Crossbow hatred?

[mercyfulfate]

Gday all,

After reading a bit on this forum and other Aussie forums it seems that bow guys don't like crossbow guys.. what's the reasoning behind this? They both shoot arrows.. :confused:

Cheers fellas

[Blakey_boi]

Well i myself dont mind, but alot of bowhunters are very proud of the fact that they do what they do with such primitive tools. Crossbows being more advanced and much eaiser to take an animal, some bowhunters may find them cheap and even cheating.

[Kimall]

Not at all mate we used have a x bow only section but it got very little use so was taken out.From time to time they do get some bad press which does not help.Most relise that it is not the fault of the xbows but it does have an affect.I have nothing against them but the fact they both shoot a SIMILIAR projectile does not make them anything alike.Unless you are holding the draw weight of the bow then it is not a bow.IMHO.
Cheers KIM

[adam]

Ill echo what Kimal said, nothing against crossbow shooters on this forum.

Adam

[Jato]

By the way Awesome looking crossbow in your avatar.

[woody]

Gday all,

After reading a bit on this forum and other Aussie forums it seems that bow guys don't like crossbow guys.. what's the reasoning behind this? They both shoot arrows.. :confused:

Cheers fellas

Mercyfulfate,
I dont have anything against crossbows, but historically crossbows get a bad rap, most people I know, think it's a weapon most likely to be abused. Crossbows are poachers weapons etc.

Also I think archers who dont use the crossbow apply reverse snobbery logic, there so easy to use, how could you miss, speeds over 350 feet per second etc.

Obviously anyone that thinks this has never used one. I have tried a crossbow, and quite frankly, I think the're harder to use for hunting than standard bows.

Its does amuse me when people who decry crossbows because they have no holding weight and a mechanical trigger have no issues about using high let off compounds and release aids. lol.

[howie]

I reckon they would be a bit of fun plinking at targets or bunnies. Got no dramas with blokes using them to hunt. Howie

[XTfreak]

No problem here...
Bill

[HOOD]

I don't have an issue with 'crossbow guys' or cross bows for that matter.
Having not yet used a crossbow it is on the to do list.

[mercyfulfate]

Not at all mate we used have a x bow only section but it got very little use so was taken out.From time to time they do get some bad press which does not help.Most relise that it is not the fault of the xbows but it does have an affect.I have nothing against them but the fact they both shoot a SIMILIAR projectile does not make them anything alike.Unless you are holding the draw weight of the bow then it is not a bow.IMHO.
Cheers KIM


Yeah crossbows are pretty hard to get in Australia, I guess that's why they aren't popular here. You couldnt just order one from the states like you could with a bow, and most stores in here don't stock them. I had to do a bit of e-hunting just to get mine.


By the way Awesome looking crossbow in your avatar.

Thankyou, it's my baby :P

Mercyfulfate,
I dont have anything against crossbows, but historically crossbows get a bad rap, most people I know, think it's a weapon most likely to be abused. Crossbows are poachers weapons etc.

Also I think archers who dont use the crossbow apply reverse snobbery logic, there so easy to use, how could you miss, speeds over 350 feet per second etc.

Obviously anyone that thinks this has never used one. I have tried a crossbow, and quite frankly, I think the're harder to use for hunting than standard bows.

Its does amuse me when people who decry crossbows because they have no holding weight and a mechanical trigger have no issues about using high let off compounds and release aids. lol.


Yep, I've seen a lot of people comment on how "easy" crossbows are to use and it's sort of like shooting a gun. While I agree that a properly setup crossbow is easy to shoot, so is a compound bow. I actaully find it easier to shoot my mates 60lb Jennings compound than shooting my crossbow because I can hold it steadier when drawn with whatever weight that's there after the cams kick in. Whoever shoots high poundage recurves though, hat's off to you! They're a bastard to get to full draw length!

As for the trigger, squeeze it too hard or flinch and it will move the bow, sending your shot off course. As for 350fps.. if it's worth doing, its worth over-doing lol :rolleyes:

I reckon they would be a bit of fun plinking at targets or bunnies. Got no dramas with blokes using them to hunt. Howie

I'm working on it! ;)

I'm glad you guys know what you're talking about and aren't so ignorant

Cheers

[Clinglish]

I have half a xbow that I am trying to complete at the moment ,I think they are excellant but like anything that is a bit different it is shunned. It is similer to the compound/trad shooter argument baseless and diversive.

[mercyfulfate]

Trying to complete? Are you rolling your own xbow mate?

[Scott]

Mate I can assure you, if crossbows were legal in NSW I would own one. I wouldn't give up my Reflex though;)

[huddo0312]

Mate

As long as you're not using a bang stick and taking down game at three hundred yards while calling yourself a hunter, I don't give a stuff what you use. Crossbows go back a long way in the history books and they're an awesome weapon. You can hunt along side me anytime Dude...

