Probably a thread out there but couldn't find.
Looking for a crossbow and see prices from $250 to $1000. Need quick education on differences, features that are really important, Brand Recs etc. Will be used mainly for pigs but occasionally deer. Should I use different bolt weight and/or broadhead for pigs?

Before I get abused for not using a regular bow - I have bow hunted for years but my shoulders are too f-ed up to continue. I just can't put in the practice I feel I need to make clean shots.

Any advice appreciated.

Get whatever the current reverse cam Horton is. It will be the equivalent of the TenPoint from a couple years ago and will be $899-999.

Also, you're a girlyman for wanting a crossbow unless you have an injury/disability or just got old.

EOT.

https://www.pse-archery.com/the-pse-tac-elite-an-integrated-crossbow/

Dad has a PSE TAC 15 and i really like it

the cool thing is you can let the bolt down via the crank

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Horton-Storm-RDX-Crossbow-with-Dead-Sled/1967712.uts?slotId=9

I just picked up the BARNETT TS 390. I chose it over the other models because it offers a telescoping stock. My boys are learning to shoot it and so far it's easy to hit bullseye from 20 & 30yds shooting off Primos Triggerstick

Think I paid less than $500 on ebay or Amazon

What is the difference between a $300 crossbow and a $1000 crossbow? weight? Noise. Please help an amateur.

Thanks for the recs. Any advice on broadheads and arrow weight for pigs?

rsmithtesiusa said:

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Thanks for the recs. Any advice on broadheads and arrow weight for pigs?

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I have had amazing success with Slick Trick broadheads on our XBow

CenterPoint Sniper $300. 5* reviews everywhere you look, even on forums. Definitely good enough if your just shooting hogs.

To answer some of your questions, the more you pay the more accurate it is going to be at longer distances from my expiernce. If you are going to shoot 20 to 30 yards, the $300 to $500 range is more than enough. If you want to shoot 50 to 60 yards on a consistent basis, then the more expensive one >$1,000 will make that task easier. I have a Barnett that was $350 and we regularly shoot pigs and deer with it at 30 yards. Have yet to not have a complete pass through. I shoot G5 montecs with it and they fly good. But like my bow, I generally want the animal as close as possible and a good broadside shot. Just remember it is not a gun, so practice makes perfect and good shot placement is key.

The more expensive ones come with string damping and are a lot smoother on the shot. The cheaper crossbows doesn't have all that technology and are generally a little loud on the shot.

I was looking into getting a crossbow a few weeks ago but decided to hold off until next year as I will probably miss most of bow season this year due to work.

From the little research I've done the biggest improvements you get are in the areas of accuracy and size. Some I've the more expensive ones ($1500+) are crazy accurate and have very short power strokes while still hitting with a ton of power. The axle to axle width on a few are around 6" when cocked.

I was really intrigued by the Ravin crossbow from an engineering standpoint. They have really done a good job with the total design and have some neat features that they claim significantly boost accuracy. Only problem is the price ($1500-2700 depending on the model)... Their R20 Sniper package claims to be able to shoot accurately out to 200 yards and has a neat jack plate mount for the scope that allows you to dial in the range to the nearest yard. I've got another year to convince myself that the money would be better spent on a .338 Lapua.

Yeah, I'd hate to be set up for a 40-60 yard shot only to see the Buck of a Lifetime come walking out at 115 yards. They may cost a bit more, but, I think Ravin is the way to go

I use a Ten point crossbow I bought about 3 years ago for $350. Have killed several whitetail and a ~350 lb red deer with it. It's not loud. It takes down deer quicker than my rifles ever did.

bump for the morning crowd

In all seriousness, as much as I **** on crossbows, I'm pretty familiar with them. Many people in the industry expect the Ravens to kaboom as they are just pushing the limits so far.

