Best Crossbow For Bow Hunting and Target Shooting

The TenPoint Turbo GT ACUdraw technology integrated into the buttstock for extreme accuracy

The TenPoint Turbo GT has an extra compact supercharded 175-pound XLT (Extreme Limb Technology) bow assembly.  Fully assembled and cocked, the Turbo GT measures only 13.5 inches axle-to-axle, 35 inches by length, and it weighs in at only 6.5 pounds. These dimensions are ideal for carrying and handling the crossbow  in those tight treestand or ground blind spots.

The TenPoint Turbo GT honors its name with phenomenale levels of kinetic energy and speed up to 360fps for the most ambitious hunting endeavors. It feels balanced and shoots with superior smoothness and accuracy.

It's one of the safest crossbows out there (another plus for beginners), thanks to the foregrip cutout design and glass reinforced nylon safety wings.

The crossbow is packed with features and it comes with the TenPoint 3x Pro-View 2 scope, and, like all TenPoint crossbows, it comes with our DFI (Dry Fire Inhibitor) and 3.5-pound auto-engaging safety trigger.

As a crossbow shooter used to heavy compound assemblies, the Excalibur Microsuppressor Recurve will feel light as air when you hold it for the first time.  Thanks to the straight-to-the-bone and Bullpup buttstock design, it weighs in at only 5.4lbs and iis only 31" long, which is a blessing for all the small-framed hunters and huntresses, and more generally, has increased portability compared to some of the big boys we've seen above.

Despite the small size, this is one of the most powerful crossbows of this bunch, and fires bolts at up to 355fps, generating loads of killer kinetic energy. It's also dead-on accurate, so much that Excalibur guarantees groupings of max three inches at 25 yards with broadheads using this crossbow.

But the most impressive feature on this crossbow is the sound-deadening system, consisting of 5 main elements (Ex-Shox dampening trusses wedges, Strings Stars, Recoil Ant-Vibration System silencers, Hold down spring and Over-moulded stirrup with rubberized coating) which work together to tame the noise down to almost inaudible levels.

The package is also impressive and includes tons of high-quality accessories: Tact-Zone illuminated scope, Guardian anti-dry-fire system, ambidextrous cheek piece, R.E.D.S suppressors, air brakes, x-hanger three arrow quiver with Picatinny bracket, 3 - quill arrows, 150 grain field points, sound deadening accessories and rope cocking aid.

All in all, if you're looking for the most stealthy crossbow, it's either the Ravin Predator R10, or this one. Both are premium crossbows of superb quality, but we give an edge over to the Excalibur for value/money offered and user satisfactions.

The thing that we like the most about the Barnett Recruit is that its light bow weight (6.5 lbs), and extra-compact design (16" cocked width, 34.25" in length) makes it great for beginners and smaller framed users such as young hunters and huntresses. Some hunters might prefer a heavier crossbow for increased stability and solidity, but the Barnett Recruit feels very balanced and shoots smoothly and accurately. 

It features a special  AVi anti-vibration system, which helps taming down the noise, which is usually an issue with most of today's powerful crossbows as opposed to compound bows.

With a draw weight of 130lbs and a max speed of 330fps, the Barnett Recruit is not the fastest crossbow by a long shot, and yet it can generate up to 80 foot pounds of kinetic energy, which is more than enough to take down any size game shooting 400-grains bolts, as you can verify for yourself here.

Warning: Some users have reported that the string on the Barnett Recruit can break off easily. It is highly recommended that you read and follow the user's manual, watch the safety videos and wax the string every ten shots. This will aid you to understand how the crossbow works and how to keep the string strong and supple to prevent any damage.

This compound crossbow features a lightweight synthetic stock and barrel, combined with an ultra compact riser assembly which reduces the overall weight to just about 6.5lbs, making it very portable and easy to maneuver for women/ smaller-framed users. 

Despite its compact frame, the Empire Beowulf shoots at speeds up to 360 FPS and is extremely quiet with a solid trigger pull, and is incredibly accurate for a non-premium crossbow, as testified by multiple user's deer hunting field reports.

Warming: Some users have reported difficulties in putting this crossbow together. Make sure you VISIT YOUR LOCAL pRO SHOP TO GET IT FIT PROPERLY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY ISSUE.

Overall, it's worth giving the SA Sports Empire Beowulf a try, as this is a more than decent crossbow and one of the best options for your money currently available. It come with a 4X32 multirange scope, which however would need replacing.

The PSE Jolt recurve is quality built in pure PSE style, on a CNC precision-machined barrel and features a recurve style limb for increased stability and accuracy. It also features a retractable shoulder stock which retracts 1.25 inches to fit taller shooters.  It's very lightweight at 5.8lbs, but not very compact at over 23" cocked width, which can be a problem in treestands or tight ground spots.

