Crossbow. Is it really necessary?

[Toddie]

Thanks for that info Sam. I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Bladerunner, i take it you have your xbow now? What do you make to it? I've looked at the Armex Jags before. Be nice to hear what you think to it.

[Bladerunner]

Hi Toddie,
Only got it the other day and haven't had time to put it together yet but it looks good.
Seems to be well made and feels good to hold.
I need to set up some kind of target in the back garden. I read on hear someone mention a cardboard box full of old clothes works well.

I also got an armex 80lb crossbow pistol which I put together and I wouldn't want to get shot with it, so the full size one would probably go straight through a human as long as it missed the major bones.

Aiming at the forehead would at least mean you wouldn't have to walk too far to get your bolt back.

As soon as I have a decent target that will stop the bolt, I will post some comments.

What size bolts do people recommend for the full size one? I have heard that 20 inch bolts are best but I have seen them as small as 14". It comes with 3 x 17" bolts.

I have ordered more bolts for the smaller one and they all seem to be a standard size.

I might order some Broadheads to see what they are like. Does the bolt have to be the 20" if it has a broadhead fitted? I am guessing that it would need to project over the end of the bow or the head might catch? Any advice?

Does anyone use the fitting that holds extra bolts under the bow or have they made their own?

I saw a video on the net of a guy who had altered his pistol crossbow to hold 10 shots with a pump action effect that reloads automatically. I thought that was quite impressive.

Be lucky (and YES it is necessary)

[tigs]

the size of the bolt depends on the draw wieght of the crossbow any thing over 185lb and 20" would be the best choice not only are they longer but heavier and give better flight , i have an exalibur equinox 225lb xbow and only use 20" bolts after having a couple of 17"ones break on impact, dont know if it was due to the size of the bolt or if they were just rubbish bolts , as for broadheads you cant hunt with a xbow in the uk and shooting targets with them while fun is a bit of a waste , having said that i have 30 of them

[Bladerunner]

Made a target yesterday out of a cardboard box. It is about 1100mm x 800mm x 50mm.

I cut pieces of cardboard that fitted neatly inside the box. The board I used was really thick cardboard as is the box so I ended up with a big target made up of 12 sheets of thick cardboard pressed tightly together.

I only used the pistol with 6.5 inch bolts and they came out the back about 2 inches. I take back what I said about the full size one. I reckon the pistol could go through a person if it missed the bones.

I have to say I was very impressed with the power. Need to adjust the sights as it is firing high so I will have another go tomorrow when I get 5 mins.

No point setting up the full size one just yet as I would need half a dozen of these targets to stop the bolt and I only have 3 bolts at the moment.

I would definately recommend the 80lb pistol. I found the video I mentioned in the last post. Here is part one, there are 3 parts in total.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP4AwvRRAmQ

Let me know what you think.

Be lucky

[unsure]

i have a xbow , i`m not sure what the draw is on it but it went into and out of the otherside of my garage door at the thickest point . about 2inch i`d say . what i do remember was that it didn`t cost the earth when the wife bought it for me . that and good stock of bolts and broad heads .
ive used the pistol type before and was impressed with the power of it , so much so ive decided to get another .

[Bladerunner]

Anyone know the cheapest place to get the longer bolts. They seem to be a bit pricey and funds are tight at the moment.
I got some pistol bolts off Ebay and they were cheap enough but the 17" and 20" seem a bit dear. Any help would be appreciated.
if anyone has any spare I would be happy to arrange a swap with them. Just message me.

Be lucky (and armed)

[the7ps]

Hi all, I am after some advice please.

Quick explanation;

I am interested in getting a crossbow as an Xmas pressie for around the £100 + mark (no more than £150) so would really appreciate a good one to get. But... Due to the nature of my job I sometimes have to leave my wife alone for 6 months and she wonders whether getting an air pistol would be easier for her to use in a self defence situation.

I know a Xbow has better stopping power (let's say for small game) but she thinks an air pistol may be easier to use.

Advice would be appreciated?

[Plymtom]

An air pistol to coin a phrase wouldn't knock granny off the p*&^ pot, a crossbow is deadly, she'd need a cocking rope, but I wouldn't recomend either for self defence, get into something which gives you cause to have a shotgun I reckon there's a better chance of escaping prison defending yourself with one of those, plus if you miss with a crossbow or single shot 6ft poud air pistol, re loading is a slow affair, and a warning shot from a make would I suspect be suficient in many cases to make them scarper PDQ.

Crossbows and air pistols are fun though, the former being an asset if SHTF and law colapses, before that point it's a liabillity best left in the back of the wardrobe or even more secure, I don't have the luxury of somewhere safe to store our bows or crossbow but the bolts and arrows are under lock and key

I am now having read other threads considering seriously going down the shotgun route also, and Catapults I have allready, but dont have the hang of at all

[Arzosah]

I've just had the tv on while I've been having a late lunch, and I've been watching Time Team. Ignoring how cliched it can be, there was a demo of archery on there - one of the female archaeologists trying to draw the bow, and the actual archer, a re-enactor I think, chuckling and taking it off her and drawing it *so* easily really, I wouldn't have a chance in hell of using it - if I had a bow, it would have to be one of those that you can draw by winding up ... and those aren't fast. I'm sure that I'm going to need an air pistol / air rifle...

[Plymtom]

On Time team it was likely a long bow with a draw weight of up to 150 lbs don't despair compound bows can be half at most of that, ladies versions typically around the 40lb mark, good enough for medium game in the states, mastering the long bow isn't something most men could do at the first attempt either, that show was more than a little unfair to the women so don't be put off, alright many men are a good bit stronger but it's the 21st century... women can and bloody well should have a go and do anything they want to, I knew female footballers in the 80s one was a welder in the dockyard (yes alright she was a bit scary) another two also manual yard workers I can't remember their trade, my daughter when she wasn't ill was more practical use than either of her brothers have been so far DIY and the likes go.