I was the same way, the wife told me not to spend a lot of money. What i bought last year for under 600.00 was a Horton 175 Hd team realtree crossbow . It comes with a red dot scope, quiver, 3 aluminum bolts, and a hard case. I love it . Killed 2 doe and a small 8 pt with it. And a turkey shooting Rage 2 blade expandables.