Dave

[Jeffro]

Mate I can assure you, if crossbows were legal in NSW I would own one. ;)

Here Here Scott so would I mate so would I

[mercyfulfate]

You guys rock!

[NormGunston]

There used to be a crossbow section on this forum, but I believe it fell into disuse and was discontinued. Keep posting with all your enthusiasm, and your sure to generate conversation. As a few mentioned, many archers are curious about crossbows in general. It would be really interesting if you would post some of your experiences with your beloved, both in hunting and general shooting contexts. For example, what game have you/do you want to take, bolt/broadhead combination preferences, shooting tips, accuracy tests, tuning results, etc.
Good luck and welcome to the forum. P.S.... if you do cop some flack around the this or other forums, the interweb or society, keep on with the positive attitude and and don't be dragged down.

[Evil Taco]

mate i totally agree with Normguston id love to see more pics about crossbow hunting, id love to get one but u need a senior gun lisence (dont you?) and im 15.... so any pics you have got would be great....

[Waldganger]

Go the crossbow.
I've always wanted one, and I still do but like everything else it is relegated to the back of the "I want" list.

Love to hear some info on them as you can't find much Aussie stuff.
Post some pics too mate

[hawkeye]

i've a mate of a mate who's keen to hunt at this pig/deer place we go but he has a crossbow which has me wary.

as i'm yet to get a deer with my recurve (immense effort invested so far) it'd pi$$ me no end to take him in there and he instantly nails one with his crossbow.

i'm pretty ignorant but i get the idea a crossbow is gonna be a lot easier than my recurve and consequently if he wants to use his crossbow i might as well take my shotgun which (like a crossbow) you can put in the hands of anyone who can instantly shoot it easy (unlike my recurve and the effort it takes to hone skills).

that's my only issue i've ever had about crossbows - they're too good/easy and i've kept that huntiung mate at arms distance as a result.

could be wrong on my part... unsure.

[mercyfulfate]

There used to be a crossbow section on this forum, but I believe it fell into disuse and was discontinued. Keep posting with all your enthusiasm, and your sure to generate conversation. As a few mentioned, many archers are curious about crossbows in general. It would be really interesting if you would post some of your experiences with your beloved, both in hunting and general shooting contexts. For example, what game have you/do you want to take, bolt/broadhead combination preferences, shooting tips, accuracy tests, tuning results, etc.
Good luck and welcome to the forum. P.S.... if you do cop some flack around the this or other forums, the interweb or society, keep on with the positive attitude and and don't be dragged down.

This calls for another post on it's own :P I'm trying different broadhead combinations and weights and I've found FOC is very important with crossbows because of the length. Currently I'm shooting GT Laser II's with 35gr. brass inserts at the front with 125gr tips. I find the brass inserts make these babies fly like darts with pinpoint accuracy compared to the cheap ali inserts. Also With the vanes I'm trying 2inch Blazers instead of the usual 5inch vanes. At longer distances like 40 or 50 meters I can still group within 2inches on Blazers but with 5inch vanes that came on them I am hard-pressed to shoot 4 or 5inch groups. I'm still experimenting an will keep you updated :)

mate i totally agree with Normguston id love to see more pics about crossbow hunting, id love to get one but u need a senior gun lisence (dont you?) and im 15.... so any pics you have got would be great....

Gday! Nah no gun licence here, I'm in W.A and crossbow aren't restricted YET. To be able to import a crossbow from the states you need a firearms licence in order to obtain an importers licence. Then you will have to pay the importation fees etc. To help you out, here's a copy and paste off a website regarding the laws. Hope it helps mate :)

P.S. I'm working on the pics, gotta find the game first ;)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

From 1 June 2006 crossbows are now classified as "dangerous articles". While there is no requirement for a licence, the manufacture, sale, distribution, supply or possession of crossbows requires "lawful purpose".
Dealers are now required to determine whether a prospective customer has lawful excuse. The regulations do not define what constitutes lawful excuse, however membership of an archery or shooting organisation is acceptable as is legitimate hunting. Ausbow Industries will maintain a voluntary sales register and will include the stated purpose as indicated by customers.

QUEENSLAND

New legislation was introduced in QUEENSLAND on 1 November 2004. Please note that Ausbow Industries can no longer supply crossbows to Queensland customers directly, except via a licenced Queensland-based firearms dealer. However we can still help you with the selection of our equipment, assistance with arranging your purchase and other important advice.

TASMANIA

Crossbows are now prohited in TASMANIA. You need to apply to the Police Commissioner for permission to own and use a crossbow.

VICTORIA

The new VICTORIAN Legislation regarding crossbows came into effect on 1 July 2004. This requires all crossbow owners/shooters to apply for permission and pay a fee. MEMBERS OF APPROVED SPORTING BODIES WILL BE EXEMPT FROM FEES BUT YOU MUST APPLY FOR EXEMPTION.

