Categories : Crossbows

How far can a crossbow shoot?

When diving into the world of crossbows, the crucial question that arises is that of shooting distance. Choosing the right weapon depends on various factors, particularly the specific range of each model. Let's break down together the shooting capabilities of crossbows based on their characteristics as well as the safety rules to follow for good practice.

Range according to the type of crossbow:

Pistol crossbow 50-80 lbs:

Pistol crossbows, with a power of 50 to 80 pounds, offer a shooting range of 10 to 20 meters. Ideal for leisure activities or sport shooting, these models are appreciated for their maneuverability and ease of use.

Recurve crossbows 150-175 lbs:

The recurve crossbows, more powerful with a force of 150 to 175 pounds, extend the range to 25-40 meters. Their recurve design brings some complexity to shooting, offering a balance between power and accuracy, making them versatile for various activities.

Compound crossbows below 400 FPS:

Compound crossbows, with a speed below 400 FPS, push the limits with a range of 40 to 70 meters. These models offer great accuracy, suitable for both hunting and sport shooting, thanks to their sophisticated mechanism.

Compound crossbows above 400 FPS:

Compound crossbows exceeding 400 FPS push the boundaries with a range of up to 100 meters, or even 125 meters for 500 FPS models. These crossbows are designed for exceptional performance, suitable for big game hunting and precision shooting competitions.

Very powerful recurve crossbows:

The very powerful recurve crossbows, exclusive to Excalibur, can also reach distances of up to 100 meters. This range offers a unique combination of power and accuracy, meeting the expectations of experienced hunters. It is crucial to understand that these distances are specifically adapted to the needs of hunting and recreational shooting. Crossbows, although seemingly limited to 100 meters, remain more than sufficient for their dedicated use.

The Crossbow: Practical, Precise, and Versatile

The crossbow, with its modernity and ease of use, attracts beginners with its simplicity. It offers powerful shooting, extended range, and increased accuracy thanks to mechanisms such as the sight and guide rail. Perfect for hunting and target shooting, it allows hitting targets at long distances with ease. Unlike bows which require more practice to achieve optimal accuracy. Traditional and used for millennia, bows offer a classic experience close to nature. With different types such as the classic bow and compound bow, they offer a variety of experiences for passionate hunters. In terms of accuracy, the crossbow often has the advantage, offering stability and ease of aiming.

a ready-to-use crossbow

Safety rules for a crossbow:

Here are some important points to remember for the proper use of a crossbow:

Main safety rules:

  • Always consider the crossbow as loaded.
  • Never point the weapon at yourself or others.

Transportation tips:

  • Respect French legislation on the transport of weapons.
  • The valid FFTir license serves as a legitimate transport document for sport shooters.

Regulated transport conditions:

  • Unload the weapon and use a device making its immediate use impossible (trigger lock).
  • Transport the weapon in a case or cover, with ammunition stored separately.

Necessary documents when traveling:

  • Must be in possession of an up-to-date FFTir license as a legitimate transport document.
  • Recommended, but not mandatory: possession authorization and possibly the corresponding invoice for each weapon.