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Crossbow Failures

Bobcat

Junior Member
16
13
So, I've just recently started hunting with a crossbow after only using a gun for most of my life. Everything is going well, and I even got a nice doe with it the other night.

Then, tonight I was looking at maintenance online (lubing the rail, waxing the string etc.), and that led me down an internet rabbit hole full of all kinds of horror stories of strings snapping and limbs exploding. And now I'm partially freaked out to put my face up to the scope. So - just out of curiosity, how common is something like that happening? And if it does happen, how dangerous is it (from my understanding, limbs delaminating is a "slow" process that you hear coming) and what can you do to protect yourself?

Thanks!
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
How many times have you fired your without maintaining it?

What brand and model are you rockin?

Never dry fire it.

Always keep it lubed up.

Inspect strings and limbs.

Always be sure your bolt is seated. (And nocks are aligned correctly...otherwise it basically dry fires. Don't ask how I know.)

Relax...even a grenade is safe 99.99% of its life.
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,632
234
Licking Co. Ohio
I have been shooting crossbows for around 38 years now. I have owned somewhere near 100 different bows. Have shot even more than that. I have only had 2 explode while shooting. One was my fault....I bought it used and shot it without inspecting it 100%. We found a burr on the cam which we believe was wearing out the underside of the string. There was also a limb button missing on the bow which made the limb weaker. The other bow was a factory problem. It was a brand new crossbow. Found out they had gotten a bad batch of strings and was not caught until the public started complaining. I must add that particular company took right good care of me (To shut me up I'd say). The normal design of a crossbow while cocked has the pressure going AWAY from your body. Neither time was I even touched with a bow part. I will say it sorta scared the shit out of me for a moment. Maintain and inspect your bow regular. Look for cracks on the limbs. Even a small hairline crack is not your friend and will open up eventually. Keep your string well waxed and lubed. Make sure your hardware is tight but not excessive to blemish the supporting components. Be overly cautious if you EVER touch your string with a broadhead. The slightest nick in your string is not your friend. (A friend of mine will swear to this little tip) Remember: Cheap crossbows are just that....Cheap. Treat them accordingly. I shot many cheaper models that were descent bows. Bottom line is: Inspect and Know your bow on a regular basis. Confidence in your equipment is pretty much up to you.
I hope this helps to give you a piece of mind and faith in your bow. I also would like to know what bow you are shooting? Good Luck Always.
 

trebor69

Junior Member
24
0
Amherst
Well....being from Ohio my whole life(48 yrs) Ive been around xbows quite abit.

The only one Ive ever personally seen fail/explode was completely the fault of the user.
He asked me if he could uncock it by dry firing it....I said NOPE.
He couldnt take my word for it and had to find out for himself lmao

That was a Horton and was many years ago. Nowadays most bows have anti dry firing mechanisms on them so thats not even possible.
 

Diane

*Supporting Member*
4,715
66
Newark
And when you pull the trigger, make sure your thumb is not on the damn rail. :smiley_blackeye:
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
And when you pull the trigger, make sure your thumb is not on the damn rail. :smiley_blackeye:

That's a mistake that's needed to be learned, not told. If you pull that off as an adult...you damn well deserve it and should take your ass back in the house to build legos or something.
 

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
56,743
274
North Carolina
And when you pull the trigger, make sure your thumb is not on the damn rail. :smiley_blackeye:

Most have a handgrip with wings that prevent the thumb/fingers from getting hit anymore...... But, have seen folks do it.... Funny as hell too watch, I guess not so much if it happens too you lol....


 

Diane

*Supporting Member*
4,715
66
Newark
Most have a handgrip with wings that prevent the thumb/fingers from getting hit anymore...... But, have seen folks do it.... Funny as hell too watch, I guess not so much if it happens too you lol....

Yea, the crossbow that I have now, does. I know 3 people (yes, adults Giles) that have done it. It's a lesson you never forget. hahahaha
 

Bobcat

Junior Member
16
13
Thanks guys!

And yeah, I definitely know about keeping your finger off the rail! I had a buddy almost cut his thumb off while nocking an arrow. Was putting it in by the middle instead of holding it near the tip. Somehow the string let loose and his thumb was in the way - definitely not good!
 

Mike

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,840
223
Up Nort
That's a mistake that's needed to be learned, not told. If you pull that off as an adult...you damn well deserve it and should take your ass back in the house to build legos or something.
Lmfao!

 

jlane

Junior Member
523
0
dunn nc
That's a mistake that's needed to be learned, not told. If you pull that off as an adult...you damn well deserve it and should take your ass back in the house to build legos or something.

Ok guy's, who's in the house building legos,
come on let's hear your story.
LMFAO.
 

Diane

*Supporting Member*
4,715
66
Newark
I won't tell the other's story, that's up to them, but the year I first learned to shoot a crossbow, I had a bad habit of resting my thumb up on the rail while waiting for deer to show up.

One evening while re-sighting in my bow, I rested my thumb up on that rail without even thinking and pulled the trigger.

Pain like you can't imagine. It was cold outside and I suddenly felt like my whole body was on fire. As I was dry heaving from the pain, I was also stripping my outer clothes off....I didn't even know why, except I felt HOT.

Took 3 months before I had any feeling back in that thumb. And I no longer rest my thumb on the rail, even if the crossbow is not cocked. I couldn't build legos nwith that hand, I had no use in that thumb. hahahahaha