Hello and welcome. Another crossbow hunter here. I don' t spend a boat load on equipment either. I also limit my shots to 30 yds or less. in addition to being no better than a compound bow, most crossbows are VERY loud. you are only likely to get one shot and the animal is heading for the hills. I have read that the Parker crossbows are less loud but that' s a lot of cash so I' ll stick with my horton steel force for a while.
Good luck

David