Are you looking at getting into hunting? Are you looking to update your existing hunting weapon? Maybe you have never bought a weapon before and want to invest in a hunting activity. In this article we are going to explore the following: should I get a crossbow or compound bow?
This article will provide you with all of the necessary information about weapons, hunting, and which weapon will suit you better. This article will also discuss the following:
• What is hunting?
• Hunting as a sport
• The different hunting weapons to consider
• Crossbow vs. compound bow
• The advantages and disadvantages of using a crossbow
• The advantages and disadvantages of using a compound bow
What Is Hunting?
Hunting is considered as a popular way of life in the United States. “In a civilized and cultivated country, wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsman”. This famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt demonstrates how hunting is inevitable in American history and has been around for hundreds of years.
Hunting, is in essence, is the practice of killing or trapping animals. All states in the United States require hunters to have a license to hunt, meaning that it can be illegal if a license is not obtained.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons as to why people hunt:
• Food;
• Recreational;
• Remove predators that are dangerous to humans;
• Teach humans how to use weapons;
• Control animal populations.
Hunting as a Sport
Hunting is considered a sport in American culture. In modern times, hunting is often conducted using bows and arrows, but guns are also used.
The term ‘hunting’ in American culture can be used to describe both hunting and shooting.
Hunting has been around for thousands of years whereby man was required to hunt as a necessity for living. Hunting was a way to fend for themselves by providing food, clothing, and protecting.
Nowadays, although hunting has been banned by many countries (including England), you can obtain a permit that allows you to hunt across different states in America.
Have you considered ever hunting? Do you want to hunt but you do not know what to hunt with? We are going to provide you with lots of information to help you on your hunting journey, particularly when it comes to choosing your weapon.
The Different Hunting Weapons to Consider
As briefly discussed, there are many weapons you can use to hunt or shoot. Commonly, hunters tend to use either a bow and arrow or something similar.
The two most popular weapons for hunting and/or shooting is a crossbow and a compound bow. Everyone has heard the term ‘crossbow’, however, you might be slightly unfamiliar with the term ‘compound bow’.
Below we have outlined what each weapon is, and why it is a good choice for hunting.
Should I Get a Crossbow or Compound Bow? What Are The Differences?
In this section, we are going to look at the following two weapons:
• Crossbow
• Compound bow
First of all, let’s take a look at crossbows. A crossbow is a medieval type of bow and arrow that is often used to shoot targets and wildlife. The crossbow has a wooden support which has a groove for the bolt and a mechanism that allows you to draw back and release the string to fire the arrow.
Crossbows can be seen in The Hunger Games, Disney’s Brave, and Robin Hood. All of these films promote the use of a crossbow via the protagonist.
Then, we have the compound bow. The compound bow is a more modern take on the crossbow. It uses a levering system consisting of cables and pulleys which allow for a mechanical advantage to be created so that the limbs of the bow are considerably stiffer than a longbow or crossbow.
Now that we have a good understanding of the difference between a crossbow and a compound bow, let’s take a look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using each type of weapon.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Crossbow
Below we have outlined a few key points of some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a crossbow. Use the advantages and disadvantages to compare this weapon with the compound bow.
Advantages of using the crossbow:
• Once the hunter has made their full draw, there is no energy or effort required
• Easy to use for newbies, youngsters, and disabled
• Crossbows are great to shoot from the sitting or kneeling position
• Enhanced precision
• Crossbows work great with telescopic sights
Disadvantages of using the crossbow:
• Crossbows can be quite heavy
• Crossbows are significantly large
• Crossbows are only ideal for short-range
• Slow to reload
• Crossbows are loud
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Compound Bow
Below we have outlined a few key points of some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a compound bow. Use the advantages and disadvantages to compare this weapon with the compound bow.
Advantages of using the compound bow:
• Compound bows are ideal for long-range distances
• Compound bows require little strength to draw back the bow
• Compound bows are considered more accurate than crossbows
• Compound bows are quiet
• The mechanical release is easier to control
• Compound bows allow you to adjust draw lengths to suit your preference
Disadvantages of using the compound bow:
• Compound bows are low weight meaning it can be more prone to shifting
• Compound bows can be difficult to restring
• Compound bows can be difficult to maintain accuracy
• Lots of options available making it harder to choose the right one for you
Final Thoughts
There is a huge controversial debate surrounding whether the crossbow is better than the compound bow, and vice versa.
Of course, at the end of the day, it all comes down to preference. You may find that a crossbow is more suited to your requirements and your build. Whatever your choice, you should learn about your weapon in as much detail as possible. The only way you can really get to grips with your weapon is by understanding the ins-and-outs.
Our advice is this, for beginners or amateurs, we strongly recommend starting out with a basic crossbow. This will allow you to build up your confidence and knowledge with regards to handling a weapon. After that, you can choose to stick with the crossbow, or try our a different weapon such as the compound bow.
