To get started, yes. . . I'm missing my left hand or I would be giving more serious thought to a compound bow.

I'm looking for a crossbow that will shoot comparable to a good hunting compound bow. I have a few questions.

I would like to be able to take a whitetail at up to 40 - 50 yards. 35 - 40 seems more likely to me for now. 50 just seems a bit far. I don't know. What is the max effective range of a top of the line crossbow, provided that I prove I can make hits on targets beforehand at that range?

Also, it seems like the better crossbows have arrow speeds from 260 - 340 fps, how much difference does 20 - 30 fps of arrow speed make?

Horton and Tenpoint both say that you must shoot their rail lube, use their string wax and shoot their arrows to make the warranty valid. Is there some reason why a person couldn't use a Horton bolt, lube, wax, etc. on a Tenpoint bow??

I tried shooting a Horton Yukon SL at the local range. The trigger seemed fairly heavy, but I hit where I was aiming. Is the Horton Hunter XS trigger fairly light like the Tenpoint triggers? How important is trigger pull to you on a crossbow?

The Tenpoints all have an aluminum barrel. What is the importance of this, accuracy, speed, something else?

The top of the line crossbows all seem to be set up for scopes. That adds $100 or so to the package. Why the scope craze? Isn't the peep/pin just as good or better than a scope at 50 yards or less? I've never seen a peep sight fog or have a broken recticle rend it useless.

Last, how do you choose what crossbow is right for you?

Sorry, I can't answer your questions for you, but check out Great Lakes Crossbows at the Darton Archery websight. Darton is staffed with very helpful people and I am sure they would be happy to answer your questions. Check out the Durango Express model.
www.DartonArchery.com

DS

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Thanks JDoyle,

I'm not so intested in the accudraw because my hook is basically like having my own drawing device. I think I would be faster and more gadget free without.
What is the difference between the stealth and the magnum? Is it just a little draw weight?

nksmfamjp
Have you looked at the EXCALIBUR line!
They are a strong, reliable,recurve crossbow that has taken down many big game animals!
www.excaliburcrossbow.com
AL

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My Dad is handicapped and uses a Horton Legend crossbow. it is a very nice crossbow and is about perfect for whitetails.

I also knwo a guy who is on Tenpoints prostaff and they make a great product as well.

Most companies say those type of things to get you to buy their other products! to be safe I would use their stuff just to keep the warranty in check. I don't think it is a good business practice but it does save them in the end because they have a certain amount of control over what gets shot out of their products and they all do extensive testing to make their products as safe as they can.

Good luck, try contacting each company and talking direct to them and explain your situation and what you want to do. They will more than glad to help you!

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I did go for the Tenpoint Magnum. It was a great deal on last years model. I spoke with Tenpoint some about it. I did pass on the accudraw, but will probably mark tthe strings to improve alignment when drawing. Thanks for the input.

What/where is the hunter's outlet?

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