What makes a perfect shot in the deer woods? For many hunters, the answer lies in the power and precision of a crossbow. Barnett has long been a trusted name in the hunting world. They build crossbows known for their strength and accuracy. But when you stand in the store aisle, facing rows of different Barnett models, how do you pick the one that will be your reliable partner this fall?
Choosing the wrong crossbow can lead to frustration in the field. You might struggle with setup, lack the necessary speed for a clean ethical shot, or simply not feel comfortable with the weight or balance. These are real problems that can cost you a season’s worth of scouting and effort. You need a tool that fits your skill level and your hunting style perfectly.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best Barnett crossbows specifically for deer hunting. You will learn which features matter most, from draw weight to included accessories. By the end, you will know exactly which Barnett model puts you in the best position for success.
Table of Contents
Top Barnett Crossbow For Deer Hunting 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
- BARNETT WHITETAIL HUNTER CROSSBOW 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 375 feet per second
- EFFICIENT: Crossbow is equipped with Step-Through Riser (STR) technology that reduces the length of the crossbow and has an overall weight of just 6.6 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, Finger Safety reminders, TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology
- INCLUDES: 4.32mm Multi-Reticle Scope, Two 22" Headhunter Arrows, Lightweight Quiver, Rope Cocking Device, and Lubrication Wax. Ships mostly assembled. Color is Mossy Oak Bottomland
- The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- 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
- BARNETT 20" HEADHUNTER ARROWS 5-PACK: Carbon arrows specifically made for superior performance. Each arrow includes field points and half-moon nocks. 1-ounce arrows have strong, lightweight carbon shafts; improved wall thickness for added durability
- SUPERIOR ACCURACY: Arrows are 13.78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain point to create optimal accuracy and target penetration. Pack also includes 24F field point and moon nocks
- COMPATIBLE: Can be used with Ghost 350, Penetrator, Wildcat C-5, Jackal, Whitetail hunter II, Raptor FX3 crossbows, and other models that take a 20 inch Arrow
- SPECS: Length 20", 13.78 grains per inch, matched with 100-grain point, includes 24F field point and moon nocks, 5-pack, color is black
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- Velocity in a Compact Design: Unleash the power of the Explorer XP385 hunting crossbow, firing arrows at a swift 385 feet per second. Experience hunting like never before with this compact and fast crossbows, perfect for those thrilling moments in the great outdoors.
- Lightweight and Adjustable: This hunting crossbow for adults is superbly lightweight and comes with an adjustable buttstock for a customized fit. Navigate through the wilderness with ease and take aim with confidence using our crossbows for adults.
- Premium Textures and Triggertech Trigger: The Explorer XP385 crossbow for hunting is adorned with premium textures, providing a non-slip grip for better handling. Its Triggertech trigger ensures a clean, crisp pull for accurate crossbow hunting.
- Single Bolt Assembly and Soft Lok Arrow Retainer: Our crossbows packages include a single bolt assembly for easy setup and a soft lok arrow retainer for safe loading. It's the best cross bows for hunting deer, providing you with the ultimate crossbow package deer hunting experience.
- Veil Camo and Side Mount Quiver: This crossbow for adults hunting is equipped with a Veil Camo finish for effective concealment. It also features a side mount quiver for quick access to your arrows. It's the best cross bow for a thrilling crossbow for hunting deer adventure. Make your hunting experiences unforgettable with our crossbow package.
- High-Speed Crossbow: The Explorer XP405 Veil Stoke is a hunting crossbow that delivers a staggering 405 feet per second. It is fast, lightweight, and compact, making it one of the best cross bows for serious hunters.
- Sleek Design and Comfort: Featuring a Veil Camo finish, adjustable buttstock, and premium grip with premium textures, this hunting crossbow kit is designed to provide ultimate comfort and style to your hunting experiences.
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with a Triggertech trigger and a Soft Lok arrow retainer, this crossbow package ensures safety and precision. The single bolt assembly makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
- Superior Visibility: The Explorer XP405 Veil Stoke, one of our finest hunting crossbows for adults, includes an illuminated scope and a side mount quiver. These features enhance your visibility for a successful hunting experience.
- Value for Money: As part of our cross bow package, this crossbow provides exceptional value. It's durable, efficient, and offers high-end features at an affordable price, making it one of the top crossbows for sale.
- BARNETT WHITETAIL HUNTER CROSSBOW 400XTR WITHOUT CRANK DEVICE: High-performance compound crossbow in Mossy Oak Bottomland with complete hunting accessory package. The lightweight crossbow is ultra-compact, shooting 400 feet per second
- EFFICIENT : The fastest, most compact model in the popular Barnett Whitetail Hunter series, the Whitetail Hunter 400 XTR creates a manageable profile that hunters of all sizes and skills can manage
- SAFETY FEATURES : Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology
- SPECS: This crossbow weighs 13 Lbs, Axle to Axle Cocked is 10 IN, and includes two Headhunter 22" Arrows, Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm, Rope Cocking Device, Lightweight Side Mount Quiver, Lubrication Wax. Ships mostly assembled
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows and crossbow accessories since 1962
- Expedition 385 Crossbow Package: Ready to hunt package that comes with a side mount quiver, headhunter bolts, and a Trigger Tech Trigger. A must-have for every passionate hunter.
- Hunting Crossbow with Crank: The Expedition 385 hunting crossbow is equipped with a cocking assist crank for easy loading. Its power, speed, and ease of use make it a superior choice over other crossbows.
