Once upon a time, crossbows were a formidable weapon that gave a head start to bows in terms of destructive power. After the invention of gunpowder, both crossbows and bows gradually disappeared from the arsenals of the regular armies, but did not lose popularity. Now they are used by hunters and sportsmen, as well as just fans of shooting. If you decide to join the army of admirers of such outdoor activities, then you should first understand what crossbows are.
Depending on the design, crossbows are divided into two types:
- classic (recursive);
- block;
A classic or recursive crossbow has shoulders (arcs): s-shaped in the direction of the shot. The block crossbow differs from the classic crossbow by the presence on the shoulders of a system of blocks through which the bowstring passes. We read about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of crossbows below.
Recursive Crossbow
Since their invention, recursive crossbows have not fundamentally changed. That is why they are called "classic".
Their main advantages are that they are lightweight and reliable, since they have a simple design. The shoulders of a recursive crossbow consist of two elastic elements or one arc, a bowstring and a compact block. This distinguishes them from block crossbows, whose shoulders are more massive.
Classic crossbows are unpretentious in repair: if the bowstring is torn, then a special machine is not required for replacement. You can fix them right in the field. At the same time, such crossbows are inferior to block ones in power, and they require more effort to pull the bowstring.
Block crossbow
This type of crossbow has a more complex design, which gives it some advantages. Firstly, they are compact: their shoulders are noticeably smaller than those of the classic ones. Secondly, they have a softer descent thanks to the block system. Thirdly, the blocks make it easier to platoon the bowstring and provide a high flight speed of the arrow. With equal shoulders, the speed of an arrow from a block crossbow is higher than that of a classic one. Fourth, these crossbows are easier to use and more suitable for beginners.
The disadvantages include their greater weight and complexity in maintenance and adjustment. In order to change the bowstring, you need a special machine. So, if such a nuisance happened in the forest during a hunt, you can return home.
Pistol and rifle crossbows
Depending on the design of the butt, crossbows are divided into rifle and pistol.
Rifle crossbows can be fired from any position by holding with both hands. They are more massive, have a one-piece design, forend and neck. The rifle crossbow has a large shot power and firing range. Therefore, they are most often used for hunting and in competitions. Among other things, they are convenient and safe to use.
Pistol crossbows are smaller and more powerful. They are easy to use, lightweight and great for hunting small game. Their advantages include the fact that, depending on the model, they can be fired with darts, metal balls and a harpoon. True, you need a special store for shooting balls.
Choosing a crossbow
Which crossbow to choose? It all depends on why you need it. Most often, crossbows are bought by athletes and hunters. The crossbow is also a great gift. In this case, it is necessary not only to look at the technical characteristics, but also at the finish and at the materials from which it is made.
Crossbow for hunting... For hunting, both block and classic are suitable. Do not forget that the classic ones, as a rule, are inferior to the block ones in speed. A block crossbow is capable of accelerating a 20-gram arrow to 120 m / s, which is unlikely to be achieved with a classic one. Therefore, most hunters choose the block crossbows.On the other hand, if you don't hunt often, the classic one will do.
If you're a hunter, pay attention to power. For a large hoofed animal, a crossbow with a bowstring tension of no more than 50-60 kg is suitable. For those who hunt wild boar, it is better to choose a weapon with a higher power - up to 80 kg. Do not forget about scopes: although a classic crossbow for hunting does not need powerful optics exceeding 4x24 or 4x32, some people find it more convenient to use a collimator sight, especially for shooting at a target on the move.
When buying a crossbow for hunting, pay attention to the handle. The material must provide a good grip in all weather conditions. If you are going to hunt shy animals and birds, you should buy a crossbow with a quiet charge and release. Here it is worth giving preference to the block crossbow.
Pay attention to the choice of arrows. For hunting crossbows, proprietary proprietary fiberglass or carbon bolts work well. Aluminum arrows are best used for training.
Sports crossbows... Sports crossbow is chosen differently. The type of shooting is important here - field or match.
Field competitions are held in an open field. Participants shoot from distances of 35, 50 and 65 meters. Match competitions are held either at the training ground or at the shooting range. The position from which the participants are shooting differs and, accordingly, the designs of the crossbows too.
A sports crossbow is a difficult piece to handle and adjust. Therefore, with the selection of weapons for sports, it is better to turn to a specialist.
Rest crossbows... The so-called "recreational crossbows" belong to the class of light amateur crossbows. They are suitable for target shooting at short distances - in shooting ranges and on crossbow platforms. As a rule, such a crossbow has a simple design, is easy to learn and does not require special training.
Materials from which the crossbow is made
It is believed that the materials do not greatly affect the characteristics of the crossbow. Nevertheless, it is useful to know about this, since the cost depends on the materials.
Crossbow shoulders are made of aluminum, steel, composite materials, plastic laminate. The most successful are the shoulders made of composite. It is a fiberglass and carbon fiber laminated material. Composite shoulders are free from the "fatigue effect" of metal. In other words, they do not deform over time.
The crossbow stock can be wood or molded plastic. If you decide to make a gift, a wood crossbow is a good choice. The breeds from which the bed is made are rosewood, mahogany, walnut, beech. But a plastic bed is more practical because it is not subject to atmospheric influences.
The body of a crossbow is usually made of steel or light alloys. The guide, which is installed on the body from above, is equipped with a coprolon, getinax or fluoroplastic coating. This is done in order to prevent premature rupture of the bowstring.
Special requirements are imposed on the trigger mechanisms of crossbows (locks). This part of the crossbow must be resistant to wear and tear and be able to withstand high loads. They are made from high-strength materials such as weapons-grade steel.
Crossbow cost
The cost of a crossbow can range from 300 hryvnia for simple pistol models, up to several thousand when it comes to serious weapons. It all depends on your capabilities and on what conclusions you made after reading this article.
Remember that in addition to the crossbow, you will also need to buy accessories - a case, bolts (arrows), a quiver, possibly an optical sight.
Interesting article: "How to choose a bow for shooting"
