Chicken Shoot
.45 acp
The LS is "Legend Series". It has a few nicer things like you mentioned such as the the scope and the dip. Both are a great value and you won't be disappointed with either.
Crossbow for Deer (a tactical and practical question)
- Thread starter BDinPutnam
- Start date
Chicken Shoot
.45 acp
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
4 hours-owners manual, I usually am ready to take a break by then anyway (deer hunting). I lube the rail, and arrow string every 3-5 shots or so, on average. When I first lube the rail each time, you can smell the burn after the first shot lol.OK .... It's not going to hurt the crossbow to keep it cocked all day while hunting or more than 4 hours. Not sure where you heard that. Don't leave it in the closet for 4 months cocked because then you'll be seeing me in the pro shop so I can order new limbs and repair the crossbow. LOL Do not wax the string/cables that often. You're over waxing at that point. Over waxing negatively affects the performance of the bow/crossbow. Lube the rail as needed. You can see and feel the lube on the rail. If you don't see it or feel it, it's time to apply lube. Generally this is around the 10-15 shot range for the lube. Of course other things will come into play so that shot count can change.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Thanks guys. I am hoping to get home early enough to run a few field tips through it tonight. I have a Morrell bag (the yellow cube that allegedly is good to 450 fps) which should arrive today, will let you know how it goes. What do you usually shoot broadheads into, blocks? At some point sooner rather than later (ha ha, "point") I will want to put together my actual hunting tackle and practice with that under more realistic circumstances.
Thanks for everything, you guys rock.
Thanks for everything, you guys rock.
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
Get a foam block or 3d target that is rated for broadheads. I usually will buy a few packs of 3 broadheads and dedicate 1 to being a practice head. The others will stay hunting only.
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
Both of the two brands of broad heads i bought (Rage and Muzzy) included a 'practice' tip in the package. I have a 'Yellow Jacket' target (for field points only), separate foam target for broad head practice. Shoot at least 20 yards back, a crossbow can bury them deep. An arrow puller is a must!
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
Not to start a broadhead debate but I have never been a rage fan. There are many options to choose from and figure which works best for you. An xbow will generate enough KE to shoot most all expandable broadheads. The reason I am more keen on shooting a "live" one instead of a practice head is to ensure the blades aren't opening in flight and causing erratic flight. I've seen people use "low poundage" rated broadheads out of a xbow and the blades come open prior to contact....It is all another game to play, find out what works best for you and start a broadhead collection....I do advise against fixed blades on a xbow.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
By all means, start a debate!
Since I am new to this any and all input is appreciated. I am looking at a number of broadheads- Rage, Muzzy, Swhacker, Wasp, Spitfire, and Grim Reaper to name "a few", lol.
Since I am new to this any and all input is appreciated. I am looking at a number of broadheads- Rage, Muzzy, Swhacker, Wasp, Spitfire, and Grim Reaper to name "a few", lol.
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
I have read and know a few guys whom have had issues with rages. Just not worth it for me from the stuff I have seen/ read. I have shot Grim reaper and had some good and bad with them. I had broken blades and bent ferrules, that being said the company stood behind them and sent me new ones. Others I have shot and were fine. I would shoot them out of an xbow. I like the design with no clips, collars, or bands. Executioner broadheads are stout and can be set for various #'s which is nice. I had very good luck with cheap NAP shockwave crossbow heads. I got them on sale for $14.99 a 3 pk, they flew great for me and did a lot of damage. Great blood and quick recovery. I usually use mechanicals as a 1 and done. Occasionally I will replace blades but the majority of the time they serve the purpose and if they are intact they get cleaned and used as practice heads for tuning or just to verify they fly good out of whatever bow it may be. Out of my compounds, long bows, and recurves I have gone to fixed blades over the years.
Chicken Shoot
.45 acp
I tend to steer people away from the mechanical choices when it comes to a crossbow. I can't tell you how many times I have to go to someone's house to help them sight in their crossbow and find the blades are opening on the launch. On top of that, I hear the stories of how someone missed a deer because the bolt took off one way or the other. I already know what caused it. LOL Stick with a fixed blade is my advice. There are no issues with a fixed blade. There is however a little tuning required. I won't go into the tuning of the bolt and BH right now but that is all that is needed and it's quick and easy. I know people that have had good luck with mechanicals from their xbow as well. It's more of a preference thing than anything else. Shoot a live mechanical to see if it opens because the practice head won't show that to you.
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
Like CS said there are ways to tune and adjust for fixed blades. I prefer to shoot crossbow rated mechanical heads and just test them. I usually have zero if not very minor adjustments with mechanical. Fixed you can play the game but I don't. That being said if you spend the time I agree that fixed are way better and like I said earlier all my vertical bows are tuned to fixed.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
I'm hoping to get done with work early today and get in some testing with the field tips it came with. Will probably pick up a couple of mechs and fixed this weekend to try out. Hopefully range report later today!
Oh I will probably pick up some bolts and tips as well- what do you guys like, carbon or aluminum? Heavier or lighter? Bearing in mind I will be hunting 15-30 yards. Thanks!
