features string stops to lessen your crossbow’s sound when you fire. You get tons of extras with this crossbow package such as the PSE Archery Coalition crossbow, 5-bolt quiver, dual string stops, anti-dry fire, 3-20 Carbon bolts, cocking rope and more.
We like this crossbow package because it has everything you need to get started and is perfect for hunters of any experience level.
Crossbow FAQ
What is the Most Accurate Crossbow?
Most crossbows are accurate straight out of the package. You can hit a bullseye without doing much to your new crossbow. Some require a little work, but still fire relatively accurately. We like the TenPoint Vapor RS470 Xero Elite crossbow for ultimate accuracy. It’s expensive, but has loads of features. You can check out the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR crossbow for a more affordable, yet highly accurate crossbow straight out of the package.
Can You Buy Crossbows on Amazon?
Absolutely! In fact, they have the largest selection of crossbows and you can find hundreds of different types. Buying online gives you access to crossbows that you can’t find in stores.
What are the Best Selling Crossbows?
All crossbows on this list have held best-seller status for a time. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR has been a number 1 seller for longer than most crossbows on the market. Here’s a list of the best selling crossbows on Amazon.
What is the Best Crossbow for Under $400?
We would have to say the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR or Barnett Whitetail Hunter II are your best choices for crossbows under $400. Killer Instinct also has a line of crossbows under $300 that are high-quality and great for hunting.
How Far Can You Shoot a Deer with a Crossbow?
While most crossbows can reach up to 500 yards, you will want to get much closer to get an effective kill. It’s recommended that you get within 60 to 80 yards to have a good shot at hitting your target. Your chances increase the closer you are to your target, especially if it’s a deer or other large animal.
How Long Can a Crossbow Stay Loaded?
You may be tempted to leave your crossbow loaded to save time, but you must be careful. It’s not a good idea to leave your crossbow cocked for more than 24 hours. You risk stretching your string or damaging it in other ways. It can lower your crossbow’s performance next time you hunt or practice with it.
Does a Crossbow Need a Case?
It’s highly recommended that you carry your crossbow in a protective case when traveling. Hard crossbow cases give you an extra level of protection and keep you within road regulations. Some states have laws that make you keep your crossbow in a case while it’s in your vehicle. Here’s an article we wrote that reviews the best crossbow cases on the market to help you choose.
Can Crossbows Be Used For Survival Purposes?
Absolutely! In fact, crossbows make great survival tools as they are more accurate than a bow and much quieter than a rifle. You can use crossbows for self-defense, hunting and other survival situations. Many people believe a rifle is the best survival weapon, but a crossbow could make a great alternative when you need to remain silent.
How Accurate are Modern Crossbows?
Crossbows have come a long way since their inception. Modern crossbows are extremely accurate and can hit targets with ease. It takes practice to get good at them, but you can hit targets with accuracy with a little work. Most crossbow brands ship them pre-sighted so they shoot consistently right out of the box.
Jerome is an avid outdoorsman who moonlights as an attorney when he’s not creating the world’s greatest online content.