- Veil Camo Design: This camo crossbow is artfully designed with a Veil Camo finish, blending perfectly into the wilderness. The perfect companion for your hunting expeditions.
- Speed and Precision: One of the fastest crossbows on the market, firing at an impressive 385 feet per second. Featuring an adjustable butt stock for optimal comfort and accuracy.
- Premium Features: The crossbow is equipped with a 4x32 scope, aluminum flight track, and soft lok bristle arrow retainer, ensuring unmatched performance in the field.
Barnett Crossbows for Deer Hunting: Your Complete Buying Guide
Barnett is a big name in crossbows. They make many models perfect for deer hunting. Choosing the right one helps you have a successful and ethical hunt. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before buying your Barnett crossbow.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a Barnett crossbow, several features really matter for deer hunting:
Speed and Power (FPS)
- Feet Per Second (FPS): This tells you how fast the bolt flies. For deer hunting, you need enough speed (usually over 350 FPS) to ensure a quick, ethical harvest. Faster speeds mean flatter shots.
- Draw Weight: This is how much force it takes to pull the string back. Heavier draw weights (over 150 lbs) provide more power but require more effort to cock.
Accuracy and Stability
- Rail and Barrel Quality: A smooth, straight rail helps the bolt fly true. Look for quality machining.
- Trigger System: A crisp, light trigger is crucial. A heavy or “creepy” trigger can cause you to pull the shot off target just as you fire.
Safety and Usability
- Anti-Dry Fire Mechanism: This is a must-have safety feature. It stops the bow from firing if you forget to load a bolt.
- Cocking System Compatibility: Some powerful bows require a rope cocker. Check if the model works well with a mechanical crank if you have less upper body strength.
Important Materials in Barnett Crossbows
The materials used decide how long your Barnett lasts and how well it shoots.
Stock and Body
- Composite Materials: Most modern Barnett stocks use durable, lightweight composites. These materials resist weather better than older wood stocks. They keep the weight down, which is great when you carry the bow all day.
- Aluminum: High-quality risers (the part holding the limbs) often use strong aluminum alloys. This adds rigidity, which improves accuracy.
Limbs and String
- Fiberglass or Composite Limbs: These limbs store the energy. Good limbs resist cracking and maintain their shape after thousands of shots.
- Dacron or Advanced String Materials: The string must be very strong. Barnett often uses high-performance synthetic strings that resist stretching.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crossbows are built the same. Pay attention to these details:
Quality Boosters
- CNC Machined Parts: When parts are precisely cut by computers (CNC), they fit together perfectly. This leads to better consistency shot after shot.
- Included Optics: A high-quality scope (often 4×32 or higher) that comes with the package is a big plus. A cheap scope will blur your view and ruin your accuracy.
Quality Reducers
- Plastic Trigger Boxes: If the trigger mechanism is made of cheap, soft plastic, it wears out quickly. This leads to inconsistent releases.
- Heavy Overall Weight: While power is good, a very heavy crossbow becomes tiring to carry and hold steady in a tree stand.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use your Barnett crossbow.
Hunting Scenarios
- Tree Stand Hunting: You need a crossbow that is relatively compact. Shorter axle-to-axle widths are easier to maneuver in a small stand.
- Ground Blind Hunting: Weight matters less here, but noise level is important. Some Barnett models are quieter than others right out of the box.
- Beginner vs. Expert: Beginners should look for models that are easier to cock and come as a complete package (ready to shoot). Experts might look for higher speeds and customizable triggers.
A good Barnett crossbow offers a balance of speed, accuracy, and manageable weight. Always practice shooting before deer season. Proper setup ensures the best user experience in the field.
Barnett Crossbows for Deer Hunting: Top 10 FAQs
Q: What is the most important thing to check when buying a Barnett crossbow?
A: Check the included scope quality. A great crossbow with a bad scope will miss the target.
Q: Are Barnett crossbows generally loud when fired?
A: Some older or entry-level models can be loud. Newer, high-end models often include dampeners to reduce noise, which is better for spooky deer.
Q: Do I need a license to own a Barnett crossbow?
A: In most states, you do not need a special license to *own* one, but you must check your local hunting regulations to see when and where you can legally hunt deer with it.
Q: What bolt length works best for most Barnett models?
A: Most standard hunting crossbows use 20-inch bolts. Always confirm the required length in your specific Barnett owner’s manual.
Q: How often should I wax my crossbow string?
A: You should apply specialized crossbow wax every time you shoot several times, or at least once a month if you shoot often. This keeps the string healthy.
Q: What is the main difference between a “Ranger” model and a “Vengeance” model?
A: Generally, models like the Vengeance are faster and built with more premium components (like CNC machining) than the entry-level Ranger series.
Q: Can I use broadheads on a Barnett crossbow?
A: Yes, you must use hunting broadheads designed for crossbows. Make sure your crossbow has enough kinetic energy to properly deploy the broadhead.
Q: How do I keep my Barnett crossbow accurate over time?
A: Always store it dry and at a consistent temperature. Check the bolt tightness and scope mounting before every hunting trip.
Q: Is a lighter Barnett crossbow always better for hunting?
A: Lighter is easier to carry, but too light might mean the limbs are weaker or the balance feels off, making it harder to hold steady for the shot.
Q: What is “limb alignment,” and why does it matter?
A: Limb alignment means the two sides of the bow are perfectly straight. If the alignment is off, the bolt will fly crooked, reducing accuracy significantly.