NEW SOUTH WALES and ACT

NSW and ACT customers are advised that crossbows are prohibited in both jurisdictions, except that it is possible to obtain a permit for bona fide target shooting at recognised archery clubs. Please consult respective authorities.



Go the crossbow.
I've always wanted one, and I still do but like everything else it is relegated to the back of the "I want" list.

Love to hear some info on them as you can't find much Aussie stuff.
Post some pics too mate

i've a mate of a mate who's keen to hunt at this pig/deer place we go but he has a crossbow which has me wary.

as i'm yet to get a deer with my recurve (immense effort invested so far) it'd pi$$ me no end to take him in there and he instantly nails one with his crossbow.

i'm pretty ignorant but i get the idea a crossbow is gonna be a lot easier than my recurve and consequently if he wants to use his crossbow i might as well take my shotgun which (like a crossbow) you can put in the hands of anyone who can instantly shoot it easy (unlike my recurve and the effort it takes to hone skills).

that's my only issue i've ever had about crossbows - they're too good/easy and i've kept that huntiung mate at arms distance as a result.

could be wrong on my part... unsure.


Why do you think a crossbow is so much like a gun? Because of the way it's held and because it has a trigger? That's like saying a Daddo 120Y is like a Lambo because they have an engine and wheels. Hell most arrow slingers use release aids! Sure, you could shoot 200meters with it if you wanted to, but you can do that with a bow too. I don't plan to take game from any further than 30 or so meters as that's the distance I practice at - space restricted :( As somebody else here and I mentioned, we actaully found it easier to be holding a bow straight than the crossbow.

As for crossbows being too good.. a steady hand is a steady hand no matter what gear you use. Have a look at some of the groups posted here by guys who shoot bows, F*&king awesome!! Would you ditch a hunt for them because they might be "too good"? It takes longer to ready up a crossbow than it does a bow. Think about it, you have to put it on the ground, put your foot through the stirrup and rip that string up EVENLY, which takes practise on it's own believe it or not. Now you have to load the bolt, take aim and keep a steady hand, brace heavily to manage the recoil and squeeze the trigger. And anyone who shoots guns would know trigger release is a practise on it's own. My mate who shoots a bow is able to let 2 or 3 loose before I've got my first out!

Sure anyone can go and pop milk bottles from 10 meters but it takes a great deal of concentration to hit a bottle cap from 40 meters. If you're telling me that anyone can do that then I have immediately lost respect for you.

Why put yourself on a high horse and distance your mate just because of the gear he uses and the off-chance that he might get a kill in quicker than you do? Wouldn't that just want to make you practise more? Geez..

Try it before you bag it mate :rolleyes:

[mercyfulfate]

There used to be a crossbow section on this forum, but I believe it fell into disuse and was discontinued. Keep posting with all your enthusiasm, and your sure to generate conversation. As a few mentioned, many archers are curious about crossbows in general. It would be really interesting if you would post some of your experiences with your beloved, both in hunting and general shooting contexts. For example, what game have you/do you want to take, bolt/broadhead combination preferences, shooting tips, accuracy tests, tuning results, etc.
Good luck and welcome to the forum. P.S.... if you do cop some flack around the this or other forums, the interweb or society, keep on with the positive attitude and and don't be dragged down.

This calls for another post on it's own :P I'm trying different broadhead combinations and weights and I've found FOC is very important with crossbows because of the length. Currently I'm shooting GT Laser II's with 35gr. brass inserts at the front with 125gr tips. I find the brass inserts make these babies fly like darts with pinpoint accuracy compared to the cheap ali inserts. Also With the vanes I'm trying 2inch Blazers instead of the usual 5inch vanes. At longer distances like 40 or 50 meters I can still group within 2inches on Blazers but with 5inch vanes that came on them I am hard-pressed to shoot 4 or 5inch groups. I'm still experimenting an will keep you updated :)

mate i totally agree with Normguston id love to see more pics about crossbow hunting, id love to get one but u need a senior gun lisence (dont you?) and im 15.... so any pics you have got would be great....

Gday! Nah no gun licence here, I'm in W.A and crossbow aren't restricted YET. To be able to import a crossbow from the states you need a firearms licence in order to obtain an importers licence. Then you will have to pay the importation fees etc. To help you out, here's a copy and paste off a website regarding the laws. Hope it helps mate :)

P.S. I'm working on the pics, gotta find the game first ;)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

From 1 June 2006 crossbows are now classified as "dangerous articles". While there is no requirement for a licence, the manufacture, sale, distribution, supply or possession of crossbows requires "lawful purpose".
Dealers are now required to determine whether a prospective customer has lawful excuse. The regulations do not define what constitutes lawful excuse, however membership of an archery or shooting organisation is acceptable as is legitimate hunting. Ausbow Industries will maintain a voluntary sales register and will include the stated purpose as indicated by customers.

