Well, my experiences w/ an Emax [older 225# model] has shown me arrows blow through deer and disappear unless they hit a tree, then the bhead is toast. Squirrels on the ground are $10 a pop. Tasty, but ribeye is $5.99 per lb. The alum arrows bend, the carbons self destruct if they don't sail off into the ozone.

Xbows for self defense are ludicrous. Bheads kill by bleeding out which gives a crack head type beau coup time to S&W your butt whilst bleeding out. That's if you hit them good the 1st shot. Don't worry about a 2nd, you'll be long gone, lol.

I've had several toys including a bunch of xbows. My choice for a survival type tool would be a .22 rifle, but if you want an Xbow for that, then an Excal Vixen at 150# would be hard to beat. Little to no serving issues, last's forever, little to no maintenance.

YMMV.