"Hmm. I'm just more confused than before asking . "

Welcome to the world of crossbows

If you have a local shop that has a press, then any bow is open to you as an option. It seems that money is a factor( isnt is always?) so that has to be taken into account. A recurve bow generaly is more accurate (we are splitting hairs here mind you) than a compound due to the way it launches the arrow. There is less "shock" from an initial acceleration coming off the cam on a compound. Hig quality recurves generaly are about the same money as "average" compounds. That may be a factor. The Excal line is simple, easy to work on, and accurate. The TenPoint recurves are IMO also very good and as a package with the red dot and arrows start at $500.00 Depending on the model of Excal and what options you want you will be in the same price range. The TenPoints have some nice features (automatic safety, dry fire inhibitor, etc...) that may or may not be of interest to you. IMO, for target use, I would stay with a recurve unless you are more comfortable with the compound. If you are more comfortable with the compound, that comfort will translate into accuracy since if you are constantly shifting your grip around you never hold the bow the same way twice and that kills accuracy.

Wyvern