

They are made of a variety of materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum. Compound Bows In Detail What Is A Compound Bow?Ĭompound bows are the modern take on traditional bows. One of the easiest ways to shoot your crossbow is to invest in your own target and shoot in your backyard or other property that you have permission to use. Do your research and don’t be afraid of calling ahead to see if a specific archery range allows the use of crossbows. That being said, there are still plenty of archery ranges that allow crossbows. Bolts are much shorter than standard arrows, which means they could more easily pass through a worn-out target or penetrate so deep that it is difficult to remove. Not only do crossbows pack more of a punch, but they are also much louder and have differently sized projectiles. This is why most archery ranges will not allow you to shoot a crossbow at their facilities. Where To Shoot A CrossbowĪlthough crossbows function similarly to compound bows, they are still very different. This makes them a great choice for archers who are young, have physical limitations, or simply do not have the time to practice with a compound bow. Crossbows do not require as much skill or talent in order to effectively use. Not only can you leave them loaded until you need to fire them, but they generally provide more power and speed as well. Why Buy A Crossbow?īecause of a crossbow’s ability to be cocked and ready to shoot without holding the draw weight, crossbows offer great advantages over traditional bows. Unlike other bows, however, crossbows lock the bowstring into place so that you do not need to hold it back. Once released via the trigger mechanism, this energy transfers into and launches the bolt. When you pull back the string on a crossbow, it pulls back on the limbs and stores potential energy. These weapons use stored energy in order to propel the arrow or bolt. How Does A Crossbow Work?Ĭrossbows work in the same way as compound or recurve bows although they may look very different. They can also be equipped with optics (similar to a firearm) in order to enhance accuracy. Because you do not need to hold back the draw weight, crossbows are generally easier to handle and fire than compound bows. Crossbows fire smaller arrows called bolts. It features a mechanism that holds the bowstring when it is drawn and trigger to fire it. They are basically a bow that is placed horizontally onto a frame that closely resembles a gunstock. Let’s go over each one to help you decide which one is right for you! Crossbows In Detail What Is A Crossbow?Ĭrossbows have been around for centuries. Should you use a compound bow or a crossbow? What are the differences, and how do you make a decision?Ĭrossbows and compound bows each have their own sets of pros and cons.

This presents a common crossbow vs compound bow debate for shooters of all skill levels. While compound bows are easily the most popular choice when it comes to archery, crossbows are becoming more and more common.
