Crossbow is an incredibly old firearm, using much of the same technology that has been applied for hundreds of years; technology and principles long before the gun and more compact and accessible than the stand-up bow and arrow. There are a wide diversity of crossbow makes, manufacturers, styles, function, accessories and materials. It is a weapon that can be used for various hobby interests, from simple practicing to serious hunting.
Crossbow Components
The crossbow operates on very simple idea. They are small, light and compact. A basic breakdown of the crossbow is prods, which are the arms; the string which connects to the arms and drawn back will launch the arrow; a stock; handle and trigger; a cup which holds the bolt. And a quiver may be attached to hold extra arrows.
Crossbow Materials
All crossbows are similar in construction as they provide the same function - to shoot an arrow through the air. Crossbows vary in material from wood, to plastics, alloys and aluminum, to the new and high-end carbon materials. The material used will depend on the owner's price point and request. Wood will be strong and durable and heavy and cumbersome. Plastics will be light, but not as durable and strong. alloys and aluminum, will be strong but heavy and sometimes not incredibly long-lasting. Carbon materials, usually the most expensive, are probably the highest end in new technology and provide the greatest blend of strength, durability and light weight.
What Crossbow Will Fit Your Needs?
The owner will have to decide what sort of crossbow they purchase depending on what they will use it for and dedication to the use. People who are using their crossbows regularly, weather it be for practicing and competition or for serious hunting trips and big game hunting, will want to focus on higher end crossbows which are most often composed of carbon material. These crossows are incredibly strong, light weight, durable and provide the greatest power in function. Many of the high-end crossbows have speed of more than 350 FPS, which means the bolt or arrow can travel through the air at more than 350 feet per second. Not only does this allow for increased accuracy and distance covered, but it also delivers more impact on contact. Some crossbows have speed almost as high as 400 FPS.
A high speed rating is probably the greatest and most desired aspect of a crossbow. Like the gun with the most wallop, it is the same for the crossbow. For the hunter using it for practicing and competition, the high velocity transfers the greatest precision or correctness. A high velocity means the projectile, in this case the arrow, will arrive at the target faster. This usually means it will be less hindered by wind resistance and will have a smaller flight descent or arc (as a bullet travels or arrow travels, it slows down and the slower the travel, the more this will be compensated for). For the hunter, much of the same applies. A higher velocity means greater accuracy when hunting game and speed. Especially when hunting larger game, a stronger impact is needed. It will definitely take more power of impact to bring down a deer than smaller game like fowl with a crossbow.