Non-Wood

I have seen pistol crossbows in 80lb pull plastic fiber and aluminum body for $20 to $40. 120 lb. rifle crossbows in fiber, metal, wood stock between $80 and $130. One such source is Dan Funk 760-747-1666 P.O. Box 787 Vista, CA 92085. One could tape on a laser pointer to the sock and I expect one could get somewhat good at hunting small game. Use some of that florescent paint or tape on your arrows so you have a better chance of finding them in the dark. Along this line the 50 lb plastic ($10) and the metal body ($13) are the most common found pistol crossbows. These are junk or target practice only as you have described. The 80 lb I consider usable for some instances. Teaching a growing youngster to hunt very small game as an example. You wouldn't want to shoot a rat with a 120 lb or 150 lb crossbow. There are gradients to all things.

Offered by Mike.

Spend a few bucks and go buy a compound fiberglass one that would last forever. Put in a supply of ommercial (straight) arrows and make it put of your pole shift supplies. Ash and elm not available everyplace and may be hard to find when you need it. Easy to find the commercial variety now!

Offered by Michael.

I purchased on of these before, their quality makes them unreliable and their low poundage decreases usuable range, and lethality. Also, aiming with any pistol configured weapon, crossbow or gun, is going to be less acurate than a rifle. If you were to go with crossbow hunting, I would pitch in for the more expensive, more powerful, more acurate rifle crossbow. Arrows are not always reusable (if the arrow breaks) or retrival (if the animal gets away) so its better to be right on target - with a confirmed kill.

Offered by Ted.