Crossbow Newbie

[jon lynn]

I just got a crossbow from a yard sale for $10. Took it to a local shop, the man said it has well over 100LB pull. Got a 3-DOT sight for another $10. from a gunsmith who didn't pay attention when he ordered it, and he owed me a favor.

My private doctor, and my VA provider (doctor) have issued me the certificate I need to use the crossbow.

Here is the down side. I KNOW NOTHING about CROSSBOWS or bow hunting. I have until October 1st to learn as much as I can.

I know for operations, rifle knowledge is useless, I can apply the safety aspects.


What kind of bolts, arrow heads, and everything else for whitetails.

Do I put a sling on it?

GET ME STARTED!

[gd357]

Jon,

what is the make and model of the crossbow?
A sling would be fine for carrying it to and from the stand, as well as hanging it while there.
Crossbow bolts (arrows) are usually either 20" or 22" in length. Get some 20" carbon bolts, and some field points that are an equal weight to the broadheads you will be using. Check state regulations for types of legal broadheads, and pick one based upon that (spitfires/muzzys/etc). If you're not used to bow hunting, it is a short range game. I would start out shooting arrows at 20 yards, and get comfortable there before moving back. only you can decide what your maximum range should be, but don't stretch your distance too soon. Bow noise will cause deer to "jump the string" and crossbows are noisier than compounds. aim for the heart, and you'll still hit the chest if they drop. Good luck!

gd

[skeeter@ccia.com]

I shoot a Horton Hunter XS at 200lb and love it..3blade muzzy didn't fly worh a darn in the thing though..so I moved to 4blade muzzy and is hole to hole with target arrows..
....Some folks think a crossbow is too much like a rifle and that is bunk..all it is is a compound bow that shoots flat instead of upright...I would of rather stayed with my Jennings compound but med reasons caused the change there..make sure you use rail lube or you will rip up your string...keep string waxed as in other bows...
....in Pa they let us use crossbows this year for anyone in any deer season..then after lots of folks bought bows, archery licenses..they changed their minds and now are only letting us use crossbow for the first 2 weeks of archery..a new vote comes up the last day of those 2 weeks to either continue use.or not...then you need permit again to use it any longer..this is unfair and we need to let the PGC know that..from what I hear they are still getting stink from the United Bow hunters..saying crossbows are unfair....now hang on there buck...seems to me a few years back when compunds were invented, Ubh put up fuss about that back then...ohhhhh..but I bet now most use compounds to shoot...just let crossbows legal..and they don't shoot as far a distance as a new compound...in my book anyhow...noise/string jump and with the 20" arrow they are light and tend to drop sooner at good distances...my findings anyhow...enjoy..be safe and MAKE SURE YOU KEEP YOUR FINGERS ON THE FOREARM BELOW THE STRING LINE AT ALL TIMES.....funny quick story..youth hunter..I let him shoot/use my crossbow for a hunt..let him shoot few at first..but made him read the 'warning' on bow..says...keep fingers down...then when he held up to shoot..I reminded him what warning was...he said...ok....then just before fire..up went the thumb....and ..yes blood everywhere..just lucky it didn't take it all the way off...but sure made a mess of it ..even to this day..lmao..enjoy your bow..

[Larryjk]

Skeeter@ccia.com, My son got a Horton HD175 this spring and since he didn"t draw a rifle license for elk, plans to try with the crossbow. We went out this morning and sighted it in. Very accurate at 20 yards with field points, almost in the same hole. Now he has to get some broadheads to try and see which will be most accurate. I will pass on the information of your 4 blade being more accurate than the 3 blade. He got the Horton HD175 on the recommendation of my son-in-law who has taken 3 elk in the last 4 years with his.