Up until 2007, using a crossbow had few benefits as it could only be used during rifle hunting season.
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Since that time, properly certified Nemrods have been allowed to hunt game with this type of weapon, which is nothing more than a barrel-mounted bow, the rope of which is held by a mechanism and activated by a trigger.
Since then, sales have literally exploded and the various models are sold by the tens of thousands.
A professional
Benoît Ferland of Écotone A. Ferland Sporting Goods Stores in Roxton Falls and Drummondville is a keen lover of hunting, as is his father Alain, the founder of those stores.
This family has been specializing in the sale of guns that shoot darts at high speeds for more than 40 years.
I asked Benoît, an experienced hunter who has collected several large trophy mammals over the years, to kindly suggest five high-performance crossbow models for all budgets and all types of hunting. As he explained to me, the choice varies from amateur to amateur depending on their budget. Here is the essence of his remarks on the subject and his recommendations.
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Ten Point Nitro 505
Here is the ultimate according to Benoît Ferland. Recognized as one of the fastest, this $4,700 crossbow lets you shoot arrows and send them flying at a staggering 505 ft/sec. He describes this very compact version with inverted branches as a real war machine. The user can easily make shots up to 100 meters. The 2.5-7x Burris Oracle X Rangefinder Crossbow Riflescope features an integrated laser rangefinder that produces a single, precisely illuminated aiming point that automatically adjusts for range and angle. The new Decock crank is integrated for arming or disarming at your discretion. The inverted firing ramp and the slide that slides on the rail are perfectly balanced to ensure the desired accuracy. It only requires 5 pounds of electricity to operate. All accessories that can be added are included in the box.
Rocky Mountain RM370
This very affordable model, which retails for less than $350, weighs only 6.1 pounds and stretches easily. It shoots 20″ darts at a speed of 370 ft/sec. with 135 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. The bow weight is 195 lbs. The rope length is 33 1/4 inches and the cord length is 18 5/16 inches. Among its attractions, let’s talk about the polymer rail, adjustable handguard, dummy anti-shooting trigger, etc. Known for its accurate and consistent shots despite its very low retail price, this version comes standard with three crossbow bolts, three 100gr course tips, a 4 x 32mm scope, a quiver quick release with side mount, a tension rope and equipped rail lubricant.
Killer Instinct Fuel 415
According to the specialist interviewed, it is the hunting weapon with the best price/quality ratio on the market. It costs less than $590 and the anti-vibration polymer rail on the blades is guaranteed for life. It has an integrated crank to facilitate cocking the crossbow with very little effort. The shaft, like the front grip, can be adjusted five times to ensure an optimal shooting position. The Fuel fires darts at a staggering 415 fps. The trigger can be activated with a minimum pull of 3.5 lbs. It measures 14.75 inches wide when cocked and 18.75 inches when not cocked. Weighing 6.7 lbs, it develops 210 lbs of pressure and 141 ft/lb of kinetic energy. The set includes an illuminated scope with 4x magnification, rope brakes for noise reduction, a cocker rope, a quiver with three Hypr Lite darts and practice tips, and rail lubricant.
TenPoint Titan M1
Offering 180 lbs of pressure and 370 ft/sec of velocity, this gun features a polymer rail and inverted pulleys. Once stretched, it becomes very compact, going from 14.25 to 9 inches wide when stretched. According to Mr. Ferland, it is a robust and reliable model that rarely breaks down. The Titan M1 is offered in three versions, either with a tensioning device with sled cord tensioning cables, with the Accu 50 integrated in the stock, or with the Accudraw, a crank in the stock, ideal for hunters with little physical strength. These pistols all have the Decok system to relieve the cable. In terms of optics, there is a 3x Pro-View 3 scope on a 7/8″ machined aluminum frame. A quiver with arrows completes the set. Weighing 6.4 pounds and 32.5 inches long, they range in price from $1049 to $1400.
Canyon R10x
This new model is characterized by its high speed of 420 ft/sec, which allows shots up to a distance of 100 yards. Wrinkled, as it is popularly known, it becomes ultra-compact at just 6 inches wide. Its overall length of 33″ and 6.8 lbs of weight make it easy to manoeuvre. The crank system integrated in the stock allows you to arm or disarm the crossbow easily and silently Ingenious roller mechanism that keeps the dart right in the nock, not touching the launch pad This results in surprising accuracy Three practice darts and tips are included, along with a quiver with mount and a lighted telescope with a 100 yard range Model for Selling for $2400, a five-year warranty accompanies everything.