Oh I will probably pick up some bolts and tips as well- what do you guys like, carbon or aluminum? Heavier or lighter? Bearing in mind I will be hunting 15-30 yards. Thanks!
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
I shoot carbon out of mine. I do not take shots past 30 yards when hunting.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Yeah I didn't measure it exactly, but the space I am looking to put out our ground blind is (ideal shot) about 15 yards, probably 30 (max) depending on which clearing he's in. I will dial that in before I start putting up the blind and then will target shoot from the blind. Area back there is wooded with a nice trio of funnels into a couple of nice clearings (in a small hollow so no worries about shooting a mile out into the woods), and I have some good lines of site (which I will also be improving through strategic pruning).
This may be a dumb question but, as far as waxing the string is concerned- do I wax what I can reach, cock the bow, and then wax the parts of the string that were previously coiled up where I couldn't reach them? Or just wax what I can get at while the bow is de-cocked?
This may be a dumb question but, as far as waxing the string is concerned- do I wax what I can reach, cock the bow, and then wax the parts of the string that were previously coiled up where I couldn't reach them? Or just wax what I can get at while the bow is de-cocked?
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
From what I know do not wax the serving material. Just wax the string itself so you do not need to cock and wax where it rides over the cam.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Shoots pretty good. Have to get used to the cocking mechanism but not bad. Scope is serviceable but I will probably replace sometime this summer.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
So I moved back to 20 yards last night. I think not too bad for being a rookie shooting from the knee (the low left flyer was my first shot at 20; I was aiming at the logo, not the pool ball).
What do you all recommend as far as rail lube and string treatment? The "chapstick" that came with mine seems a little gummy on the rail (though maybe that's the way it's supposed to be)?
Thanks as always.
What do you all recommend as far as rail lube and string treatment? The "chapstick" that came with mine seems a little gummy on the rail (though maybe that's the way it's supposed to be)?
Thanks as always.
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
I believe the stuff I have is called rail snot. It's supposedly scent free....I like to get a solid rest and dial scope in. Then I know the error is me. They are usually way more accurate then you'll be.
Chicken Shoot
.45 acp
This is what I recommend on ALL crossbows. The string wax I use on ALL bows. It's easy to apply and works VERY well. Generally this pack can be purchased around $10. (for you bow guys that shoot into 3D targets, the rail lube also works extremely well as arrow lube and will allow your arrows to be pulled from the target with ease!)
Amazon.com : LimbSaver Crossbow Rail Lube and Bow String Conditioner Combo Pack : Hunting Accessories : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : LimbSaver Crossbow Rail Lube and Bow String Conditioner Combo Pack : Hunting Accessories : Sports & Outdoors
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
Yesterday for the first time in my lifetime I shot a crossbow, a modern high-tech crossbow. Pretty cool, I'm probably going to drop the dime and get one. Totally out of character for me, but it was fun and I have yet to take a deer with that legal implement. Lordy, I'm entering bizzaro world, at least for me.
Robin
Robin
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
Well, I got my crossbow this morning, put it together and took a few shots, seems to be dead on at 20 yards right out of the box. My son was here hunting and stopped at the house, let him take a few shots, I think there is a crossbow in his future. He sad, you know dad, some people take a jump in weapons technology of, oh, maybe a decade or so, you jump centuries! Hah!!! Yeah, if you knew me and my love of all things primitive you would think I must have had a stroke or some brain altering event, but I'm having fun and can't wait for the X-bow season to open. Effing awesome!!!!
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
For you guys that have owned and shot compounds for years this is probably no big deal but for me it is exciting and the machine itself is a bit intimidating. To have all that energy stored up in that little package has me a bit edgy by that will just keep me in line, with safe practices both in the handling of the equipment and hunting with the same.
Robin
Robin
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
Took me a bit to get comfortable walking with mine. It is slightly unnerving.
Blimey
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I shot my first every last year. I started bow hunting a few years ago and I liked the xbow idea just for the hell of it in part and also in part because I've historically not had great land to hunt on and wanted to increase my odds (I feel the xbow extends my range a bit). I've passed up a couple of deer this year that I would have gone for with the crossbow. 3X optical on the scope, tighter groups are nice.
The thing groups very tight and hits like a ton of bricks. I personally hope we keep bow as its own separate season because I like archery, but when early november comes along if I'm still looking for deer it will be with the xbow.
Blimey
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Yeah I still somewhat worried mine is just going to explode in my face.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Same here. I'm more comfortable with firearms (though I am confident and ready for xbow season). Then again, I am more comfortable with the guns than I am with chainsaw (and I am pretty comfortable with chainsaw)- 99.9% of what could go wrong with a gun would undoubtedly be my own fault either through improper maintenance or handling.
whauburger
6.5 Creedmoor
My biggest concerns with the xbow are walking with it cocked and loaded and sneaking through brush and briars something catching the string....Also when treestand hunting, I remove the bolt and raise the bow which is a little nerve racking.