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Crossbows Against Hunting Bows
As most states now allow the use of a bow and crossbow for hunting deer, it has been an escalating topic of debate as to which one is better to use. Both has its pros and cons. As most people are familiar with how the traditional bow and arrow works, the characteristics of its counterpart is somewhat alien to some people as it is comparatively new.
One of the distinct features of a crossbow is that it features a trigger that releases the arrow. Likewise, a locking mechanism that holds string tension is present. Compound bows, on the other hand, work on a pulley system with attached levered limbs. They are also generally lighter.
The Big Academic Debate
Conventional bows and compound bows are vertically held and usually do not have a trigger similar to its counterpart. Compound bows are made of composite materials instead of the more usual wood. They are enhanced with engineering innovations that enable them to shoot arrows more accurately, more rapidly, and with more distance than the traditional bows. This spawned the big debate as to whether they are at par with crossbows.
According to the results of studies made by the International Bow-hunting Organization (IBO), only slight differences exist between the two hunting weapons of choice as far as arrow speeds and pull weights are concerned. There is still no conclusive evidence as to which one is really better overall based merely on these factors.
Weight and Balance
The compound bow has a more evenly balanced weight compared to its counterpart that has a tendency to be slightly heavy in front because of its specific design; and in most cases, it is where most users encounter problems. This is particularly a disadvantage especially in cases when a hunter must wait for an extended period from the time the target is sighted to the time the trigger needs to be pulled.
The extra weight in front can take its toll in the shoulders and arms. In some cases, the fatigue can cause trembling which will make it almost impossible to get an accurate shot. Depending on the distance, even the slightest of variances in the release is amplified. Over a distance of 20 yards, for example, a 1/16” variance off the center will translate to a 6-inch target error.
Compound Bows
As they are the shortest types of bows, they can be easily managed when drawing and carrying. The pulley system likewise provides a draw stop in the form of rubber-covered blocks which can be adjusted to fit the shooter’s particular draw length. This allows for shot consistency in terms of the force applied on the arrow and the anchor point. The size also provides an added advantage when hunting in thick brushes or on horseback.
Crossbows
These weapons have a definite edge for the elderly, disabled, and younger hunters because of the safety provided by the locking mechanism which securely holds the pull tension in place until the trigger releases it. Because it requires strength and sometimes a long time to hold the draw in conventional and compound bows, most bow-hunting groups require the older people, the disabled, and the younger hunters to use them.
Which Is Better
The answer is – it depends. If you are not a disabled or an elderly person, you can only use a crossbow during the rifle season and not during bow-hunting season. Although heavier, it is generally safer because of the locking mechanism and can be more accurate. The aim is similar to a rifle and shot just about the same way, except for the fact that a rifle shoots bullets instead of arrows; but during the bow-hunting season, the compound bow is the more commonly used weapon.
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Hunting Crossbows Evolution
The crossbow of today that is being used for hunting and shooting targets had its beginnings during the fourth century B. C. Previously, it was used as a weapon and was prevalent during the East Asia warfare in the 4TH century. ‘Ballista’, a derivative word of the weapon, is an engine with torsion, looking like a crossbow. The popular hunting equipment of today exist in different varieties and are classified according to the system of acceleration, energy, size, as well as projectiles. The simplest of the systems of acceleration is the so-called straight prod and is probably the earliest version.
Some of the more common kinds of the shooting equipment are:
· The recurve bow
· Multiple bows
· The compound bow
· The pistol type
· The arbalest bow
The ‘recurve bow’ has tips, which curves from the archer. It has limbs that are long compared to the bows that are straight-limbed. This allows more acceleration power to the projectile, eliminating some of the shock to the hands. Peculiar to this bow is the sound it makes during a shot.
The system of multiple bows is special as it has a pulling sinew consisting of several bows. This kind is likened to the modern system of compound bow. It makes use of a number of different bows rather than a single bow composed of a tackle system. This allows for a more highly accelerated sinew with a multiplied pulling effect of the bow.
The compound bow is the modern generation bow. The limbs of this kind of bow are stiff, as compared to the ‘recurve bow’; this stiffness translates to more energy. Its pulley has a string directly attached to it with one or more of the cables attached to the other end of the limb.
The pistol type is the smallest kind of bow. Some are the long stocks with the bows directly mounted on over the stock. This kind of bow could be shot and used under the arm. This led to the development of the rifle-looking stocks allowing for better aim for the archer.
The arbalest bow is of the heavy type. With its heavyweight construction, a special kind of mechanism is required to pull the sinew, the windlasses.
History points in the direction of the cultures of ancient China and its neighbours as the first proponents and origins of this type of weapon. During said period the bows were merely regarded and used as traps and were mostly made out of wood.
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