QUEENSLAND

New legislation was introduced in QUEENSLAND on 1 November 2004. Please note that Ausbow Industries can no longer supply crossbows to Queensland customers directly, except via a licenced Queensland-based firearms dealer. However we can still help you with the selection of our equipment, assistance with arranging your purchase and other important advice.

TASMANIA

Crossbows are now prohited in TASMANIA. You need to apply to the Police Commissioner for permission to own and use a crossbow.

VICTORIA

The new VICTORIAN Legislation regarding crossbows came into effect on 1 July 2004. This requires all crossbow owners/shooters to apply for permission and pay a fee. MEMBERS OF APPROVED SPORTING BODIES WILL BE EXEMPT FROM FEES BUT YOU MUST APPLY FOR EXEMPTION.

NEW SOUTH WALES and ACT

NSW and ACT customers are advised that crossbows are prohibited in both jurisdictions, except that it is possible to obtain a permit for bona fide target shooting at recognised archery clubs. Please consult respective authorities.



Go the crossbow.
I've always wanted one, and I still do but like everything else it is relegated to the back of the "I want" list.

Love to hear some info on them as you can't find much Aussie stuff.
Post some pics too mate

i've a mate of a mate who's keen to hunt at this pig/deer place we go but he has a crossbow which has me wary.

as i'm yet to get a deer with my recurve (immense effort invested so far) it'd pi$$ me no end to take him in there and he instantly nails one with his crossbow.

i'm pretty ignorant but i get the idea a crossbow is gonna be a lot easier than my recurve and consequently if he wants to use his crossbow i might as well take my shotgun which (like a crossbow) you can put in the hands of anyone who can instantly shoot it easy (unlike my recurve and the effort it takes to hone skills).

that's my only issue i've ever had about crossbows - they're too good/easy and i've kept that huntiung mate at arms distance as a result.

could be wrong on my part... unsure.


Why do you think a crossbow is so much like a gun? Because of the way it's held and because it has a trigger? That's like saying a Daddo 120Y is like a Lambo because they have an engine and wheels. Hell most arrow slingers use release aids! Sure, you could shoot 200meters with it if you wanted to, but you can do that with a bow too. I don't plan to take game from any further than 30 or so meters as that's the distance I practice at - space restricted :( As somebody else here and I mentioned, we actaully found it easier to be holding a bow straight than the crossbow.

As for crossbows being too good.. a steady hand is a steady hand no matter what gear you use. Have a look at some of the groups posted here by guys who shoot bows, F*&king awesome!! Would you ditch a hunt for them because they might be "too good"? It takes longer to ready up a crossbow than it does a bow. Think about it, you have to put it on the ground, put your foot through the stirrup and rip that string up EVENLY, which takes practise on it's own believe it or not. Now you have to load the bolt, take aim and keep a steady hand, brace heavily to manage the recoil and squeeze the trigger. And anyone who shoots guns would know trigger release is a practise on it's own. My mate who shoots a bow is able to let 2 or 3 loose before I've got my first out!

Sure anyone can go and pop milk bottles from 10 meters but it takes a great deal of concentration to hit a bottle cap from 40 meters. If you're telling me that anyone can do that then I have immediately lost respect for you.

Why put yourself on a high horse and distance your mate just because of the gear he uses and the off-chance that he might get a kill in quicker than you do? Wouldn't that just want to make you practise more? Geez..

Try it before you bag it mate :rolleyes:

[belegstrongbow]

I secretly wish they were legal here in NSW but there are too many idiots doing silly things already to trust with a crossbow.
I'd love to see some more photos of game shot here with a crossbow.

Is it heavy? Looks pretty solid.

Interesting thread.

[hawkeye]

dunno, would it make me practise my curve more mercyfulfate (don't see how i can)? could possibly make some give away the curve for the easier option.

dunno about 'bagging' - saying a crossbow appears too good isn't negative.

i can immediatley pick up mates crossbow and shoot it accurate through his scope - that's the comparison with a shotgun as you can't do that (unless fluke) with a curve to same extent. i hand him the curve and he's struggling all over in contrast.

if loading is such an effort mercyfulfate then doesn't that make it a problem for quick/humane follow up shots?

and... walking about in semi-darkness next to someone with a loaded crossbow does make me a bit 'worried'.

as i've said i'm a bit "ignorant" and "uncertain" and i'm taking onboard what you say mercyfulfate... i'm not narrow minded just cautious and appreciate your feedback.

[mercyfulfate]

I secretly wish they were legal here in NSW but there are too many idiots doing silly things already to trust with a crossbow.
I'd love to see some more photos of game shot here with a crossbow.

Is it heavy? Looks pretty solid.

Interesting thread.

Yeah tell me about it. When everyone saw the stories on the news about that roo getting shot up in the hills of Perth with a crossbow everyone at work thought it was me.

