Imagine the silent draw of the string, the focused aim, and the successful hunt. Hunting with a crossbow offers a unique connection to the wild. But stepping into the world of hunting crossbows can feel overwhelming. Which one is right for you? Arrow speed, draw weight, and features can make your head spin.
Choosing the wrong crossbow can lead to frustration in the field, missed opportunities, and wasted money. You want reliability and power when it matters most. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down what makes a great hunting crossbow.
By the end of this post, you will understand the key features that matter. You will learn to compare models confidently and select the perfect partner for your next outdoor adventure. Get ready to transform confusion into clarity as we explore the best in modern hunting crossbow technology.
Table of Contents
Top Hunting Crossbow Recommendations
- BARNETT WHITETAIL HUNTER II CROSSBOW: High-performance compound crossbow in RealTree Extra with complete hunting accessory package. The lightweight crossbow is ultra-compact, shooting 350 feet per second
- EFFICIENT: Crossbow is equipped with an axle-to-axle length of 16.125" overall weight of just 6.4 lbs., creating an easily controllable profile that hunters of all skills and sizes can manage
- SAFETY FEATURES : Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology
- READY TO HUNT PACKAGE: Bow dimensions are 34.25"L x 18.25"W. Package includes two Headhunter 20" Arrows, Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm, Rope Cocking Device, Lightweight Side Mount Quiver, Lubrication Wax. Ships mostly assembled
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- Adjustable: Adjustable stock up to 2.5” for increased stability.
- Compact: Compact design pistol crossbow with arrow speeds up to 175 FPS.
- Easy to Use: User-friendly self-cocking arm, forearm grip.
- Accessories: Includes 3 premium bolts.
- Dependable Accuracy: Engineered for top-of-the-line speed, extreme accuracy, and dependability.
- OUR FASTEST FORWARD DRAW CROSSBOW EVER - Meet the TX Ultra 29.5—measuring 29.5" short and 6.5" narrow, this crossbow shoots 460 FPS and features three, precision-engineered accuracy advancements to deliver 3" groups at 100 yards.
- SNIPER-LIKE ACCURACY - Every component is designed to achieve sniper-like accuracy with category-leading reliability. The precision-engineered accuracy package delivers 70% tighter groups at 100 yards.
- ZERO-TORSION TECHNOLOGY - New 8MM Axles (175% stronger & 215% stiffer) and new X-Wide Limbs (20% wider & 120% stronger) combine to eliminate all torsional movement along the limb axis & drive long-range accuracy with market-leading reliability.
- PREMIUM STRING & ACU-X NOCK - Deliver exceptional accuracy & longevity, virtually eliminating serving distortion & wear while extending string life by 200% compared to previous strings.
- UNRIVALED OPTICS - Every Shot Calculated. Every Hit Precise. The TenPoint Vision Digital Rangefinding Scope includes 5 Pre-Loaded Arrow Ballistic Profiles for accurate drop compensation. Simple setup with One-Shot Zeroing! Record in 1080p Full HD.
- Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Without Crank Device: Ultra-compact compound crossbow with complete hunting accessory package; The lightweight crossbow has a manageable profile that hunters of all sizes can handle and shoots 400 feet per second
- Safety Features: Equipped with Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System to eliminate Dry Fires; Finger Guards & Finger Safety Reminders; Be sure to wax strings every 10 shots
- Includes: 4.32mm Multi-Reticle Scope, Two 22" Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, Rope Cocking Device, and Lubrication Wax; Ships mostly assembled. Allows for Intergration of Barnett Crank Cocking Device
- Specs: Draw Weight: 187 pounds. Kinetic Energy: 140 Ft. lbs; Power Stroke 16.375"; Overall weight: 6.9 pounds; Dimensions: 36.5" L x 20"W; Axle to Axle 17.625"; Color is TruBark Camo
- Barnett: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- The Scrapeline 390X is a perfect option for hunters new to crossbows.
- Crossbow comes fully kitted with a 4x32 illuminated scope, a 5-bolt quiver, a rope cocker, and (3) Xit-20 bolts. Shooting speeds up to 390 FPS and weighing only 6.7 lb., this crossbow brings superior shooting at an affordable price
- Three included 380 grain bolts feature 100% carbon shafts, clip-on nocks, and shield cut fletchings.
