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Crossbow Questions And Answers

Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbows & Crossbow Hunting.

What distance should I zero my crossbow?

When it’s time to sight in and zero your crossbow most people choose a distance of 20 yards. This is the most common range that shots are taken in the field while hunting.

Since most crossbows shoot with a very flat trajectory, sighting into zero at that mark is wise because the arrow should be close to dead on center from 10 yards out to 30 yards using only one reticle on the scope.

This way you shouldn’t have to worry much about using a rangefinder to accurately judge the distance of your target.


Do crossbows hold their value?

crossbow questions and answersYes, crossbows do hold their value over time but only if they are properly maintained and well taken care of.

If a crossbow is dry-fired or shot several times without being properly lubricated it can ruin the crossbow and lower it’s value tremendously.

In order for a crossbow to retain it’s value it must also be stored in a dry area with low humidity. Humid conditions can cause the limbs to weaken and also may cause fungus to grow inside the optics which can render them difficult to see through.


Why does my crossbow shoot to the left?

If your crossbow is shooting to the left continuously it could be from snapping or jerking the trigger vs pulling it slowly to ease into the shot. Shooting to the left can also be caused by the wind if you are shooting into a crosswind.

Another cause of shooting to the left could be an improperly lubricated rail or a damaged or weakened limb or cam. It’s advised to inspect your crossbow for any damage or mechanical issues prior to shooting.


Can a pistol crossbow kill a deer?

Yes, a pistol crossbow can kill a deer but in most states they are illegal to hunt with because they lack the FPS (shot power) and accuracy to make a humane kill.

The chance of injury is too great to use a pistol crossbow to kill or hunt deer with. Pistol crossbows can be used for target shooting and hunting small game but should not be used for large game hunting.


Are Ravin crossbows worth the price?

Ravin crossbows are among the most expensive crossbow brands and yes they are worth the price. Ravin has an excellent track record for producing top-quality hunting crossbows with very solid engineering and a long history of performance and durability.

Ravin is an American company based in Wisconsin. They produce some of the fastest and most accurate crossbows currently on the market that can be used for a wide variety of hunting applications.

Written by Mark Metzlov

A certified "Crossbow Guru," with over 35 years of bowhunting experience Mark loves to test new crossbow models at the range, and in the woods during hunting season. Mark is also a top-notch wild game chef who can cook up a wicked venison burger on a moment's notice!

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