And nah shes not heavy at all being a recurve, but very solid and well made. All parts are milled and machined instead of cast or extruded. It's pretty much factory standard apart from the scope and rangefinder. You can remove the rangefinder easily as it jsut attaches with velcro but holds very firmly.

Here's where it all started, when I got my first crossbow this is what she looked like...
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/f3651120.jpg

First started off shooting Redzone ali bolts but they bent after every shot. Then moved to cut down Redzone carbons which were very inconsistant in weight. After that I moved to Satellite silvers cut at 23" with 4inch duravanes and 125gr tips which are the ducks nuts. I currently shoot 20" Horton carbon strike mx out of her but I can never get them as consistant as the Satellite silvers.. there would always be at least one out of 6 that will fly astray .. hmm..

Anyway, first thing to go was the cheap peep sight and pin mount. I had a smaller 4x20 rimfire scope on her but a mate knocked it over and bent it :mad: so I got that one which is a dream to setup and use. Nice crisp picture, 9x zoom and illuminated to boot. Though I have it set on 3.5x zoom and use the markings on the reticle to adjust trajectory.
Next up came the silencing. First I tried cat whiskers on the string, but everytime I shoot the strands would fly off and mate they sting when they hit your hand! Next I tried Tunerz which strap onto the limbs and they were pretty decent, making a noticable difference but I found my bolts were hitting lower due to the limbs being slowed down. I kept them on anyway but eventually the straps broke so I chucked them. Now I have a couple LimbSavers stuck on which weighs it down a lot but makes for a nice quiet shot with little to no recoil.

Grouping at 30 meters with cheapo Redzone ali+carbons..
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/IMGP0380.JPG

First shot testing Rage broadhead groups with the practice broadhead from 30 meters with horton carbon strikes on a scope that is set to shoot lighter bolts..
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/SSL20015.JPG
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/SSL20011.JPG
The first arrow had a field tip on it.


Thrashed and decommisioned, this is how she looks today..
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/IMGP0589.JPG
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/IMGP0586.JPG

Twice the complexity of the Excalibur, twice the weight, half the power

I hope to have some grouping shots of the Excal soon

[Scott Riley]

each to their own i think. if you want to shoot a gun from 140 yrds or a bow from 14 yrds, it dosnt matter what you use as long as you use it properly and safely.

[mercyfulfate]

dunno, would it make me practise my curve more mercyfulfate (don't see how i can)? could possibly make some give away the curve for the easier option.

dunno about 'bagging' - saying a crossbow appears too good isn't negative.

i can immediatley pick up mates crossbow and shoot it accurate through his scope - that's the comparison with a shotgun as you can't do that (unless fluke) with a curve to same extent. i hand him the curve and he's struggling all over in contrast.

if loading is such an effort mercyfulfate then doesn't that make it a problem for quick/humane follow up shots?

and... walking about in semi-darkness next to someone with a loaded crossbow does make me a bit 'worried'.

as i've said i'm a bit "ignorant" and "uncertain" and i'm taking onboard what you say mercyfulfate... i'm not narrow minded just cautious and appreciate your feedback.

Can you explain to me how a follow up shot works? Excuse my ignorance as I've never been hunting.

[rinaldo]

I too have nothing against crossbow shooters, they don't shoot arrows though they use bolts;) and they are not illegal in NSW you just need the appropriate paper work for them, a bit like a gun license.

[hawkeye]

a follow up shot is your next shot after the first and sometimes a quick draw can mean getting the animal (if missed originally or first shot wasn't a clean kill).

never been hunting? pretty hard to rate any weapon if never used it hunting id' have thought? which would get back to my other query about being locked and loaded - how difficult/dangerous is that? i'd imagine you can draw your xbow without placing in a bolt though until you see game but unsure.

[hawkeye]

ps - wasn't that roo shot with a target arrow and not a xbow bolt?

sucks doesn't it as everyone who knows i bowhunt thought it was me as well. all get tainted with one ****head's actions.

[rinaldo]

Not sure which Roo you are referring to but there was a Roo in Victoria that had a bolt with a field point lodged in its neck.

[hawkeye]

naw this was WA about 4 months back Rinaldo.

i didn't think the roo was hit was a xbow bolt, but i'm sure the same ****heads shot xbows at fuel bowsers and stuff as well.

did a lotta damage to bowhunting!

[mercyfulfate]

a follow up shot is your next shot after the first and sometimes a quick draw can mean getting the animal (if missed originally or first shot wasn't a clean kill).

never been hunting? pretty hard to rate any weapon if never used it hunting id' have thought? which would get back to my other query about being locked and loaded - how difficult/dangerous is that? i'd imagine you can draw your xbow without placing in a bolt though until you see game but unsure.

First of all I don't see bows or crossbows as "weapons". They're tools unless used incorrectly. And what's this about rating? Mate everything I've said so far is based on shooting targets, maybe I didn't make it clear. A couple guys wanted to know about my experiences and I gladly shared :P

Regarding the follow up shot, there is nothing to stop me from reloading it again. I'm used to my crossbow so I can do this quickly.

