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Archive for the ‘Crossbows’ Category
Crossbow Scope Calibration!
Be Accurate!
For the last six months my nephew and girlfriend have belonged to and participated in a local Crossbow club. They have been envolved in club activities consisting of basic firing and non-firing exercises. However, none of this training covered the calibration and use of the crossbow scope.
This weekend they went out and purchased state of the art, beautiful matching crossbows. They asked me about scope calibration, and I explained that the process is very similar to that used for a scope on a rifle. To expedite the calibration of their new crossbows, they were advised to use the following sequential procedures or process:
- While using the club’s indoor range, secure each crossbow with scope to a secure shooting rest and place out the standard bulls-eye targets 20 yards to the front.
- Identify each scope’s elevation and windage knobs. The elevation knob is located on the top of the scope and controls up/down movement. The windage knob is on the side of the scope and used to adjust right/left movement.
- Sight through the scope at the bulls-eye and fire three arrows. Adjust center of the shot-group for both windage and elevation. One click of windage and one click of elevation will move the center of the shot-group 1/20th of an inch right/left and up/down. To move center of shot-group to the right and up, you would turn both windage and elevation knobs clockwise. Continue this process until center of the shot group has been adjusted to the center of the bulls-eye.
Remove crossbows from the shooting rests, and while using good trigger squeeze/breathing techniques, fire groups of three arrows at the bulls-eye. Practice until each shot-group can be covered by a tennis ball.
Hunting or Not?
Effective Weapon!
Last evening, I went to a Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting. While there, I became embroiled in a heated discussion over whether the use of a crossbow should or should not be allowed during the annual “Bow” hunting season.
After listening to both sides of the issue, and I do understand the emotional controversy over the use of crossbows – looks, sighting, etc. Their very appearance looks like a bow mounted atop of a modern firearm. The weapon is fired by pulling a trigger, and some crossbows even have a scope to assist with sighting. It can be fired just like a rifle from either shoulder, kneeling, or prone positions. Does using a crossbow give the hunter an unfair advantage?
After giving it much thought, I don’t think so. I came down on the side of continuing to allow use of crossbows during “Bow” season. Both weapons (crossbows/bows) are essentially single shot weapons with similar effective ranges; if anything, the range could be greater with a traditional long-bow. But, the clincher for me was that if we don’t allow use of the crossbow, it would eliminate a complete class of deserving Americans who would otherwise be physically unable to participate in this beautiful sport; that, in-itself, should over-ride all other considerations!
Modern Uses of the Crossbow!
State of Art Weapon - 1500 AD!
Bow and arrow technology has been utilized by civilizations around the globe for thousands of years, and although modern weaponry has largely antiquated their pragmatic uses, they are still popular today. For the ancient civilizations, the advent of the bow was revolutionary in terms of combat. As one of the earliest long-range weapons, armies that were able to perfect the bow had a distinct advantage over their opponents.
This technology was cutting edge when it was first developed, but using a crossbow in an armed conflict today would be comical to say the least. While some areas still permit the use of crossbows and other makes for hunting, they are primarily used for recreational target shooting. However, the technology has far surpassed that of the original models, meaning that today’s crossbows have incredible range, accuracy and power.
Crossbows and Accessories
Crossbow Popularity!
Every year more and more people decide to purchase a Crossbow. Because of the popularity, new companies are entering the Crossbow market.
As a result, the technological advancements are vast and include new/improved bows, optics, bolts, broad-heads, and arrows.
A lot of older archery hunters now use Crossbows because hunting with a normal bow becomes more difficult with age. Some states, where crossbows are illegal, now allow hunters in their 70s and 80s to use a crossbow, and most states allow it (without restrictions) if the person is too handicapped to hunt otherwise.
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