Manard,

For starters I would stick with the more reputable names....Horton, Excalibur, Tenpoint. I would include Barnett as well but the local shop has just been receiving way too many Barnetts returned for repairs for me to recommend them.

Second, almost all, if not all of the models from each of the manufacturers in question are offered with at least a 150 pound draw weight. None less to my knowledge and many with substantially more. If you buy one from one of these manufacturers as a kit then they will include bolts that I can guarantee you are over 250 grains. In my opinion 250 grains is exceptionally light for a crossbow of such weight.

My two suggestions for a decent but not too expensive crossbow would be either something like the Horton Explorer 150 or the Tenpoint TL-4. The Horton (as a package deal) is priced a tad over $300 most places. The Tenpoint model is placed right at $500. Buy either from a reputable shop and you will be in business without any extra worries.