How's it shooting now at a target? I am going to assume OK in this comment. I think you are on something. I have been around several brands and models of cross bows as of late. My hunting buds are all sort of like me in that we are old and wearing out. The Cross Bow sure allowed me to keep "bow hunting". But man are these things loud compared to modedrn compounds and tons quieter than my "old" recurve. If you get another shot maybe try shooting low in the kill zone. Be interesting to hear if that made any difference.