Crossbows are not only flexible and accurate tools, they are also whole lot of fun. Additionally, they’re an excellent way of introducing young or inexperienced hunters to the sport. Crossbows are also handy when it comes to maintaining the physically impaired hunters in the game. Having said that, do not make the mistake of contemplating that crossbows are not serious business.
The History of Crossbows
Historically, crossbows played such a huge role in the warfare of the Mediterranean, Europe and East Asia. The invention of crossbow in China – ancient China – brought about a drastic shift in the projectile weaponry roles. The conventional arrow and bow had been a specialized weapons system for long. It required such a huge degree of expertise, physical strength and lifetime training to operate with utmost efficiency.
In most cultures, many people considered bowmen a superior and separate caste. This was regardless of the fact that they were drawn from common class. Their archery skill set was developed essentially from birth. It was almost impossible to reproduce an outside pre-established cultural tradition that many nations lacked.
By contrast, the large collection of crossbows was the premier projectile weapon. It was cheap, simple as well as physically undemanding to be operated by the masses. Thus, it enabled virtually any nation to lay out a potent force of crossbowmen.
Today’s Crossbows
Today, a good number of hunters utilize them to tackle or hunt the biggest game imaginable. This can include Kodiak brown bears, caribou and moose. At this level, you might need something bigger.
Crossbows vary in pulling mechanisms, sizes, and shapes. Most importantly, they boast different shooting speeds and calibers. You can have them for different purposes such as sports, hunting or any leisure activities.
Crossbows can greatly vary. You can have a mammoth 200-plus pound monster or even a ‘tactical’ 50-pound pistol crossbow. The golden rule is that almost anything that is not a toy is capable for small game. For instance, at 150 pounds, you can harvest whitetails, turkeys and coyotes. With your 175-pound crossbow, you may need to set your eyes on animals such as small bears and elk.
Then you find your way into the big crossbow league. Here are the 5 mammoth crossbows that are considered the closest when it comes to the contemporary equivalent of an arbalest.
Excalibur Matrix Mega 405
The Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 boasts a draw weight of 290 pounds. It features a velocity of 405 FPS. Its kinetic energy is 127.51 foot pounds.
Kodabow Big Rhino
The Kodabow Big Rhino has a draw weight of 225 pounds. It features a velocity of 355 FPS. Its kinetic energy is 98 foot-pounds.
Mission MXB-Dagger XB
The Mission MXB-Dagger XB has a draw weight of 220 pounds. It features a velocity of 340 FPS. Its kinetic energy is 77 foot-pounds.
Carbon Express Covert CX2
The Carbon Express Covert CX2 brings with it a draw weight of 200 pounds. It has a velocity of 385 FPS. Its kinetic energy is 142 foot pounds.
Barnett Ghost 400
The Barnett Ghost 400 brings with it a draw weight of 185 pounds. It boasts a velocity of 400 FPS. Its kinetic energy is 151 foot-pounds.
If you are interested in purchasing a crossbow, read this.