Consider learning how to use a crossbow because you might want to pick it over guns in some cases. Here's why!
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How To Use A Crossbow And Why Use It Over Guns
Expand Your Defense Plan with Crossbows
Let's talk about crossbows and why you should have a crossbow tutorial, learn first some crossbow basics, and later on improve your crossbow shooting skills. If you're a regular reader, you know the argument I'm going to start with for any non-firearm form of protection and hunting tool.
Before gun lovers turn on me, I have to say I LOVE GUNS. Guns are great weapons and the ammo is a great resource.
You should own guns and ammo and be very good at using them, but don't only have guns. Having other options is just a logical, practical choice.
If you're planning on defending yourself or hunting in a survival situation, you need to assume you'll likely run out of ammo at some point and will need another option. It's just plain and simple.
Now, I've talked about this before, and I've recommended the air rifle as a good second option, which it is. But here's another option to consider for your preps – the crossbow.
Crossbow: Its Advantages over Guns
Crossbows, or hunting crossbows, have been around for a very long time. Manufacturers still make them for a very good reason.
They're very effective for protection and hunting and there are two huge things crossbows have up on guns:
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1. They're SILENT
It works well, minus the loud bang a gun gives when firing. So, you can shoot down game animals or any potential threat without compromising your location.
That's why tactical crossbows are ideal to use when SHTF.
Introducing the Ballista Crossbow
[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn9FgEqgSr1/ hidecaption=true width=625] I get asked a lot for my recommendations on crossbows. For me, there's one which stands out from the rest. The Ballista Crossbow is the best you can get for the price.It's durable and powerful but not ridiculously overpriced like most options out there.
Here Are Some Quick Stats About the Ballista:
- Draw weight: 175 lbs
- Arrow speed: approx 210 fps
- Overall length: 30 1/2 “(ca. 77 cm)
- Width: 26 “(66 cm)
- Upper: Ultra Durable ABS plastic
- Patented ADF (Anti Dry Fire) mechanism
- 4×16″ aluminum arrows with Ultra flight arrowheads
- Padded Sling
- Lightning-fast ALD (Assisted Load Device)
- Rail Lubricant
- Included Inline 4 bolt Quiver
I've used mine a ton and I love it because it has proven to be extremely useful on my camping and hunting trips, so I highly recommend it. Though there is one main problem with the Ballista, it's almost impossible to get ahold of because of how highly sought after they are.
The bolts are easy to get, but the bows themselves are so popular they're rarely available on the market. So my advice would be to get one as soon as you get the chance.
2. They're Not Threatened by the Anti-Second Amendment Movement
There are few laws restricting these weapons similarly, the bolts or arrows aren't regulated by the government. The weapon and ammo are beyond the ebbs and flows of our government's whims, which is a huge upside for me.
Watch this video by Canadian Prepper as he gives his thoughts about a crossbow vs guns when SHTF:
Understanding crossbows will help you better respect this underrated survival weapon. While very popular today (as a weapon of choice for Avenger's Hawkeye and The Walking Dead's Daryll), it is still a frowned-upon weapon in reality.
Now you know its two significant edges over guns and how it will actually play out in the real for certain survival situations. With these essential pieces of information, we can see you learning how to use a crossbow any time soon.
Do you have other ideas why the crossbow has an advantage over guns when SHTF? What do you think I missed? Please add them in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- 19 “Old World” Primitive Survival Skills You’ll WISH You Knew Before SHTF
- Gunny R. Lee Emery: Long Bow vs. Crossbow – Guess Which One!
- DIY Pen Bow: The Makeshift Weapon That Could Save Your Life
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 28, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Crossbows are nice but you have to be an IRONMAN contestant to be able to string a bow or even cock one. The average man, or woman is unable to get one ready to fire or reload
Bob Helt
I have 2, the better one is a compound crossbow at 180 lb pull, with insane arrow speed. I’m 60 with bad joints and I can cock it in a few seconds. It shoots so hard I have to use metal shafted bolts. Wood and fiberglass bolts just split or shatter. I also recommend one.
Bob Helt, sounds like you need to eat your spinach, when my daughter was 10 she got her first cross bow and has never had any problems loading her bow.
Bob Helt, you must be one scrawny girly man. My girlfriend loads hers and she’s a fifty year old at 120 pounds. Perhaps a protein shake or two and maybe a regimine of pushups and pullups!
You can do something with a crossbow that it’s almost impossible to do with a gun unless it’s modified and that is, ‘to shoot a line’ across a Ravine! I fitted a Spinning Reel to my first crossbow, and then to the other two I now have.
One of them has a low pull of 40 Kg but my quarrels for birding or fishing are based on a triple bicycle spoke and a Shark hook. If I hit the target I can retrieve it. Lovely but I can only use them when I visit my contacts out of the UK where I keep the Bow’s.
can i’m order ‘t for the Dutch Market (crosbow)
I have 3 crossbows that I believe would be of benefit if and when the SHTF.
So yeah…my concealed crossbow…handy when I’m riding my black winged unicorn and need to plunk a surprise preloaded bolt into the demigorgon that emerged from the portal to hell to threaten my family.
Seriously, crossbows are perfect for hunting. But self defense? No. Not so much, until the zombie outbreaks happen.
I have a 200 lb crossbow it has a pulley cocker so that means 50lbs per hand pull ,the only trouble I have is pulling arrows out of targets. If I hit a tree I May as well leave it, the arrow is usually bent.
Excellent. Everyone needs a crossbow as a backup.
What to get if you can’t pull 175#. . Im 72, with arthritis and would love a small crossbow but no way to actually use it…not strong enough..
Sharon, I’m 83 and shoot competition. Age has nothing to do with it. For self defense my recommendation to you is to carry a small can of Wasp And Hornet Spray. Stay safe – Don Ferguson
has anyone tried the Pulse Bolt crossbow that was advertised as a special. I was wondering if it would be a good ‘first buy’. I have never tried one, so don’t want to spend a lot to begin with. Wonder if there are any reviews on it?
I do prefer using crossbow over guns. Yeah some people might think this as an old man choice but I do enjoy using crossbow. I am using CenterPoint Sniper 370 at this moment. Anyway, thank you for the guide.
Crossbow makes hunting experience real and that’s the reason I use it. Guns are good but using Crossbow gives another level of joy.
Yes, Crossbow is perfect for hunting. I bought the TenPoint Stealth 2 back in December and have been practicing with it ever since. I have to say, I’ve never had something feel so right in my hand than this beautiful piece of engineering.