How to Load & Cock Crossbow Safely

Crossbow hunting is a lot different from rifle shooting. Of course, rifles offer hunters a much higher range in terms of distance, but for those who tend to favor a more traditional hunting style, the crossbow is the perfect solution, which is lethal at short ranges.

The crossbow is basically a horizontal version of a conventional bow. It is an incredible hunting weapon capable of dropping some of the world’s biggest game easily. It’s also a mighty weapon, one that can strike a target efficiently and precisely.

If you’re planning to learn how to use it, then maybe you should know that while it is not rocket science, you still need to have enough practice and awareness to master its use. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the key steps we need to take when we cock and load a crossbow.

The process is pretty straightforward and easy, but a bit of a mistake can mess it up. Following all of these steps not only help to make the crossbow secure in your hands, but it can also keep you and the people around you safe from any injury. Let’s get started!

Loading and Shooting:

Shooting a crossbow is really not that difficult compared to shooting a gun or a traditional bow. Besides, in many states, hunting laws allow the use of crossbows instead of traditional bows or weapons by physically impaired hunters and senior citizens.

That alone is a simple indication of how a modern crossbow is user-friendly and safe to use. There are three necessary steps:

• Cocking
• Safety
• Loading

1. Cocking the Crossbow:

Crossbow cocking is the most critical step in the whole process and maybe the most challenging step to master. If it is not done correctly and safely, it may result in an inaccurate shot due to a misaligned string.

There are three ways of Cocking a crossbow, such as:

I. Manual Cocking by Hand:

Manual cocking is perhaps the quickest method of loading a crossbow for firing. For manual cocking, you must first position your foot in the foot stirrup at the front of the bow and ensure that the safety switch is in its position to prevent any accident.

As soon as your foot is in the stirrup firmly, draw back the crossbow string equally over both sides of the barrel with both your hands until it cocks. Once you are done, re-engage the safety switch carefully.

If you fail to use equal force on both sides, the bow will be unbalanced, costing you a faulty shot. Once you perform all of the above actions of cocking a bow properly, the result of your shots will be much better from anyone who misses a few steps.

II. Manual Cocking by Rope-Cocker:

If you are experiencing any physical problem or lack the strength and endurance for manual cranking, the best alternative is a crank. The crossbow crank is a winch-based system that simplifies drawing and locking the string, although the process may take a little bit longer to finish. All you need to do is turn the winch until the string is fully cocked, then disconnect the crank for later use.

III. Cocking using a Crank:

If you have physical problems or lack the strength and endurance for manual cranking, the best alternative is a crank. The crossbow crank is a winch-based system that simplifies drawing and locking the string, although the process may take longer to finish. All you need to do is turn the winch until the string is fully cocked, then disconnect the crank for later use.

2. Safety:

As soon as you cock the crossbow, make absolutely sure to engage the safety. Most modern bows are built to perform this duty automatically. However, if yours does not do it automatically, you will need to do it manually when you’re done loading it.

Thus, review the owner’s manual to find out how to engage protection on your bow.  Try to keep the front end of an already cocked crossbow down or at least in a safe direction even if the arrow is not yet loaded.

Until the arrow is placed in the firing position, and you are ready to fire, do not attempt to disengage the safety.

3. Loading the Crossbow:

Once you have done cocking the crossbow successfully and safely. The next step is the loading process, which is quite simple and straightforward. However, it is essential to do it properly if you’re intending to get a perfect shot.

Most crossbow manufacturers recommend specific lengths and grain weights for different models of the crossbow. Others also suggest different materials, specific nocks, and flinching range. It is determined through extensive research and testing, based on the power stroke of a model, draw-weight, and what works best to sustain the stable projectiles.

The best way to ensure fast and controlled arrow flight is by using an arrow that flies at the speed specified by the manufacturer in their manual.

Using lighter arrows or arrows not advised by the company may increase the likelihood of injury and void the manufacturer’s warranty. Lastly, prior to using it, give every bolt a spin test to test for the straightness of the bolt.

You’re all set to load your Crossbow now. There are just a few simple steps to observe now:

Steps to Follow For Loading Crossbow:

• Take out a bolt/arrow of a crossbow from your quiver and spin it to check its stability.
• Mount your chosen bolt on the rail of the crossbow.
• Place down one of the vanes in your bolt so that it can move smoothly through the groove of the crossbow.
• Slide the bolt a little farther, until the crossbow string is seated firmly.
• Ensure that the vane on your bolt is aligned with the barrel channel of your crossbow.

Tips and Techniques:

Although loading is a quick and easy process, we want to share some tips and techniques for loading a crossbow to make this process error-free.

Reduce the Cocking Rope:

The cocking ropes used on a crossbow are generally very long. Having the rope slightly shorter will make a huge difference and help to ease the entire cycle of cocking; ensuring your safety too. Instead of making several attempts, make the requisite changes in advance to the cocking rope, and ensure the cocking stroke fits in.

Spot the String:

Cocking the crossbow a little away from the center will mostly lead to a missed or an inaccurate shot. Therefore, to avoid this, using a marker, mark a spot on the string near the trigger mechanism; this will make loading very simple and will also help to improve the precision level.

Spot the Rope:

Another tip for a balanced string is to draw a spot in the middle of the cocking rope. Now, try fixing it in the middle of the stock, the marker spot will make sure you pull the rope backward with even pressure.

Check the Safety Checklist:

You need to inspect and verify a few things before starting the shooting for a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. Such as:

• The Crossbow limbs have the most tension, check them before using. If they are damaged, replace them promptly!
• Always check the bolt’s condition before shooting and use the size of the bolt as specified in the manual.
• The mainframe of the crossbow, also known as stock, should be clean and in good working condition.
• To avoid a misfire, check your cables and strings for any physical defect.
• Hunting isn’t just a physical battle; it’s also a game of mind. So keep focused and have a clear head.
• Keep your fingers away from the path of the released string. As the rebounding string can hit with sufficient force to disfigure your fingers when firing. Better be safe!
• Also make sure that there are no other obstructions in the path of the limbs, such as branches.
• Last but not least, warm up yourself before the real game.

Conclusion

We’ve tried our best to cover almost everything you need to know, and now it’s time to give a shot to everything you’ve learned so far. Crossbow hunting can be a worthwhile experience, as it allows you to have the thrill of using a bow, without having to cope with the hardships of the traditional bow.

It requires time and patience to learn how to use a crossbow efficiently, and learning this skill requires a tremendous amount of training. Before starting your practice, make sure that the state you live in permits the use of a crossbow. After all, it could be lethal weapons.

If you have read this article thoroughly and done some serious practice, I personally believe that you are fit to go on another expedition, with an enhanced confidence level as to how to cock and load the crossbow and take an accurate shot.