About it being locked and loaded, both my crossbows have a safety mechanism and will not fire no matter how hard you yank on that trigger. You'd be stupid to point it in somebodys direction while it's loaded anyway. Just common sense isn't it?

ps - wasn't that roo shot with a target arrow and not a xbow bolt?

sucks doesn't it as everyone who knows i bowhunt thought it was me as well. all get tainted with one ****head's actions.

Yeah mate that roo I'm talking about was shot with an arrow but the media hyped it up to say crossbow. The story on the news showed full length arrows with bow type nocks. You can't shoot these from a crossbow! :rolleyes:

[hawkeye]

forgive my foraging for queries mate, there may be more to follow still.

i'm not anti at all. maybe it's more a case of me being the 'messenger' is all as there's many perceptions and no doubt misconceptions about xbows which have no doubt rubbed off on me (inadvertantly).

possibly it's also good value for you to consider the scenarios (silly or not) i'm chucking forward before you find yourself in that position when actually hunting yourself. just trying to think through possible dramas in a logical manner is all.

saying that anything that can potentially kill a human is a 'weapon' mate and a trigger release mechanism only adds to that ideal - my speargun is a weapon and so is my slingshot.

[spiderbait24]

i have no problem, but some people may think that it is a firearm.

[hawkeye]

"About it being locked and loaded, both my crossbows have a safety mechanism and will not fire no matter how hard you yank on that trigger. You'd be stupid to point it in somebodys direction while it's loaded anyway. Just common sense isn't it?"

it is - but NOT compound/recurve/longbow 'common sense' mate - that's GUN hunting 'common sense'.

sorry but gonna be cruel and pass on mis/conceptions - what would you say to someone like my 'mates' with compounds/recurves/longbows when they come out with a statement like (as was just very adamantly told) "cossbows in WA are for crew that can't EITHER get a firearm license OR can't be bothered with the intricacies and constant practise/persistance/skill it takes to 'master' a more conventional bow? That a cross bow is a 'mongrel' between a 'firearm' and 'real' bow for those that want the easy option to simply point and shoot their 'WEAPON'"?

that's the jist i get when i mention xbows amongst hunting mates anyway. don't crucify me too much (please) for passing on honest truth when subject does come up. i am but the messenger.

again i have no prob's with xbows but still hesitant in hunting with one.

you did ask what prob's people had when starting thread mercyfulfate and i'm merely pasing on those from crew who don't bother with internet forums. however they are your fellow WA bowhunters whether they like it or not and there you go. some toughies to consider. don't get too angry as 90% people here are sympathetic - myself included.

be great to hear your answer to such 'huff and puff' chest-beating simplicities. and 'yes' it is totally unfair to have to justify your passion for xbowhunting... BUT considering it is illegal in some states and WA is most draconian of all - feel free to spill your soul here mate (fellow bowhunters).

[mercyfulfate]

"About it being locked and loaded, both my crossbows have a safety mechanism and will not fire no matter how hard you yank on that trigger. You'd be stupid to point it in somebodys direction while it's loaded anyway. Just common sense isn't it?"

it is - but NOT compound/recurve/longbow 'common sense' mate - that's GUN hunting 'common sense'.

sorry but gonna be cruel and pass on mis/conceptions - what would you say to someone like my 'mates' with compounds/recurves/longbows when they come out with a statement like (as was just very adamantly told) "cossbows in WA are for crew that can't EITHER get a firearm license OR can't be bothered with the intricacies and constant practise/persistance/skill it takes to 'master' a more conventional bow? That a cross bow is a 'mongrel' between a 'firearm' and 'real' bow for those that want the easy option to simply point and shoot their 'WEAPON'"?

that's the jist i get when i mention xbows amongst hunting mates anyway. don't crucify me too much (please) for passing on honest truth when subject does come up. i am but the messenger.

again i have no prob's with xbows but still hesitant in hunting with one.

you did ask what prob's people had when starting thread mercyfulfate and i'm merely pasing on those from crew who don't bother with internet forums. however they are your fellow WA bowhunters whether they like it or not and there you go. some toughies to consider. don't get too angry as 90% people here are sympathetic - myself included.

be great to hear your answer to such 'huff and puff' chest-beating simplicities. and 'yes' it is totally unfair to have to justify your passion for xbowhunting... BUT considering it is illegal in some states and WA is most draconian of all - feel free to spill your soul here mate (fellow bowhunters).

