Harry_Bucknuts

What is the big difference between a compound bow vs a crossbow? I mean why dont many people use crossbows and can you buy broadheads for them as well?

mtnewbowhunter

Because a crossbow takes the fun out of hunting w/o gun powder, its more of a challenge and a better sport with the compound.

Harry_Bucknuts

So they both have the same amount of knockdown power? Both seem like they would be fun to me. I am looking into getting into some type of primative hunting and trying to decide which way to go. What about the broadhead question? Can you buy broadheads for crossbows?

Russ otten

Sometimes it ais not a choice, but a nessessity. I am 69 yrs. old, had shoulder surgery 2 yrs. ago. It is all I can do to pull a 30# bow. A friend used to hunt with a compound, but had a serious auto accident, in a body cast for a year. Now on total disability. I sometimes feel like the young, healty hunters out there are condemming us older hunters. I feel like the fellow that gave a critic a bible and a stone; " If you are without sin, throw the dang thing."

Russ

Harry_Bucknuts

Russ I agree. With me it is not by choice either. My health limits what I am able to do or use. I agree with you about the stones and critics.Thanks!

bmexline

crossbows offer those that have a family and place a high regard for the time spent w/ them and also have to work a lot of hours the ability to still hunt during archery season. many do not have the time to dedicate to getting to the point where you can in good conscience hunt w/ a compound, ensuring a quick clean harvest. a crossbow helps because while they are limited by the same things that compounds are like yardage estimation, under 40yard kill zone, etc they do not take as long to sight in or get comfortable with as a compound.

many compound shooters crucify crossbow hunters because they think that they are lazy or cheating or whatever you want to call it. bottom line, it is a legal, extremely effective method of hunting. just because it is easier doesnt make it wrong.

i say this and i shoot a compound. i just get tired of the bashing that crossbow hunters get.

*steps off of soapbox*

cardeer

I am disabled also.the advantage is you dont have to draw a bow back The diadvantages are most guys that use a crossbow cant get up off the ground.Plus there heavy and loud. And over 30 yards drop like a lead balloon. I was beat up in the woods by some guys for usng a x-bow. I wonder the guys that say it is to easy ,Do they rifle hunt???? Oh yes you can use broadheads just like you use with a compound

Clint.

I personally think that crossbows occupy their own niche. I do not believe those who use them are archery hunters or gun hunters. They fit in between the two somewhere. They are somewhat of a hybrid. They are more accurate and powerful that a handheld bow. They are already drawn when game appears. They have a stock and more sophisicated sighting systems. Crossbows are not archery in the truest sense. I do not believe they should be used in an archery season. If they are to be allowed, I would rather see them used in a primitive season, such as muzzleloading season. Here in New York, they are not allowed.

Clint

rcd567

Any modern screw-in type broadhead will fit a crossbow bolt that has an insert. They have about the same energy although the compound may have more because it shoots a heavier arrow. A crossbow is to compound shooters, what a compound is to a traditional shooter (Longbows and recurve). They are not any where near a muzzle loader in shootable range nor power.

I believe they should be allowed during archery season. An experienced archer can sometimes shoot an animal at 40 and sometimes 50 yards. That' s about the limit for the crossbow also.

And for the record...I shoot a Mathews Legacy, which is a compound. This topic is sure to bring on the crossbow bashers.[:' (]

joeturse

Can' t see what the debate is about,to use a crossbow in most states you need to have a disability,or be a senior.
The percentage of crossbow hunters must be very low.But I have no problem with those who need to use them,if they are disabled and still want to hunt,more power to them.

Joe