How to Choose a Crossbow — Beginner’s Guide (2025)

Introduction and Brief History

Crossbows are silent and accurate weapons historically used for hunting and warfare. The first known crossbows originated in China and were used as early as 200 BC. Today, crossbows are mainly popular in sport shooting; in some countries their use is regulated, and hunting is allowed only under specific conditions.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Crossbow

Before buying, clarify the basics — this will make choosing the right model much easier:

1. What activity are you buying a crossbow for? (sport, recreation, hunting)
2. What is your experience with crossbow shooting?
3. How often do you plan to use the crossbow?
4. What budget are you willing to invest?

Types of Crossbows by Design

Crossbows differ in construction, size, purpose, and handling complexity. Below are the main types with practical notes on who they are suitable for:

1. Pistol Crossbows

   Ideal for beginners: compact size, low draw weight, easy to cock. Typical range ~15 m. Great for recreational shooting and training.

2. Compound Crossbows

   Most commonly used for hunting thanks to high arrow speed and energy. Require more complex maintenance but offer excellent performance.

3. Recurve Crossbows

   Best for experienced sport shooters. Higher draw weight, great accuracy, also suitable for hunting.

4. Historical Crossbows

   Traditional wooden construction — suitable for reenactments, collectors, or as decoration.

5. Children’s Crossbows

   Safe plastic models designed for fun and practicing basic skills (not intended for real arrow shooting).

Range, Materials, and Draw Weight

The range and arrow energy depend mainly on the draw weight (lbs). While energy increases with draw weight, the arrow gradually loses speed in flight. Recommendations:

• For sport shooting, a crossbow with about ~150–170 lbs draw weight is sufficient.
• For hunting, choose a more powerful model (compound or recurve with higher lbs), always according to legal regulations.

Modern crossbows are often made of lightweight alloys or carbon; historical and decorative models are usually wooden.

Crossbow Price

Prices vary widely — from cheap training models (a few hundred CZK) to professional hunting crossbows costing tens of thousands CZK. Also consider the cost of accessories and maintenance.

Crossbow Accessories

Don’t forget essential extras: quality arrows, optics (scope), case, cleaning supplies, and spare parts. Check out our page with crossbow accessories to find the right add-ons.

Regular maintenance (cleaning, checking the string and limbs) extends the life of the crossbow and improves safety.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use a crossbow for hunting?

The conditions for using crossbows for hunting vary by region and legislation. Always check the current legal rules and hunting seasons.

What draw weight do I need for sport?

For sport shooting, 120–170 lbs is common; beginners usually manage better with lower draw weights for easier cocking.

Which is better — compound or recurve crossbow?

Compound crossbows offer high performance and efficiency for hunting; recurve crossbows provide accuracy and power for both sport and hunting but require more experience.