School me on crossbows

And, then there's this new Benjamin "air bow", think air rifle that shoots a bolt. I haven't bothered with it because it's not legal in Texas except for hogs, not in bow season anyway. Heck, I think dynamite is probably legal for hogs. It's supposed to be FAST, though.

But, just how fast is fast? How fast do you need for a 30 yard shot? If you're shooting 60 yards, you don't need a bow of any kind. You need a Remchester. My 200 fps xbow suits me fine to 30 yards, just wanna get a better bow with a better trigger and 300 fps (claimed) would help give me an extra 10 yards MAYBE and help keep deer from "jumping the string" at longer ranges, though I really don't need it at 25-30, don't think. Bow hunting is about getting close. But, I ain't gonna go buying a new bow every year for the "improvements". In my feeble mind, chasing technology is strange with archery. All them wheels are just there to go out of time and mess you up. THEN, you have to take 'em to a bow shop 50 miles away? Nah, I'll stick with recurves, will be looking at Excalibur when the time comes.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_3659525_-1?gclid=CI660bqtn9QCFUlNfgodtJkM-w&kwid=productads-adid^104476698798-device^c-plaid^250381679598-sku^108668969-adType^PLA

The crossbow I got is enjoyable. I shoot it here in my house (basement) for practice. While have have had a long bow they are not as interesting to me.

Brought the crossbow out for the first time since last season, just curious if it was still on. 25 yds was the furthest shot I could get in my yard with the shed as a backstop.

That'll do pig, that'll do.

I also ordered 5 more custom arrows from SSAS, identical to the ones I bought two years ago since the bow likes them so well. Now to get some practice at varied distance in before the season.

OP, did you wind up picking up a crossbow? If so, what?

ive got a wicked ridge. Great bow for the money but my friends 10 point is noticeably quieter and more accurate. What I really like about the wicked ridge is the built in cocking device.

Some of those crank style cocking devices look like they'd get in the way of a left handed shooter.

I've had a rotator cuff that healed itself, but sound like yours is REALLY bad. I never had a problem with shifters. Will put you in prayers tonight, hope you get all fixed up....and, I think you'll like that Xbow, whatever you get.

DRAW-LOC is a company that builds a device that attaches to your bow and holds back the string at full draw. Transforms your bow into a vertical crossbow. This company has been building these clever devices for many years and has an excellent reputation. I suggest you consider this option.

TR

Did you get a chance to shoot any of the options at Cabela's? What were your thoughts on the ones you looked at, did anything stand out?

The Centerpoint bows are made by Crossman. They are essentially below what most people consider an "entry level" bow. Don't count on it lasting very long. If it were a gun, it would be comparable to say a Lorcin or a Jennings. Might work for a while, but probably won't have much of a lifespan. Parts are probably impossible to find. You're going to be money well ahead in the long run if you stick with a well established crossbow company. Ten Point, Wicked Ridge, Horton, Excalibur, and Parker.

With your shoulder that bad you will need a crank.I started with a Wicked Ridge Invader with the built in rope it wasn't that bad to cock but I don't know if you could do it with one good arm.Last year I got A Ten Point Turbo GT its not one of the big bucks bows but it seems like a good bow it has a crank.The reason I got it was I wanted a narrower bow.Crossbows are unwieldy ackward in a treestand they balance nothing like a gun.One thing that helps is to take the Quiver off when in the stand.The only negative I've heard on reverse draws is that they are hard on strings and servings.Good luck with your shoulder

Three years I bought a Barnett Jackal for $300 on sale. It has been a good Xbow for me . I killed a deer with it that year. It is not lite nor is it quiet. It is accurate and come with a cheap 3 dot Red/Green illuminated 1X scope. I have had no problems with mine. I also use the cheap Allen chisel point broad heads. I figure one dead deer and throw the broad head away. I also use it for rabbit control with the small game heads.

I now see them at my local Wal Mart for $200.

As follow up to earlier posts: Illinois changed the law regarding crossbows. They are now standard archery equipment which can be used by all hunters for the entire bow season. No need for doctor notes or waiting until late season. Hope you all enjoy the hunt!