there's probably alot of xbows that recomend shooting it to de**** it and will say it can or will damage it or you could hurt yourself so check with the manufacturer or sales rep. as for mine i take the bolt out. i put my foot in the foot hold as if you are c***ing it. then i take the safety off. i grab the string and pull up until i feel that i am holding all the pressure(the string lifts slightly and i can hear the trigger get "loose so to speak"). then i pull the trigger (like i am firing) and let it de**** under my control. just make sure you have a really good grip on the string and when you're squeezing the trigger make sure you are constantly pulling up on the string. hope this helps you out and be careful!!!!