- Important Note: Follow all instructions carefully to avoid damage to the bow and safety hazards. Seller is not responsible for damage due to neglect of instructions.
- This crossbow is designed for use with Xpedition Archery XIT-20 bolts ONLY. Three of these bots are included with your purchase. .
- OUR TOP-SELLING TITAN CROSSBOW, BUT BETTER! - We took our all-time, top-selling Titan crossbow and made it 40 FPS faster, with more features! Shooting 400 FPS and featuring silent cocking, the Titan 400 is an unbeatable crossbow value.
- EFFORTLESS, SILENT COCKING - ACUdraw Silent is the easiest ACUdraw to operate, providing silent cocking & reducing the draw weight to 5 lbs. Since it’s fully integrated into the crossbow, you never need to worry about forgetting your cocking aid!
- 70-YARD SCOPE - The Pro-View 400 scope with Illuminated Reticle offers aimpoints out to 70-yards and features an updated reticle for a cleaner view & greater down-range accuracy.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT PROFILE - At just 6 lbs and 9.75” narrow, the Titan 400 provides more mobility & more shot opportunities in the field by reducing the chance for cam/limb contact in the stand or blind.
- SHIPS FULLY ASSEMBLED - This crossbow arrives at your door fully assembled and pre-sighted. Once you open the package, just mount the scope, verify the scope zero, and you’re ready to hunt!
- FAST. LIGHT. ACCURATE. - Shooting 415 FPS and weighing a super lightweight 6.9 pounds, the Turbo X is the fastest, lightest, and most accurate TenPoint Turbo crossbow ever.
- BEST & MOST ACCURATE CROSSBOW IN 2025 - In independent, third-party testing by “Outdoor Life,” the Turbo X was named the Best Overall Crossbow and the Most Accurate Crossbow. It shot a 1.23” group average out of four, three-shot groups at 50 yds.
- UNRIVALED OPTICS - Every Shot Calculated. Every Hit Precise. The TenPoint Vision Digital Rangefinding Scope includes 5 Pre-Loaded Arrow Ballistic Profiles for accurate drop compensation. Simple setup with One-Shot Zeroing! Record in 1080p Full HD.
- SILENT COCKING. SAFE DE-COCKING. - ACUslide not only allows you to silently cock the crossbow, it also offers silent and safe de-cocking. Simply backwind the handle & stop at any point without fear of injury, damage, or losing control.
- DURABILITY & SIMPLICITY - Featuring a traditional, time-tested, two-cable bow assembly built for durability and simplicity, the Turbo X is the lowest maintenance, affordable, high-performance crossbow on the market.
- POWER & SPEED: This crossbow delivers exceptional performance with blazing speeds up to 405 FPS with 134 ft-lb of kinetic energy for hard-hitting performance on small to large game, ideal for both hunting and target shooting.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT: Weighing only 6.7 lbs, the BOSS 405 is built for mobility with a 14.75″ cocked width and an adjustable 33.5–36" overall length, perfect for tight hunting spaces.
- CUSTOM FIT & CONTROL: The 6-position adjustable stock and X-Lok foregrip provide a tailored fit for enhanced comfort, control, and accuracy across a wide range of shooter sizes.
- PRECISION ENGINEERED: The Micro‑Lite aluminum barrel helps keep the crossbow light and easy to handle, giving you better balance and smoother aim whether you're in a blind, treestand, or out in the field.
- BUILT TO LAST: Includes a 4×32 IR scope, rope cocker, quiver, three HYPR Lite bolts, rail lube, and string dampeners, backed by Killer Instinct's limited lifetime warranty (non-wearable parts, original owner).
The Ultimate Hunting Crossbow Buying Guide
Choosing the right hunting crossbow can make your outdoor adventures much more successful and enjoyable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, understanding what makes a great crossbow is key. This guide will help you pick the perfect model.
Key Features to Look For
A great crossbow has several important parts. Pay close attention to these features when you shop.
Speed and Power (FPS)
Crossbow speed is measured in Feet Per Second (FPS). Faster crossbows shoot arrows (bolts) further and hit harder. For most big game hunting, look for models offering 350 FPS or higher. Slower models work well for target practice or small game.
Draw Weight
Draw weight is the force needed to pull the string back. Higher draw weights mean more power but require more effort to cock. Many modern hunting crossbows use a cocking device to help you manage heavy draw weights easily.
