How to use a Crossbow

Thinking of buying one, already bought one or a gift from a relative? No matter where it comes from, you should pay attention to the following lines. In this article, How to use a crossbow, I will bring you mostly step by step from touching the crossbow to shooting it safely. If you still hesitate about what to buy, have a look at our blog post about How to choose a Crossbow. 

Notes: Buying online (probably means that you will have to assemble the crossbow yourself when you received it) or receiving from a relative his old crossbow because he got a new one, you should read and understand the owner's manual of your crossbow ( simply to assemble it appropriately if you bought online). By doing so, you will understand the specifics for the proper use of your crossbow.

If you buy from the pro-shop, they will explain to you the specifics of your crossbow. But, I still recommend you to read the manual before shooting your crossbow. Never bad to know more than less.

If you already bought one and you are looking to sight-in your crossbow. Follow the link to get the basics about sight-in a crossbow.

How to use a crossbow basic guideline

I take into consideration that you will also buy bolts (fletched bolts) and bolt heads if you didn't buy a crossbow package. Otherwise, please do so. (some practice points and some hunting broadheads. If you intend to use broadheads for practicing and hunting make sure that you sharpen the blades before every hunt). 

Assuming that you bought a package, let's stick to the crossbow basic guideline on how to use a crossbow.

The first step after assembling everything or leaving the pro-shop after purchasing would be of course have some fun! You can go at the practice range or in your backyard as long as you can reach enough yards away from your target (20 yards recommended - 18m).

Of course, if you are at home, you will need a target. What is an archery target? Specific targets are necessary for crossbows. You should have a look at our blog post on what is an archery target. A dense foam layered target is usually what you are looking for with crossbows. It is possible to do it yourself also.

Tip: Make sure you have a backstop, something behind your target that will stop your arrow if it gets through your initial target.

Shoot then some bolts to see if you can group your bolts in the same area with a maximum of 2-3 inches in-between them. After a few good grouping shots, you will be ready to sighting-in your crossbow if necessary. It may vary in time between, more or less 10 to 30 minutes depending on your level to do a proper sighting-in.

But before sighting-in your crossbow for a better result, you should look at the following lines about how to shoot a crossbow. Why I suggested you shoot some bolts and read the following lines about how to shoot before getting in sighting-in tuning is simply because you have to be able to shoot tight arrow groups first, otherwise, the result will only show that you have bad aiming and bad technique. Let's start with the serving.

Centering the string serving

If you have noticed some inconsistency right away. Make sure that your serving is centered as shown above before going further. This part is a small detail but can affect much more than you think the straightness of your bolts. The serving is the wrapping of thread used to protect the center and loops of bowstrings. When brought the bowstring to the latch you must notice if it's placed in its center like shown above.

This way you increase your consistency of shots. You can put markers with a pen on the serving to help you centered the serving faster into a cocked position. If the string is off-center, you can simply pull the string back behind the latch and replace it until it is centered.

Shooting the crossbow

Whatever you do before shooting, if you are not ready to shoot, safety should be on. Mainly to avoid any preventable injuries that could occur with the safety off. There are a few simple actions to do before shooting. 

To be more consistent though, you should always try to keep the same gestures. Let’s start with the simplest step.

Holding the crossbow

Put your handbow close to the trigger without putting your finger on it. You should keep it parallel to the trigger for safety reasons. Then, put your other hand on the foregrip. Fingers must stay under the barrel as shown below.

Either you go manually or with a rope cocking device, you will have to put a foot into the cocking stirrup; lean over the stock and install the rope cocking device or simply grab the string with your hands as shown above.

There are two main shapes of cocking stirrup, an "L" shape, and the closed ones. 

                     

• The next step is aiming at your sight. If you didn’t sighting-in your crossbow you will have to do it eventually. You can refer yourself to our section on how to sighting-in a crossbow.

• Bring the stock to your shoulder and look through the scope; you should see a dot or a reticle or many of them. The upper one is the main one; all others are for different distances. Put that dot or reticle in the target center and have a glance at the safety. REPEAT that sequence a few times to get used to your new model.
• When you are ready to shoot, place a bolt-on your cocked crossbow and put it back until the nock reached the string. Then take the safety off, aim your target, take a deep breath and press the trigger gently. Keep aiming your target as long as the arrow stays on the barrel. Sometimes the arrow takes time to leave. It's called the follow-through of your arrow.

Different position for shooting

• The most common way of shooting any bows, crossbows included. We already saw how to hold the crossbow. Now let’s talk about the stance, the way will place your body to increase ground stability. Few possible choices according to stances. It will really be a personal preference. The two main stance positions are the open feet stance and the square feet stance. Try both of them and take the one you feel the more comfortable with. Any other position is good as long as they suit you.

• For extensive explanation, have a look at our blog post about Proper Archery Stance.

• Crossbows allow the shooter to crouch which is not ideal for others bows. They will cant the bow which makes it harder to control for beginners. Crouching creates better stability when aiming because you can use your knee as a tripod. Also, fewer muscles are needed so less possibility to move. Crouching shooting is a really good technique used for turkey hunting. It increases also your camouflage skills.

• First, you should secure all your bolts into your quiver and make sure that the broadheads are covered for safety precaution.
• Cock your crossbow on the ground for the first time. Other times after shooting a bolt, you may cock it in your tree stand only if you have cocking device. It is really not suggested to lean over the stock of your crossbow and cocked it in an elevated tree stand. In that case, you will have to lower the crossbow, get down and cock it from the ground.
• After cocking your crossbow, attach it to a line so you can pull it up there.
• Get into position, pull your crossbow up and load your crossbow. Since you are going to aim down, make sure that your bolt is properly maintained by the arrow retention spring. You are then ready to shoot! Happy hunting.

In Summary

You saw how to shoot step by step your crossbow and how to stay safe while manipulating your weapon. You can also follow the link to know how to sight-in your crossbow. 

I hope that you found value in this post! Feel free to share and comment!

Thank you for reading!