Thread: Crossbow Advice

I am looking to buy a crossbow for deer hunting. Anyone have any advice as to what to get? I prefer buying a used one, so can't be too picky. Missed out on a good deal on a Barrett Quad 400 today, but am still looking.

https://mobile.craigslist.org/search/sga?query=crossbow

There is 1 common thing about the craig's list add......most are the barnett quad 400, only 1 tenpoint.....no first hand experience with the quad......but seems alot being sold

Ten point......can't go wrong......although most will kill deer if close enough......I have killed many with both my ten points

Only advice I have heard over and over again is don't buy the cheapest models but you also don't have to spend a fortune either.
I'd say buy used, a lot of guys buy them thinking its gonna be easy like shooting a rifle and find out its not quite that easy.
So its pretty common to see them up for sale.

Carl it is very easy, sight it in and it's good to go.....just have to know distances. ....the newer faster bows helps there for the drop,also don't need heavy broad heads for deer.....100gr is plenty and keeps the flight flatter.....I prefer my shots 30yrds or less but it shoots fine at 40, never really shot further

Good luck in your search

Tuck,
Very hard to find a used one but Excalibur Crossbow is known for manufacturing exceptionally accurate x-bows at very reasonable prices. It seems that the hunters that get one will never part with it, myself included.

Please forgive the hijack, but anybody know where there might be some private land an hour or so from Bon Secour where I could put my Excal to use on a doe? Please send me a PM.

Good luck Tuck.

I shoot a Horton storm reverse limb and love it. Its quite and fast. Stay away from barrett and pse. They use to much plastic in there limb pockets. Bear just came out with a reverse limb. You might take a look at them. I haven't had the chance to look at them yet.

Really depends on what range your looking at, if your not expecting to try 50 and 60yd shots with a crossbow you dont need a high draw weight compound, my dad and i use cheap recurve models from dicks and kill deer every year in the 20 to 40yd range, i think they were only around $200 new

40 yds. would probably be my max range. Seen too many deer "jump the string" at ranges farther than that. And with a crossbow there's hardly a chance for a second shot, so I want to make the first one count. Bow hunted for about 15 years when I was a lot younger, saw several deer, but only got a shot at 2 because the rest was out of range. I stuck both of them but only killed one. Now with the invention of game cameras, it's a whole lot easier to find the perfect spot for a close shot. Looking forward to getting a head start on gun season.

I've been using a Barnett jackal for 5 years now and really like it. Its fast, accurate, and hasn't had a problem yet. It was 300 new with a case at cabelas when I got it. I've used it from the ground, from a box blind, and from a tree. Taken deer out to 40 yards easily. 12 deer, 12 shots. My 2¢ worth.