"it is - but NOT compound/recurve/longbow 'common sense' mate - that's GUN hunting 'common sense'. "

That was a very narrow minded statement. Don't you watch where you are pointing that thing when you have a razor sharp broadhead hanging out the end? Don't you pay attention to what's around you to see wether your limbs are going to clap against any branches? Don't you try to be as quiet as possible when stalking up on an animal? I do. "Gun common sense" as you called it, does not include any of that. :rolleyes:

If I wanted a gun licence I would get one, simple as that. Hell I can get a decent rifle for less than my Excal, not to mention the rounds are generally cheaper than replacing and maintaining bolts. But like I said I don't have a problem at all with shooting bows, of course not as sharp a shot as some of you guys no doubt! I just wanted to be outside of the square so I got a new crossbow instead of getting a bow. I like it, and plus they look badarse!

Now I don't think it's unfair and I don't feel as though I'm "justifying" anything at all. I'm just answering your questions the way I see crossbow shooting based on my experience so far. It's interesting to see peoples views on this and I'm happy to finally see what all the fuss is about. Seems as though it's just a "pride" thing.

I just do this for fun, shoot to thrill. I enjoy it and maybe someday with the help of a few good people here I'll get to hunt some game.. NEXT! :P

[hawkeye]

goodonya mate - hell i might even see if you're interested in tagging along one hunt.

but - all us non-xbow hunters ONLY ever nock an arrow when about to shoot - we don't walk/stalk around with an arrow drawn ready to fire - we only nock when we see the game just prior to the shot.

the pig hunting we do is in th pre-dawn gloom falling over rooted ground etc. i wouldn't like someone next to me in that scenario with a loaded xbow.

can you draw the xbow and then only place a bolt in when ready to shoot as opposed to walking about locked and loaded. had a speargun shoot off by itself a couple times eons back and scared bejesus outta me.

[mercyfulfate]

can you draw the xbow and then only place a bolt in when ready to shoot as opposed to walking about locked and loaded. had a speargun shoot off by itself a couple times eons back and scared bejesus outta me.

Yeah sure can. Generally this isn't how crossbow hunters do it because of the click the trigger mechanism it makes when it latches the string. Another way, is to cock the crossbow but only load the bolt in when you're about ready to shoot it.

EDIT: oops that's what you just said :P

What were you hunting with a speargun?

[huddo0312]

Hawkeye
Would have thought a history teacher would have more of an open mind on the topic of crossbows. Like I said before, the crossbow has played a huge part in history. Break out the books Buddy.The guy's doing something about getting into one of the greatest past-times ever invented. Gotta love the guy for that. I say we give him some support and guidance rather than bag him. You're on the way to creating another Bowaphobic... This site is called The Bowhunters Group of Australia for a reason. A bow is a bow, whether it be longbow ,recurve, compound or crossbow. If you're only up for that purist trad crap there is a site dedicated to it but don't bring that rubbish to this site. Thanks. Try loading a 225lb crossbow. Gotta respect a guy that can do that...

[woodstoka]

first of all i have nothin against them i lov em look kool to lol
i was considering getting one and use it puerly for deer hunting
but if i got one i would no longer use my bow so im stickin to my hoyt

[Clemo]

"Don't you watch where you are pointing that thing when you have a razor sharp broadhead hanging out the end? Don't you pay attention to what's around you to see wether your limbs are going to clap against any branches? Don't you try to be as quiet as possible when stalking up on an animal? I do. "Gun common sense" as you called it, does not include any of that."

"No problems" with X Bow hunting here. Great looking X bow, sounds like when you finally get to hunt you will have done all the homework to make your hunt successful.

"Problem" But I do find it interesting that in the process of justifying your position as an X Box hunter you have tared the poor old firearms hunter with the very brush that you are trying distance yourself from.
Common, get real, we are all hunters, how we choose to do it is beside the point, providing that it is within the law.
I think that all hunters will sooner or later be pinning their hopes of maintaining their very right to hunt on lobby groups that are funded primarily by firearms owners.
Lets not bash each other up, we are all hunters and we need to present a united front.;)

[mercyfulfate]

Opps, it seems my hasty reply has come out the wrong way.
I do respect all forms of hunting because each requires different skills. I was just trying to say that crossbow hunting is nothing like gun hunting.
No bashing intended and thanks for the support guys :)

[Jacob Goodwin]

I've owned a crossbow (Horton Legend SL) and hunted with it. I bought more as a novelty than anything else but found it enjoyable to shoot...for a while. Eventually, I found it repetitive and a bit boring.

That being said, the crossbow was certainly an effective hunting tool...no issues with penetration or accuracy.

Overall, I found hunting with the crossbow much easier than hunting with the compound...from a shooting perspective. From a stalking perspective (which should be what bowhunters focus on), I found no difference between the two.

At any rate, I respect good, ethical crossbow hunters as much as I respect good ethical bowhunters.

Jake

[Scott]

Here, here Jacob, ya hit the nail on the head. Hunters are hunters, no matter what they use! 'RESPECT' thats it!

