RebelHog, My 2nd xbow was a "Commando". Deadly accurate, got my first "Robin Hood" w/ it before I knew the term. You cocked it like a break-open pellet gun, two claws outside the rail brought the string back until it latched. Real short power stroke, maybe 12". I bought it used, and could only get 20 or so shots before the string gave out. Found out recently that was the nature of the beast. Apparently, there were plastic sleeves over the string where those claws grabbed it when cocking. The "Yards" in Viet Nam made their own and were deadly w/ them. as for the poaching aspect of xbows, I'm more than a little sceptical. A simple .22 "short" is far more practicle. Thanks for the info, it was a good read!!