TenPoint is widely considered the class of the field, made in the US, lifetime warranty. The Wicked Ridge and Horton are all owned by TenPoint and are basically the older models with less fit and finish. But they all have the same trigger mechanism, anti-dry-fire mechanism, etc.

If I were ever in the market for a crossbow, I'd buy a TenPoint in a heartbeat. if I were price sensitive, I'd buy the Horton.

noob question for sure - What are the different ways to cock a crossbow? I know the standard way is use the stirrup and pull, but with my screwed up shoulders this could be difficult. I know there are crank handles? Can all crossbows use this? Any other alternatives?

Buy a Pioneer Airbow instead.

Killed a spike with this last season...although I bought from Academy. I use Easton Carbon Black Max bolts (bought at Walmart) and G5 Montec broadheads.

rsmithtesiusa said:

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noob question for sure - What are the different ways to cock a crossbow? I know the standard way is use the stirrup and pull, but with my screwed up shoulders this could be difficult. I know there are crank handles? Can all crossbows use this? Any other alternatives?

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The TenPoints have different options... pull strings/sleds, pull strings/sleds that reduce pull weight by 50%, and built in cranks. The cranks add about $200 to the cost of a crossbow.

I bought a Ten Point (one of their less expensive/base models) a couple years ago. It's been great so far, very accurate, was very easy to sight in. Got an 8 pt with it in 2016. The built-in cocker (not a crank) works very well. Highly recommend.

I have a PSE Fang that I bought last year if you are interested. Good bow for the money. I purchased a Mission Sub 1 this season. Excited to try it out!

wheelz said:

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Buy a Pioneer Airbow instead.

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https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/air-gun-arrow-gun-regulations?utm_source=outdoor-annual&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=airgun

Can you use an air bow during archery season? tpwd says NO

BB675 said:

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I have a PSE Fang that I bought last year if you are interested. Good bow for the money. I purchased a Mission Sub 1 this season. Excited to try it out!

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PM sent - email specifics please.

clintaggie04 - Replied to your PM. Please email me specifics.

Fishin Texas Aggie 05 said:

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wheelz said:

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Buy a Pioneer Airbow instead.

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https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/air-gun-arrow-gun-regulations?utm_source=outdoor-annual&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=airgun

Can you use an air bow during archery season? tpwd says NO

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If I am reading correctly - No Airbow for Deer or Turkey during Archery season? Would I be correct to assume i could use it on pigs anytime?

Looks interesting, tho a little expensive. Has anyone used one of these? Are they as good as manufactures say they are?

Again, before i get blasted, cant pull a bow anymore and just looking for some new fun ways to after the pigs.

If all you are wanting is to go after pigs with it, cant you kill pigs year round with whatever method you care to? I would think killing pigs with the air bow would be legal all year.

rsmithtesiusa said:

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Fishin Texas Aggie 05 said:

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wheelz said:

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Buy a Pioneer Airbow instead.

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https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/air-gun-arrow-gun-regulations?utm_source=outdoor-annual&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=airgun

Can you use an air bow during archery season? tpwd says NO

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If I am reading correctly - No Airbow for Deer or Turkey during Archery season? Would I be correct to assume i could use it on pigs anytime?

Looks interesting, tho a little expensive. Has anyone used one of these? Are they as good as manufactures say they are?

Again, before i get blasted, cant pull a bow anymore and just looking for some new fun ways to after the pigs.

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pigs arnt a game animal blast away

Crossbow deal showed up on Slickdeals today.

https://slickdeals.net/f/12033719-barnett-78128-whitetail-hunter-ii-350-fps-crossbow-realtree-xtra-left-right-254-40-free-shipping

Player To Be Named Later said:

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If all you are wanting is to go after pigs with it, cant you kill pigs year round with whatever method you care to? I would think killing pigs with the air bow would be legal all year.

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Depending on where the OP hunts a crossbow might make more sense. I always hunted public land when I lived in TX and there were more options for archery hunting.

Ten Point Crossbow without question #1