Accuracy and Bolt Compatibility
A good crossbow must be accurate. Check the included scope. The quality of the scope greatly affects how well you can aim. Also, make sure the crossbow works well with the length and weight of the bolts you plan to use.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your crossbow lasts and how reliable it is in tough weather.
Riser and Stock Materials
Most quality crossbows use strong, lightweight materials. Aluminum or magnesium alloy is often used for the riser (the front part that holds the limbs). The stock (the main body) is frequently made from durable synthetic polymers or sometimes high-grade wood laminates. Synthetic materials resist moisture better.
Limbs
Limbs are the flexible arms that store the energy. Fiberglass or carbon fiber limbs are common. Carbon limbs are usually lighter and more durable than older fiberglass types, which helps maintain consistent power over time.
String and Cables
The serving (the wrapping around the string) must be tough. High-performance strings are made from materials like Dyneema. These materials resist stretching and wear, keeping your crossbow shooting straight shot after shot.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crossbows perform the same way. Certain design choices boost performance, while others can cause problems.
Noise Dampening Systems
A loud crossbow scares game away. Look for models with integrated noise-dampening features, like rubber dampeners on the limbs. A quiet shot is a successful shot.
Trigger System
The trigger must be crisp and light. A heavy or “creepy” trigger can cause you to pull the shot off target right before firing. High-quality triggers offer a clean break, significantly improving accuracy.
Durability and Weatherproofing
A quality crossbow handles bumps and rain. Check the finish. Camouflage finishes help you stay hidden. Poorly sealed components can rust or swell, reducing the crossbow’s lifespan and accuracy.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the crossbow affects what you should buy.
Hunting Scenarios
For dense woods hunting, a shorter, lighter crossbow is easier to maneuver. For open field hunting where shots are longer, you need a faster, more stable model, often with a heavier stock for better stability.
Ease of Use and Cocking
If you are new to crossbows, look for models that come with an integrated rope cocker or a built-in crank system. These tools make drawing the heavy string much easier, especially for hunters who may not have the upper body strength for manual cocking.
Always practice regularly! A crossbow is a powerful tool. Proper handling and regular maintenance ensure safety and accuracy every time you head out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hunting Crossbows
Q: What is the legal draw weight for hunting in my state?
A: Laws change depending on where you live and what you hunt. You must check your local state’s wildlife regulations. They list the minimum draw weight required for deer or elk hunting.
Q: Do I need a license to buy a hunting crossbow?
A: Generally, no license is required to purchase a crossbow. However, you will need a valid hunting license to use it to take game during hunting season.
Q: How often should I change the crossbow string?
A: You should inspect the string before every use. Replace the string every one to two seasons, or immediately if you see any fraying or damage to the serving.
Q: What is the difference between a compound crossbow and a recurve crossbow?
A: Compound crossbows use cams (wheels) on the limbs to store more energy and often shoot faster. Recurve crossbows have simpler, curved limbs and are usually quieter and easier to maintain.
Q: What kind of bolts should I use for deer hunting?
A: For deer, use carbon or aluminum bolts that are stiff enough to handle your crossbow’s power. Look for 20-inch bolts, and use broadheads designed for big game.
Q: How do I store my crossbow when not in use?
A: Store your crossbow in a dry, climate-controlled area, preferably in a hard case. Never leave it cocked for long periods, as this stresses the string and limbs.
Q: Is a scope necessary for a hunting crossbow?
A: Yes, a quality illuminated scope is almost always necessary for ethical hunting. It allows for precise aiming, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
Q: How far can a modern hunting crossbow shoot accurately?
A: Most quality crossbows are accurate out to 40 or 50 yards when zeroed correctly. Experienced shooters can often extend that range, but ethical hunting usually stops around 50 yards.
Q: What is “dry firing,” and why is it so bad?
A: Dry firing means shooting the crossbow without an arrow loaded. This is very dangerous because all the stored energy goes into the crossbow parts instead of the arrow. It can severely damage the limbs and string.
Q: How do I maintain the rail (barrel) of my crossbow?
A: Keep the rail clean. Apply a thin layer of specialized rail lubricant or wax to the rail before shooting. This reduces friction for the string and keeps the bolt moving smoothly.