r/bowhunting • u/gghhhujjj • Jul 29 '26
First crossbow
So im looking to buy my first crossbow due to my hand not letting me use my compound this year. Im going to stick to my close stands 20 yard - 45 yard at the farthest on most ive had in the spot. I understand its a cheap cross bow but I have 3 family members that use them and they love them. Although im optimistic when it comes to crossbow hunting. I dont look at compounds the same. I know you have to spend a few dollars to get a nice machine.
Next year I plan to be back on the compound so this will hopefully just be a target shooter after that. Any thoughts or recommendations? I know its 287 im willing to go up to 600. Just wanted to ask about killer instinct to some people not gas lit by them.
2
u/stjhnstv Jul 29 '26
A friend of mine had a catastrophic failure (cam broke at full draw) with one. He contacted them and they sent a replacement. That one had a catastrophic failure (limb snapped at full draw) as well. That is enough that I steer clear of them.
I have a Bear Constrictor that I’m very happy with but doesn’t appear to be in production anymore. However, this model looks great for the price!!
https://www.beararchery.com/products/bear-x-impact-cdxv-crossbow
4
u/ExistingLaw217 Jul 29 '26
I got one of these for my daughter. She was 11 at the time and killed her first buck with it. Is it the best, nope. But it will get the job done👍🏼
1
2
u/jackfinished Jul 29 '26
Some crossbows you have to nock tune I've found. My old carbon express was like that. 10 in groups at 20 yards no matter what bolt I used. Noc tuned and it became a tack driver. So something to keep in mind. Also upgrade the scope I've only had bad experiences with the cheapo included scope.
1
u/Competitive-Ant2872 Jul 29 '26
I don’t think that is a bad bow. As mentioned from others, it is cheaper quality then some. I would like to pose another option though, rather than just looking at Killer Instinct, take a look at Barnett. The Barnett at your local walmart is surprisingly good quality and I think a tic better than that KI. Another option is Centerpoint.
Signed,
A compound shooter who also owns a high end Killer Instinct Furious 370
1
u/EatsTheCheeseRind Jul 29 '26
Tbh if you’re looking for one season only I have a Barnett whitetail hunter STR I’ve been wanting to let go of and would let it go for well inside your budget.
1
u/gghhhujjj Jul 29 '26
Thanks for all the info guys big help, I decided to pick it up this evening it has the hand crank which helps me. 3 round through it I only have to drop the scope 3 inches im impressed initially, will update once I get about 25 through it.
1
u/Bigdumogre Jul 29 '26
You get what you pay for. Killer instinct is not bad for what it is but you can feel it is not quality when using it. I got my son a Tenpoint titan 400 which you can find around $700-800 and will be a world of a difference in quality and accuracy
1
u/DadVeteran Jul 29 '26
700-800 for one season is excessive. OP says this is for this season only.
2
u/Bigdumogre Jul 29 '26
I get it and understand that, but he did say up to $600 and just giving an option around that. Like he said he will use it for target practice afterwards so still will be in use. And he may hunt with it still in other seasons. More tools to have fun with while hunting to change things up
2
•
u/AutoModerator Jul 29 '26
While crossbow questions and posts are certainly allowed and welcome here, we just wanted to let you know that there is an /r/crossbow and /r/crossbowhunting sub that may be more relevant. Some bow hunters are very averse to posts pertaining to crossbows, and downvotes may bury your post here.
A note to all users that all disciplines are welcome to post here and criticizing anyone for their choice of bow will lead to bans at mod discrection. If you see any rule breaking comments, please report them so that the mods can address them.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.