To Bow or to Crossbow.... that is the question

[coulesy]

So, im looking at getting myself a bow or a crossbow for post SHTF, for the purpose of hunting and self defence. So here is the dilema to me anyways which would be better to get and use i mean a full size recurve bow is strong simple to operate and seems less that can go wrong. i understand that its not like i can easly hide the thing but post SHTF is it going to really matter or am i asking for trouble. so in regards to the crossbow i can hide it when not in use, the bolts are smaller therefore meaning less weight or more rounds. Also i wonder if they are harder to operate or will there be human error during reload if stressed, also i wonder if the reload speed on a cross bow is slow. so to round it off im not really sure which would be the better option so any ideas comments quieres are welcome.
Thanks Ric

[the-gnole]

I have both crossbow and compound bow, in a post SHTF situation a cross bow is going to be the prefered choice as, once loaded, it can be used one handed, it can stay "ready" for a lot longer than the bow, it looks scary with a broad head added to the bolt.

The compound bow is good for multiple shots in a shorter time than the crossbow.

[Bournemouthprepper]

Minimi that'd be the life lol

[coulesy]

lol BP if we are talking toys then mine is an M4 with all trimings lol and thanks Gnole, so are there many working parts to a cross bow? and does the bow require much looking fater ie daily cleaning etc.

[Bournemouthprepper]

M4? don't be so silly, no-one likes american rifles its all about either the GPMG, belt fed or the L96A1 snipes

[the-gnole]

lol BP if we are talking toys then mine is an M4 with all trimings lol and thanks Gnole, so are there many working parts to a cross bow? and does the bow require much looking fater ie daily cleaning etc.

You need to watch the string and replace it before it breaks, otherwise it can be a real bi*ch to do, especially with a compound Xbow, daily cleaning, a bit of oil on the trigger mechanism, and a rub with some bow grease on the bolt platform every 10 shots is about it.

Good thing about bows and Xbows is that unlike a piece of military weaponary that WILL run out of ammunition at some point, you can usually make replacement ammunition with a tree and a knife.

Don't forget BP that a tiny little spring costing a few pence on the extract claw breaks and the weapon is a club and if you can't replace it you then all the ammunition is okay for catty ammo, with a bow the string just needs a new piece

[Red Doe]

I have both...two crossbows (150lb and 180lb) and recurve, so long as you`re young and fit, stick with a crossbow, but ensure you can get decent solid shafted bolts for it..the commercially sold `sports` bolts are alloy rubbish and bend at the drop of a hat.
A recurve is easier to use if you have any shoulder trouble or strength issues whatsoever, and arrows are easier to buy or make for them.
Wax the strings of the crossbow regularly and inspect the limbs (mine are sprung steel) for damage, and the stock (both mine are wood, walnut and beech)
and in a SHTF scenario, my advice is to make sure you have replacement parts for both...strings, limbs, whatever you need, double up on if you can.
(crossbows are noiser than recurves btw)

[Bournemouthprepper]

lol BP if we are talking toys then mine is an M4 with all trimings lol and thanks Gnole, so are there many working parts to a cross bow? and does the bow require much looking fater ie daily cleaning etc.

You need to watch the string and replace it before it breaks, otherwise it can be a real bi*ch to do, especially with a compound Xbow, daily cleaning, a bit of oil on the trigger mechanism, and a rub with some bow grease on the bolt platform every 10 shots is about it.

Good thing about bows and Xbows is that unlike a piece of military weaponary that WILL run out of ammunition at some point, you can usually make replacement ammunition with a tree and a knife.

Don't forget BP that a tiny little spring costing a few pence on the extract claw breaks and the weapon is a club and if you can't replace it you then all the ammunition is okay for catty ammo, with a bow the string just needs a new piece

give me a few thousand rounds on a gpmg and i'd be a happy boy! lol and although i do know we shouldn't rely on guns, if i had the money... ooooooh baby

[the-gnole]

Yes BP, very "american" of you

[Technik]

Crossbow - it's more like a gun than a bow,
pros: can stay loaded, very powerful and very accurate
cons: takes longer to reload than a bow, needs more maintance, heavy

Bow (recurve)
pros: almost no maintance, very light
cons: needs a lot of practice to master

Gnole - what kind of compound bow have you got? I'm just starting in the world of archery