How to cock a crossbow?

Cocking a crossbow isn't just a formality before shooting: it's a crucial step.

If done poorly, it can damage your equipment... or hurt you. If done well, it guarantees precision, comfort, and above all, safety.

Ready to take action? Here are the 4 key steps to cock your crossbow like a pro.

Step 1: Check the general condition of your crossbow

Before starting, inspect!

Why? Because the string and cables are wear parts.

Over time and with friction, they can become damaged, frayed, or even break.

Here's what to check:

• The condition of the string, especially in the center.
• The ends of the string (serving) for a traditional crossbow, or the cables that pass through the pulleys for a compound model.
• The rail: it must be clean, unobstructed, well lubricated.

Tips and tricks: use crossbow lubricant every 8-10 shots, but also regularly greasing the string with appropriate maintenance products helps extend the lifespan of the crossbow string... and also provides peace of mind.

Step 2: The proper position

You don't cock a crossbow just anywhere or anyhow.

Your crossbow should be cocked in a dedicated practice area, outdoors or in a secure location: indeed, we avoid cocking in the living room!

Stand up straight with your legs extended, then insert one foot into the stirrup: it will be your support point to cock your crossbow straight.

Step 3: Tensioning the string

Three options are available to you, depending on your model and equipment:

• By hand, for the least powerful crossbows, but this is clearly not the option we recommend.
• With a manual cocking rope. This is the most commonly used method, as almost all crossbows are delivered with manual cocking ropes.
• With a mechanical cocking device. This is the easiest way of all!

Attach the hooks, crank until the "Safe" position ... and it's cocked, safely.

Some models like the Cobra crossbows (RX Adder, R9...) are also equipped with a cocking lever. Cocking then becomes child's play!

Tips and tricks: if your crossbow isn't equipped with a mechanical cocking device, know that you might be able to adapt one! Check our catalog!

Step 4: Loading the bolt

The string is well engaged in the trigger mechanism, the anti-fire safety is activated, you can proceed, it's time to load your bolt.

Insert your bolt into the rail, but be careful:

• The cock feather (often a different color) must be correctly oriented, usually downwards for most crossbows. It fits into the rail.
• The nock (flat or half-moon) must come in direct contact with the string.

And there you have it. Your crossbow is cocked, secured, and ready to shoot.

To wrap up this tutorial, we offer you a simple and clear video on the method with a cocking rope: