Buying a crossbow

[Uncle Gump]

I've put this off for years because I was an fairly avid bow hunter and truly loved shooting my bow. Age has crept up and arthritis in my hands has kicked in and I struggle with my archery equipment... to the point I just don't believe it's possible for me to do any longer.

I've been looking at crossbows and the prices they get for them amazes me. A couple friends back in Michigan bought new crossbows in the past two years. One bought a TenPoint and is in it for $1800... the other bought a New Ravin and is north of $2300. I just don't have that kind money to spend and I don't think it's necessary either.

I think I've settled on an Excalibur Micro Mag 340... I think fully equipped with extra bolts and broadheads I can be in for about $800. I like the simplicity (these aren't wheeled crossbows) and I'm sure it will be effective out to 50 yards. Which is plenty of range for what I do and normally set my stands for deer hunting.

What crossbows do you folks shoot... any experience with Excalibur crossbows?

Thanks for any and all replies...

 

[DeathRanger]

I just started crossbow hunting last year. Bought a cheapish Bear X crossbow for about $400. Nothing fancy but it was flawless and dropped a deer at 30 yards on 1st shot. I eventually want a TenPoint. they are quite pricey, but super quality.

I highly recommend go and test some crossbows out and make sure you can operate the one you are interested in. I'm short with trex arms, I had a hard time pulling the string back on longer crossbows so I bought one that was slightly more compact.

You may also want to look at a crossbow with autococker if strength/arthritis is issue with reloading crossbow

 

[scotts90ranger]

I know it's not conventional and not approved in all areas ( I think Oregon is one... but the junk they elect in this state doesn't allow much) but there's some "air" powered options out anymore... like THIS, it uses 88/90 gram CO2 cartridge's and is more compact than a traditional crossbow. There's of course more expensive options but they are designed for high pressure (you would need at LEAST a SCUBA if not SCBA tank setup or compressor) and are more expensive...

 

[Elutheros]

I had an Excalibur Vortex for a few years but the width of the recurve sometimes becomes a problem even though it was easy to change a string in the field or de-cock without shooting a bolt. I switched to a Mission MXB 360 a couple years ago and love it. I can still change a string with simple hand tools on the MXB. It's lighter than a lot of others and quiet. Paid about $1100 for the package.

 

[dirtymike]

Only time i use a Bow is after sunset or where hunting not allowed.

 

[Dirtman]

So you're a poacher?

 

[snoranger]

So you're a poacher?

That what it sounds like.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I know it's not conventional and not approved in all areas ( I think Oregon is one... but the junk they elect in this state doesn't allow much) but there's some "air" powered options out anymore... like THIS, it uses 88/90 gram CO2 cartridge's and is more compact than a traditional crossbow. There's of course more expensive options but they are designed for high pressure (you would need at LEAST a SCUBA if not SCBA tank setup or compressor) and are more expensive...

I saw a show the other day and a fella used something similar. It was certainly effective. Hunting laws would my concern. Crossbows these days are widely accepted... all of bow season in Michigan... and it's a long season. I'm certain I could get a permit to use a crossbow even if it wasn't. I should also say... I have no problem with anyone using that style of "archery" equipment... to each their own.

I had an Excalibur Vortex for a few years but the width of the recurve sometimes becomes a problem even though it was easy to change a string in the field or de-cock without shooting a bolt. I switched to a Mission MXB 360 a couple years ago and love it. I can still change a string with simple hand tools on the MXB. It's lighter than a lot of others and quiet. Paid about $1100 for the package.

Their micro mag crossbows are much smaller then some of their old offerings. Still a bit wider then what you shoot now.

I just can't get past the simplicity...

I just started crossbow hunting last year. Bought a cheapish Bear X crossbow for about $400. Nothing fancy but it was flawless and dropped a deer at 30 yards on 1st shot. I eventually want a TenPoint. they are quite pricey, but super quality.

I highly recommend go and test some crossbows out and make sure you can operate the one you are interested in. I'm short with trex arms, I had a hard time pulling the string back on longer crossbows so I bought one that was slightly more compact.

You may also want to look at a crossbow with autococker if strength/arthritis is issue with reloading crossbow

I nearly bought a BearX after hunting season last year on a small clearance. I passed (I'm trying not to impulse buy just because it's a good deal) and have been poking around researching since. I would love to go try a few out... it just seems it is never in the cards to make that happen. I'm pretty sure I could still get by with a rope cocker... but I'm certainly going to get a crank. I'm worried about cold days... my hands just don't work as well they use to.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Only time i use a Bow is after sunset or where hunting not allowed.

I guess what you choose to do is ALL on you.

But lets be clear... what you describe is an illegal activity. We in NO way are here to promote any such thing.

This is a verbal warning... Do NOT ever make another post with any such nonsense. You will be escorted to the door.

 

[dirtymike]

Oh my, no jokin in the huntin room

 

[Uncle Gump]

Not when it come to illegal activities.

 

[sgtsandman]

@dirtymike there is potential liability on the part of the forum owner when it comes to talking about illegal things. So, he has specifically requested that they not be discussed and be discouraged on here. Even joking. It is the job of the moderators to put those discussions down right quick. I'm sure you've noticed that we have no problems with joking and thread drift here. So it isn't a lack of humor. It's more in the interest of keeping the forum owner and any associated people involved in the discussion from getting a summons to court for promoting illegal activity.

 

[Dirtman]

Plus... You know... Poachers are basically the worst sort of human scum on earth...

 

[dirtymike]

"Plus... You know... Poachers are basically the worst sort of human scum on earth..." Ever met one?

 

[Dirtman]

"Plus... You know... Poachers are basically the worst sort of human scum on earth..." Ever met one?

A person's actions make them a scumbag not their personality, I don't need to meet them to make that assessment. If you poach, you're a scumbag...