Unlike a traditional recurve or compound bow which can be easily unloaded by simply reducing the pressure on the string to slowly set it back to rest, a crossbow is different.
Once fully cocked, locked and loaded the string of an xbow is under tremendous pressure and held back by only the trigger mechanism.
There is no way to grab the string and slowly let it move back into place. Never ever even think about trying that. Always keep your fingers away from the loaded rail and string.
Even Chuck Norris would have a problem de-cocking a crossbow with his bare hands!
Also, you 
never want to dry fire a crossbow or any bow for that matter. If you fire a xbow without an arrow on the rail it can create tremendous stress on the limbs and cause them to splinter or shatter. This is very dangerous. You will destroy your crossbow and risk serious injury to yourself and anyone nearby.
When you leave the crossbow locked and loaded, you keep it under tremendous pressure. Slowly, it’ll start to develop cracks in the limbs and the string may fray, and therefore, reducing its life.
Also, you may cause your crossbow limbs to weaken, which will in return slow the speed of your crossbow.
It’s also a requirement by the law to keep your crossbow uncocked when not actively hunting or target shooting. That’s a law in many of the states and nations. Doing this helps to minimize the occurrence of unexpected accidents that can end up injuring other people or animals.
Some states require archery hunters to unload and case their weapons while walking to and from their hunting stands. be sure to check your regulations to make sure you are following the law. This may mean you need to discharge your crossbow before you head back to your car after you hunt.
The Safe Ways To Discharge An XBOW
How to uncock your crossbow easily: Here are 3 ways you can discharge your crossbow safely and quickly:
1. Top Rated Discharge Arrows For De-cocking Crossbows
The decelerator de-cocking arrow is a safe way of uncocking your crossbow. The arrowhead offers shock absorption as well as protects the quality of your shaft.
It means that you can uncock or discharge your crossbow without destroying an arrow. Therefore, you can safely shoot to the ground without worrying about breaking an expensive carbon arrow.
The good thing with de-cocking arrows is the fact that they are re-usable and will fit in almost all quivers. The bad thing about these discharge arrows is if you accidentally hit a rock or lock the arrows can break.
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 | Barnett Archery Thump Decocking System, Black (17526) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Barnett Evac Decocking Bolt (5 Pack) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Barnett 17525 Thump Decocking System (1 Pack) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Allen Crossbow Decocking Bolt with High-Viz Vanes, 24" | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | October Mountain Products XB Impact Discharge Head, Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
2. Top Reviewed Portable Crossbow Discharge Targets
Using a discharge target is a common way of uncocking your crossbow. A discharge target refers to a small archery target usually portable and made of thick materials enough to stop the arrow.
The discharge target should be strong enough to stop the bolt penetration. After the hunting, you can place the discharge material on the ground and fire your crossbow on the target. This is one of the most inexpensive crossbow discharge options.
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 | Field Logic Youth Block GenZ Open Target | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Morrell Yellow Jacket Crossbow Bolt Discharge Bag Archery Target - for Safely Discharging Crossbow Bolts After Hunting | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Delta McKenzie Targets Crossbow Discharge Bag Target | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Black Hole 61212 Crossbow Target 16" | Prime | Buy Now |
Uncock Your Crossbow Safely And Easily
The only challenge with such targets is the fact you must carry them wherever you go. They, therefore, add to your weight and can be distracting at times. However, the targets aren’t complicated and also easy to use.
They also offer you a safe place where you can discharge your crossbow without wasting an arrow. You, therefore, have all the reasons to consider purchasing one.
These are placed on the rail of the xbow before it is fired. A special spring tension arm allows the string to discharge slowly without harming the limbs.
In situations where the xbow must be discharged silently, the spring-loaded discharge device is your best choice. Both the discharge arrow and target method require firing the crossbow normally which as you know can be quite noisy.
Final Verdict
Uncocking your crossbow is the best way to make sure that you’re in a safe environment free of injury risks. By following the above three how to uncock crossbow methods, you’ll have a chance to do it safely. Pick an option that is convenient and simple to use for you.
