Husby's birthday is coming, and I can't stand the thought of spending a chunk of $ on a non-essential. I have about $250 to spend (MAX), and I just can't bring myself to spend it rather friviously, even if it is for the light of my life and hero of my dreams. *sigh*

Anyway, I happened to see a crossbow pistol in one of the catalogs we've been getting. It's only, like, $19 or so. Seems like it wouldn't be much use. I know they make rifle-style ones, and I've cruised the net a while, but there's so many to choose from.

My darling doesn't hunt, but he loves firearms, and I'm sure he'd really like a crossbow. I'm just confused about things like draw-weight, how much power does it need, etc. Can I even hope to find a decent one within my price range?

Any ideas? Suggestions? Pros & cons?

Thanks!

-- Arewyn (isitthatlate@lready.com), June 25, 1999

Answers

Well I think the age old "you get what you pay for" theory works here. Please don't spend 20$ on a crossbow, all you'll get it a plastic piece of junk with no use. You can safely get a really nice crossbow for under 250$. Your best bet would be to go to a sporting goods store and ask around for a used set. The fact is, unless you know your hubby actually LIKES crossbows you won't know if your spending your money wisely. If you want it to be a surprise then your going to have to go out on a limb and spend some bucks. Look in the classified for used bows as well, there are usually very good prices from people who bought one thinking how nice it would be and then realize they don't like crossbows. In my opinion crossbow enthusiasts are sort of a specialized breed, sort of like muzzle loader people and black powder sport shooters. Take it from me, you REALLY have to like using one to really get accurate with it because it takes many months of practice. I bought a 400$ compound bow set with al the peripherals for another 200$ and after about two weeks I realized that I really didn't like using it and sold it back to the dealer for about 300$... ouch! Look around for people in a similar situation who is advertising in the classifieds.

-- (Strictly@modern.technology for me), June 25, 1999.

Arewyn...beware of the $19. crossbow....I sell this low end item at the swap meets and in this case you get what you pay for....not much. They are plastic and easily broken and almost impossible to repair.

-- rb (phxbanks@webtv.net), June 25, 1999.

Arewyn,

You might also check out a nearby gun show if that's possible. That's where I bought mine. It's a sort of crossbow pistol. The dealer had a nice selection. I agree. Don't buy the $19 one.

-- Vic (Rdrunner@internetwork.net), June 25, 1999.

Think about a slingshot instead. Get the "wrist rocket" style, with a piece that bends over your wrist to help take the load. The best kind have a foldable wrist support, so you carry the whole thing in your back pocket.

Use marbles or steel balls as ammo - both of those are sold with the slingshots. Get a spare set of bands or two - the rubber does rot.

I used them for years, growing up, and on one memorable occasion I nailed a truck from 100 yards away. Don't ask.

If you want human-powered weaponry, as opposed to firearms, this is more power in a smaller space than any other choice.

-- bw (home@puget.sound), June 25, 1999.

Shooting at the pickup wasn't the dumbest thing I ever did. Doesn't even come close to my first marriage. I may not learn quick, but my [current] wife says I'm at least trainable.

Still got the slingshot, by the way, all ready to go, and a couple hundred marbles.

Another point in its favor - it looks like a kid's toy, easy to overlook, and who cares about marbles. A crossbow and bolts shout "notice me!" by comparison.

-- bw (home@puget.sound), June 25, 1999.

if I was on the west coast I'd want something more formidible than marbles....

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), June 25, 1999.

Marbles are dissuaders for large animals, killers for small ones. I've herded cattle with them from a distance, and killed small game. Marbles fly straight and are very quiet, giving time for a second shot if needed.

I've got various things each suited to their own situation. For example, the best use I ever found for a crossbow was running wire under the raised floors in the computer room.

-- bw (home@puget.sound), June 25, 1999.

I agree. I almost bought one of the pistols and the guy told me they are too easy to break. Piece of junk. I have a crossbow and a hunting bow. Practice with both. Back up weapon if need be--silent and deadly. Also invest in special tips. I have assasin tips. Wicked.

-- ve (tryinhard@hotmail.com), June 25, 1999.

Be careful about local and state laws before you buy. Crossbows AND slingshots are ILLEGAL here in NJ...

-TECH32-

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.COM), June 25, 1999.

The best crossbow made in my opinion is the excalibur you need to send away for a catalog and price list here is the website www.excaliburcrossbow.com I hope this helps and tell him Bubba said happy birthday and many more. PS ask for a dealer in your area they will know.

-- Bubba (Badhabbit@water.com), June 25, 1999.

I will not sell them but if you want something "ugly" and mean get a blowgun. They are sold here in Arizona. I do not like them and I feel they are very dangerous....but a wide variety are sold from cheap on up..

-- rb (phxbanks@webtv.net), June 25, 1999.

Well heck, I guess NJ will just have to rely on the saturday night special crowd, huh? (grin). ALWAYS check pawn shops, especially if you live in 'hunter' territory! Sling shots are way-cool and have an endless supply of ammo too! Lug nuts have always been a favorite of mine (yikes). When it comes to defense, one could become quite creative. We went with cross bows as an 'addition'. We also felt it would prevent the running off of all our wild game, to go silent. Why advertise to any lookie-loos that might be in the area if you don't need to?

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 25, 1999.

Hey...just for 'fun', has anybody tried a potato gun? PVC pipe, hairspray...what a kick that was. My brother had one and we cracked up for hours! We went through 20 lbs of potatos...be sure to have plenty if you try it! What a laugh.

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 25, 1999.

I agree-avoid the pistol crossbows (unless as a gag gift). Now slingshots...ahem! Yes! I own and shoot a Trumark folding slingshot. I use lead .36 caliber black powder balls (and ball bearings when the PC's are around). The slingshot cost me $8.50 and I wouldn't part with it. Crossbows are frowned upon in certain states. Too accurate,etc. They are limited in range, but VERY accurate within their limits. I presume that you have perused the appropriate Fish & Wildlife reg's? My personal favorite is made by Horton (well, actually, the only one I own)but I am about to buy another from the Edge Co. It's made in England. There are also acceptable models made by Barnett. Most new commercial crossbows made use compound bow action. Look for one with a minimum of 150 lb draw weight and 250 fps speed. compound type. You should

-- Greg Lawrence (greg@speakeasy.org), June 25, 1999.

Arewyn,

Let me try to address your original questions.

How much power? It's just like money, you never have enough.

Quality? This is generally a trade off against price.

Source? Check with one of the big catalog places like Cabelas. Most of them have knowledgable people and are honest fair places to deal with. Ask about thier return policy. Since you don't know whether hubby will like it or not, you may want to return it. If you can't return it and have to sell it, let me know. I am interested in one but several other preps have to come first.

-Greybear

--Got Strings?

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), June 26, 1999.

I don't know squat about cross bows but, I have to agree with the rest here on slingshots. I own one of those mass produced "wrist rockets" you can purchase at Wal-Mart for ~$10.00. They are deadly in the hands of a skilled "shooter". They can provide both food and protection against an unarmed agressor(sp?). All bug out bags should include one.

-- Mike_ (midwestmike_@hotmail.com), June 27, 1999.