Choosing a crossbow

A crossbow stores enormous energy in its limbs, and firing it without a bolt loaded sends that energy into the rail, cams, and stock instead of downrange. It can crack a stock or send parts flying, and it happens fastest to hunters who get careless about checking before the trigger.

The short answer

Never dry-fire a crossbow — it’s the one rule that doesn’t bend

Approved bolt length and construction

Only use bolts approved for the specific model. Approved length, weight, and construction are a safety requirement, not a preference.

Draw weight and cocking method

Draw weight and cocking method — rope cocker, crank, manual — govern how the crossbow loads and how much force is actually stored before the shot.

Speed bolt mass and energy

Speed alone doesn’t establish the kinetic energy behind a shot — bolt mass and your specific crossbow’s setup matter just as much. For target suitability and legal minimum energy requirements on game, follow the manufacturer’s approved bolt specification and your state’s regulations, not the speed number by itself.

Fingers and thumbs below the rail

Keep fingers and thumbs below the rail on every shot; the string and cams travel with enough force to injure a hand in the flight path.

What the listings actually show

The current catalog includes 97 crossbows from 9 brands. Nearly every listing states speed, draw weight, and approved bolt details.

Before you buy

Check for a bolt before every trigger pull. No exceptions.