Crossbows

[Peaks]

Am thinking of getting one purely for target practice. Want to keep it simple and until I've had time to have a play and see if I like it, don't want to spend a lot.
Would like something that didn't take up a lot of room for storage, so have been wondering about one of these
http://www.crossbows4u.co.uk/#/boomslang-recon/4538985041 or one of the other Chinese types.

Don't know how well made or safe they are so was also wondering about a Barnett Panzer (preferably second hand if poss).
Any thoughts, advice or experience welcome

Also been thinking about modifying a catty for shooting arrows - any one have any advice where I can get an arrow rest in the uk?

Thanks in anticipation

[EddieJ]

Out of interst why does the advert say "Please note this crossbow does not shoot ball bearings"

Not knowing the first thing about crossbows, does that statement imply that some can?

[HillBill]

I reckon it implies some puddin tried and lost an eye :D

I'm not too sure about the design on that xbow. The arms fold in, in the same way the pressure is put on them by the string. I wouldnt be confident with it. If the hinge gave or whatever is holding them in place, that arm is gonna take your head off.

For crossbows i'd be inclined to look at what america has to offer. They would be cheaper i think and they have a better selection.

[Peaks]

Thanks HillBill + Eddie J
If you look at the other part of the site they have some ball bearing firers http://www.outdoorhobbies.co.uk/raptor-1377-p.asp

The construction of the fold down is my concern. Am still looking hence the post.

Also came across this take down bow: http://goprimalnow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-compact-folding-survival-bow.html

[EddieJ]

Strewth, I don't know if I fancy the ball bearing/dart idea. I'd want to see that in action from a very safe distance. :shocked: :D

[CanadianMike]

Dave Canterbury's first slingbow mod used a simple split key ring, about 1" or so big, zip-tied to the forks of his slingshot. I did this, works ok. Ended up fine, but bought a left handed flipper rest for a bow (opposite of the way I shoot) and stuck it to the slingshot to hold at an angle. My bigger problem was finding a band with enough power to fling an arrow. By far the best idea, albiet more expensive, is to mount a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, makes it quieter by far.

[Peaks]

Thanks Mike - whats a flipper rest?

Found this ofor sale over here:
http://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/whisker-biscuit-sure-shot.html

At that price I'll try a key ring first!

What sort of bands did you end up using on your catty for arrow
firing ? I've been looking at Dave Canterburys shop and also the Chief AJ slingshots - neither ship to the UK.

[AL...]

I got an Eagle of sniper slingshot .
As a slingshot Its bloody great!!! But can be used as a Sling bow when ye add one of theese.
Gettin it in a couple of weeks or so.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Top-Stainless-Steel-Sheet-Arrow-Rest-Eagle-Sniper-G7-Slingshot-Catapult-/140666039502?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c0596cce
Cheers
AL

[Peaks]

Thanks AL for that - just invested in the catty + the arrow rest

[AL...]

Cool :D
The Catty is real good Mine has a (get this) ye ready????
LASER SIGHT!!!!!! iTS GREAT.
The dog chases the red dot all over the place . :D
But will be putting the sight onto the Air rifle and will hook up a real good torch on the underneath For night shootin bunnys.

Cheers
AL

[surplus 6]

http://www.bladesandbows.co.uk/armex-crossbows-8-c.asp
these seem right money

[CanadianMike]

Thanks Mike - whats a flipper rest?

Found this ofor sale over here:
http://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/whisker-biscuit-sure-shot.html

At that price I'll try a key ring first!

What sort of bands did you end up using on your catty for arrow
firing ? I've been looking at Dave Canterburys shop and also the Chief AJ slingshots - neither ship to the UK.

Flipper rest...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402710_231300370287833_1121542684_n.jpg

I tried out a black Theraband, different lengths, Marksman bands, different lengths, lighter arrows........... basically gave up after a while. I tried though. Lol

[Peaks]

Thanks for all the advice about the cattys guys, much appreciated.
- Mike - get the impression that you aren't a quitter, so guess getting the bands sorted is going to be a challenge!
- AL the laser/flashlight was included on mine too. Looking forward to getting it and keeping the dog exercised on wet days.........

Any more thoughts about crossbows are welcome............. been thinking that I want to keep it to a low power as it sounds that the 150+lb ones are a bit much for plinking in a suitable place. Having second/third thoughts about it to be honest. A bow might be a better option, the take down one looks good for fun http://goprimalnow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/the-compact-folding-survival-bow.html

[AL...]

I realy like the look of that Survival bow .
Kinda thing you can strap to the side of yer pack and no one would be any the wiser :D and a couple of take down arrows Job's a good un!!

Cheers
AL

[surplus 6]

I like the survival bow to, nice bit of kit

[Peaks]

Great minds AL...........

Need to try + find UK source for some of those take down arrows next......then get proficient at hitting garden targets :)

[CanadianMike]

I spent a good bit of time testing and trying out bands, arrows (even making wooden ones), had so much on my plate I gave up. Lol, already have a take down fiberglass recurve, and another slingshot, and just recently got a couple pellet rifles and a Crosman 1322 I'm going to mod into a carbine........... if I went with night hunting, I'd just mount my Russian NV rifle scope on my rifle. Lol

[AL...]

You can easly make the take down arrows Peaks There is a Vid on You Tube .. I'll see if I can find it for ye mate.

Cheers
AL

[AL...]

Here we go mate!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg7VkJELpi8

Cheers
AL

[Tony1948]

Mike I dont now wot they cool the bits but Ill try,take the end bit of the arrow out that the bow string sits in and glue a golf "T" in its place then you can grip it with the catty pouch.Dont forget your key ring ring or a biscuit between the "Y" of your catty.

[Peaks]

Thanks AL - thats really useful. Theres lots of interesting stuff on his channel - including some catty stuff.

[AL...]

Aye and his Bows are real smart too :)
Glad ye liked the link mate.

Cheers
AL

[fish]

been wondering about one of these
http://www.crossbows4u.co.uk/#/boomslang-recon/4538985041

Also been thinking about modifying a catty for shooting arrows - any one have any advice where I can get an arrow rest in the uk?

Thanks in anticipation

that xbow is way underpowered for theoretical hunting really,mines a 175 and just about ok theoretically speaking.


whisker buscuit arrow rests easy from ebay.com

[CanadianMike]

Here we go mate!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg7VkJELpi8

Cheers
AL

Thanks Al, was looking at lighter arrows actually, made a few out of thinner dowel than I'd use for my bow (48lbs).


Mike I dont now wot they cool the bits but Ill try,take the end bit of the arrow out that the bow string sits in and glue a golf "T" in its place then you can grip it with the catty pouch.Dont forget your key ring ring or a biscuit between the "Y" of your catty.

That was the first thing I tried, the O-ring in the yoke, then went to feathers and lighter arrows, then went to wooden arrows of which a golf tee wouldn't work well............... tried a pile of things, I'm better with air guns anyways. Lol

[fish]

try making one of these,i made it in a couple of hours and it worked quite well.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/fishfish_01/crafts/th_MOV04236.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/fishfish_01/crafts/?action=view&current=MOV04236.mp4)

[AL...]

Cool Idea Justin :)

Cheers
AL