Home > Learning Center > Crossbow

Crossbow

The crossbow is a medieval weapon which incorporates the basic function of a bow but adds a mechanical device to draw the bowstring and guide the projectile which is called a bolt or a quarrel. By either cranking a gear or pulling a lever the bowstring is drawn to its maximum length while a mechanism locks the string into place.

With the bolt in place the mechanism holding the bowstring can be released by pulling the trigger of the crossbow. The mechanical nature of this bow allows it to have incredible draw weight for a small size and has proven to be a dangerous and formidable weapon even to this day where they are banned almost everywhere, and even limited hunting rights.

A modern crossbow has a rifle like stock, is often made of layers of composite material, and has similar characteristics to a compound bow. The bolts are much heavier than an arrow and less than half the length. The weight gives them a great deal of kinetic energy which propels the bolt fast and strait as well as having good penetration force through many materials.

 

Hunting Bow | Hunting Supplies | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home

Copyright © 2009