[wazza_X force]

[quote=Clemo;93524Common, get real, we are all hunters, how we choose to do it is beside the point, providing that it is within the law.
[/quote]

speaking of which, i didnt think it was legal to hunt with them anymore in aus, and when it was, i though it was just NT and QLD... im probably wrong though...

wazza

[LeighS]

Err.... Huddo are you reading the same thread the rest of us are?... Hawkeye hasn't bagged him at all. In fact he seems to be asking for more information about crossbows... Sounds like an open mind to me. "Purist trad crap"?... Sounds like you're the one with a bad bias problem... :confused:

[GOLDGT]

Err.... Huddo are you reading the same thread the rest of us are?... Hawkeye hasn't bagged him at all. In fact he seems to be asking for more information about crossbows... Sounds like an open mind to me. "Purist trad crap"?... Sounds like you're the one with a bad bias problem... :confused:

I would have to agree with the above. And this whole tread was mercyfulfate asking why some people tend to not like X-bows and Hawkeye was passing on info from people he had talked to about this subject if you dont want to hear the answers then dont ask the questions, easy.

[huddo0312]

LeighS and GOLDGT
"he has a crossbow which has me wary."
"it'd pi$$ me no end to take him in there and he instantly nails one with his crossbow."
"a crossbow is gonna be a lot easier than my recurve"
"if he wants to use his crossbow i might as well take my shotgun which (like a crossbow) you can put in the hands of anyone who can instantly shoot it easy (unlike my recurve and the effort it takes to hone skills)."
"they're too good/easy"...All sounds bias to me.
I shoot both trad and compound by the way...

Dave

[mercyfulfate]

I would have to agree with the above. And this whole tread was mercyfulfate asking why some people tend to not like X-bows and Hawkeye was passing on info from people he had talked to about this subject if you dont want to hear the answers then dont ask the questions, easy.

I never attacked what he said, I'm cool with it. I like to overkill.

[GOLDGT]

LeighS and GOLDGT
"he has a crossbow which has me wary."
"it'd pi$$ me no end to take him in there and he instantly nails one with his crossbow."
"a crossbow is gonna be a lot easier than my recurve"
"if he wants to use his crossbow i might as well take my shotgun which (like a crossbow) you can put in the hands of anyone who can instantly shoot it easy (unlike my recurve and the effort it takes to hone skills)."
"they're too good/easy"...All sounds bias to me.
I shoot both trad and compound by the way...

Dave

Not having a dig at you Dave im just saying that this is what the thread was asking and LeighS has answered reasons why some people maybe be bias but each to there own. I think this is a great thread and its getting people talking which is what forums are all about. BTW had a look on youtube the other day at that stryker Xbow i think that is what it was called the most powerful xbow to date and it has a crank handle that fits in the stock to pull the string back or let the weight off the string without having to fire it. Was pretty cool firing at 405fps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyLFGfrCMa0
Here,s the link enjoy.

[GOLDGT]

I never attacked what he said, I'm cool with it. I like to overkill.

Always better to overkill than to underkill i think. ;)

[mercyfulfate]

Speaking of overkill, the arrows are shot from a 60lb Jennings compound, the bolts (ones sticking out the back to people who PM'ed me) are from the Excalibur
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/IMGP0611.JPG

And accuracy from 50 meters
http://member.letsgo.com.au/mercyfulfate/IMGP0615.JPG

Not the best effort as I had a few to drink and it was a windy night, plus the targets are so shotup there's barely a bullseye :P

[STEALTH]

I think there a good bit of kit personally, but I believe the advantages they hold do make bowhunting alot less challenging.

[mercyfulfate]

I think there a good bit of kit personally, but I believe the advantages they hold do make bowhunting alot less challenging.

Agreed!

[Glenn]

TRhe reason I have never hunted with one is because I have always thought they were far to slow especially for getting a second shot away, and to get a quick shot when it was needed the cross would never have suited me. I was told last week that a bolt with 90% foc gave the best results for accuracy and penetration. Have you tried different foc points for you bolts Mercy?...Glenn...

[mercyfulfate]

TRhe reason I have never huntet with one is because I have always thought they were far to slow especially for getting a second shot away, and to get a quick shot when it was needed the cross would never have suited me. I was told last week that a bolt with 90% foc gave the best results for accuracy and penetration. Have you tried different foc points for you bolts Mercy?...Glenn...

Nope, never played with any of that FOC stuff. I build my own bolts with 38gr brass inserts to make it front heavy. Seems good to me so far. When I brace the crossbow on a table and shoot for another bolt (flame me) I'll usually hit it. So I don't shoot more than one arrow into a target, and if i do I'll aim for a different part of the bull. Shooting snails off the target was fun in winter :) Oh and with the 2nd shot thing, I can shoot my 150lb crossbow faster than my mate can shoot his compound. The Excalibur is just slow because its 225lbs...

[Glenn]

That has always been the main reason I have never liked the compound, too slow for for follow up shots and plus I can make everything I use to hunt with except for buying some of the components...Glenn...