Archery term
Crossbow Bolt
What does Crossbow Bolt mean?
A crossbow bolt is the short projectile designed for a crossbow. It has a shaft, front point, rear nock, and fletching, like an arrow, but its length, nock shape, mass, and stiffness are matched to a crossbow rather than a vertical bow.
Primary source for this term: World Archery Coaching Manual: Archery Glossary (Updated 2015)
Why it matters
Check the crossbow maker’s manual for the permitted bolt length, minimum mass, nock type, and recommended fletching clearance. A bolt that looks similar may still be incompatible. Damaged or incorrect bolts can affect safety and performance, so inspect them before shooting.
What to check
- Use the exact crossbow maker’s required bolt length, nock type, and weight range.
- Do not substitute a vertical-bow arrow based on appearance.
- Exclude decocking bolts from the shooting-bolt choice; follow the manual.