New to crossbows.
04-07-2013, 06:30 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
New to crossbows.
Due to arotator cuff problem in both shoulders brought on by age and hard work, I have no choice but to turn to a crossbow. My current bow has seen a power reduction over the years from 50# to 40#. While I can still harvest a deer with 40# my range and shot types are limited.Soooo...I'm going to a crossbow. Researching different Xbows over the last month,and trips to shops in the area to find a Xbow that will fit my legnth of pull,not be overly heavy, and still provide the power to complete the job. I have decided on the Parker Challenger. At 5.5 lbs,short legnth of pull, and adjustable 125 to 150 #,and 300 fps. Seems like a fit. Does any one out there have any expirience with this xbow? Comments please. Thanks.
04-10-2013, 05:03 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186
I have a Parker Tornado. So do 2 of my hunting buddies. Ours are 2-3 years old now. We have been very pleased with the performance.
As a long time bow hunter who, like you, had to switch to a crossbow after suffering a shoulder injury (both bicep tendons ruptured), it took me a while to get used to hunting with a crossbow. My first issue was figuring out how to cope with the need for horizontal clearance needed in order for the limbs to remain clear of slapping limbs or twigs ... or worse. Also I found the cross bow many, many times louder. Not one single time have I ever had deer hang around after a shot. The loud slap of the limbs spooks them for sure. Also do not get it into your mind that some how you are now deadly at substantially longer distances. I have found no appreciable increase in lethal distance. I would not advise use of a mechanical broadhead. If you can find a fixed blade such as the Montec or a replaceable blade such as a Muzzy that fly well, I'd stay with "simple".
Sight ? I tried one of those 3-dot type scopes but had to switch back to a more traditional cross hair look. I'd do fine on a target but shot poorly in the field. I have no clue why? So I went to a Nikon BDC tyoe crossbow scope. I am not a big fan of Nikon rifle scopes, but I have to say that this crossbow scope has worked out great for me.
I'd suggest you carry a "spare" bolt with a field point. Great way to safely "unload" the crossbow.
Good luck and good hunting ?
As a long time bow hunter who, like you, had to switch to a crossbow after suffering a shoulder injury (both bicep tendons ruptured), it took me a while to get used to hunting with a crossbow. My first issue was figuring out how to cope with the need for horizontal clearance needed in order for the limbs to remain clear of slapping limbs or twigs ... or worse. Also I found the cross bow many, many times louder. Not one single time have I ever had deer hang around after a shot. The loud slap of the limbs spooks them for sure. Also do not get it into your mind that some how you are now deadly at substantially longer distances. I have found no appreciable increase in lethal distance. I would not advise use of a mechanical broadhead. If you can find a fixed blade such as the Montec or a replaceable blade such as a Muzzy that fly well, I'd stay with "simple".
Sight ? I tried one of those 3-dot type scopes but had to switch back to a more traditional cross hair look. I'd do fine on a target but shot poorly in the field. I have no clue why? So I went to a Nikon BDC tyoe crossbow scope. I am not a big fan of Nikon rifle scopes, but I have to say that this crossbow scope has worked out great for me.
I'd suggest you carry a "spare" bolt with a field point. Great way to safely "unload" the crossbow.
Good luck and good hunting ?
