Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

Hey guys,

I spent last Saturday up in Chicagoland running the kids archery range at the US Sportsmen's Alliance Trailblazers program. Trailblazers takes Boy Scout groups from the inner-city and lets them explore the outdoor world and outdoor activities.

We have access to Mathews Genesis bows which work for most of these kids. However, we did have one young man that has adisability and is unable to hold up a regular bow. It's at least his second year at the event and he has a true winning attitude and with an instructor holding the bow, he can pull it back and shoot. It is difficult for him tho'.

I was talking with him and mentioned that if we had a crossbow, he could probably shoot it by himself. He seemed very interested in this idea.

So, for next year's event, I'd like to have a very lightweight crossbow available.

I'm not familiar with what is out there. Is there something like this available? Are they expensive?

I appreciate the help!

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

Unfortunately none of the big companies make anything for our smaller friends, I have modified larger crossbows to fit my kid but always end up with minor fitting problems.
I am looking forward to see where this thread goes, a small bow at a couple hundred feet per second would be excellent!
Good luck!

David

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

Really seems like a very reasonable request but I can't say I've ever heard of such a thing. If there is something out there I sure you will hear about it on this forum. I assume hunting speeds is not an issue.
What general poundage range ae you setting the compounds at??
Good luck and a great idea.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

how about an excalibur apex. Its 90 lb draw so it would be pretty easy to cock. Not sure how big it is though.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

here's a link to the Apex. I'd call Dan Miller at [740] 483-2312 to get a price and see about getting the stock shortened a tad. If anyone can do it, he can. May cut you some slack on price for your noble cause.
http://excaliburcrossbow.com/demo/listings.php?category_id=74

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

I found something that may be better. A parker fireball. Its a youth crossbow. Not cheap though. The price on there is the msrp so It would be way cheaper if you look around. I have a feeling thats more than you were looking to spend. http://www.parkerbows.com/pb/2007/crossbows.html?action=detail&detailsku=1025

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

I'll check out the links.

The Genesisbows are only 20lbs max. We're shooting at 10 yards. Speed is certainly not an issue. I am looking for a crossbow that is very light in actual weight too.

Thanks!

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

A friend recently bought a used (older) Barnett Wildcat. Its tiny for a 150lb recurve crossbow, I'm sure he could shoot it himself, but he would definitely need help cocking it.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

Sounds like you might use one of the pistol crossbows, this one is cheap and looks like a kid could cock it and at 10yds it should be fairly accurate .

http://shopbig.com/K8025-Crossbow-Pistol-0805319302254/prices-html


Martin

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

Look at the Horton Steelforce 150#, with a rope cocker he might be able to cock it himself. Sportsman's Guide has them all the time for $99.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

I would assume this is just for target practice at a range with other kids and adults not for field useright? If so the apex would be the way to go IMO. I can not find the listed weight of that CB, but Excal's have been one of the lightest that I have ever held and it looks to be smaller which I think would make it lighter, a big factor for a kid. If you want something for a kid that you may want to hunt with also, thenTen Point makes a CB that is supposed to be adjustable for kids and smaller people with adjustable forearm length and draw weight. Not sure on the weight of it, but it is out there, maybe randy can chime in with some info on it. Excal also has the vixen which I have never held, but the guys say they have a shorter pull and stock made for small people, but it is a regular hunting CB made for the field, which may be to much for the little guy to handle.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

I'd stay away from the pistol bows. Too toy-like. Wouldn't want you child to think that X bow is a toy.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

Yup the Parker Fireball And Ten Pts. Slider and possibly Excals Apex are yer choices.

RE: Need a small/kid sized crossbow
 

I also forgot to mention Horton has a New CB out called the Scout HD 125. It is a smaller CB, one of Horton's smallest Ones with being only 29" long and 25" wide. Low poundage of 125# and a compound style that may be easier for him to cock. It is made just for kids and women or people of smaller stature, but still has speeds of 250 FPS and 60# KE. That may be a good choice.