At 250 fps is not as fast as other models featured on here, but that doesn't mean you can't drop a deer or larger game in its track with a well calibrated shot, as the accuracy on this bow is at top levels. While testing the bow, we experienced that you can feel that it is not as fast as a Ravin bow. But it does shoot very quietly, thanks to the pre-installe rubber string groove which reduces limb vibration.

The PSE Jolt Recurve Crossbow package includes: Illuminated Red Dot scope, 4 - 18 inch aluminum bolts with 100 gr. Points, 4-bolt quiver, Rubber String Grooves, Cocking rope device, Rail Wax Lube. 

Warning: Do not expect the extrafast speed of the likes of Ravin or Barnett crossbows. However, the PSE Jolt compensate for the lack of velocity with good accuracy and shooting comfort.

If you're on a tight budget but still looking for quality, or just starting out in the world of crossbows and don't feel like plunking down a pretty penny, look no further than the PSE Jolt recurve.

The XGear crossbow features a recurve limb design which looks cheap (a little less cheap on the camo version) but it's durable and functional nonetheless. It's very lightweight at 5.85 lbs and feels solid, although it's not the most compact at 22" cocked width (but narrower than the PSE Jolt). 

This crossbows throws arrows at 210fps, which is the lowest velocity you'll find on this list, but then again using the right size broadheads we don't see why you couldn't use it for hunting mid-size game successfully, as this bow also shoots very accurately and, above all, quietly.

Warning: There are many things we don't like about this XGear/Leader Accessories recurve crossbow (cheap-looking limb and finish, poor velocity, low-end accessory quality, undetailed instructions...), but don't forget that this is a starter "plug-and-play"  of decent overall quality, sold at a bargain price of less than $200

If you want to get into hunting with crossbows, why not grab an XGear/ Leader accessories. Don't expect anything to brag about, but at least your wallet won't be left empty while you enjoy shooting a decent crossbow on your next target session or hunting trip!

The small profile of the R500 makes it convenient to level over the forward grip for consistent offhand firing. It also includes a clever way to keep misplaced fingers from being cut off by the thread. The string on the R500 is surrounded by a cover that resembles a vented hood.

Its cocking operation is skillfully designed with a trigger that travels along threaded rails. It's a simple design with no cords or cables. It requires effort to pump, but the action is seamless, and most individuals have no trouble stroking this crossbow. We think the crank handle is shockingly inexpensive, with its design and construction being an afterthought on a well-designed crossbow. However, one challenge is that the bolt must be snapped onto the string rather than slipped into place as on other crossbows. This implies that the user must grasp the bolt to snap it on, which becomes tougher with a broad-headed bow.

CeaseFireTM technology assures that if a bolt is not loaded, this recurve crossbow will not fire. It comes with the Charger EXTTM, a simple, silent, mechanized crank that allows you to safely cock and uncock the TwinStrike without shooting an arrow. To optimize effective range, the shooter can accurately fire two rounds from a single crossbow.

The TwinStrike TAC 2 is the second edition TwinStrike, and has the same trademark features as its forerunner: The latest TAC 2 has two triggers, is three pounds lighter than the original, has a shorter overall length, and is around 20 fps slower.

This crossbow has some drawbacks for shooters with smaller hands, as the front trigger will be challenging to reach for them. The loading method is complex, and testers have expressed safety concerns about loading. The lower crossbow must be cocked with the safety off as the latch will not engage with the safety.

The Wrath 430 is stated to have a top speed of 430 fps, although CenterPoint does not supply a bolt weight to accomplish that speed. Therefore, we can't claim that it cannot meet its specifications because a lighter bolt may reach 430 fps.

The front grip keeps your supporting hand low and away from the string. Although the crank is silent, the crank handle inserts into a hole on the rear of the stock and can become stuck. therefore, it is suggested to use a cocking rope for hunting,

The centerfire rifle bow slims your frame while keeping you agile. Whether you've taken up a sniper posture behind a tree or switched routes on the field to prevent a change in airflow, this bow allows you to aim and shoot like the pro you've always aspired to be.

When we took this crossbow out of the box, we discovered that it is pretty simple to use. In addition to the adjustable buttstock, the Hypertac 420 has a pass-through forend and a multi-position pistol grip.

Installation was not a hassle because the riser is held together by a single bolt and the Halo sight is simple to adjust. If you have extra gear, such as a lantern or extra ammunition, you may attach it to one of the crossbow's three Pic rails. This is becoming a standard feature on Barnett crossbows.

Another fantastic feature of this crossbow is the TriggerTech trigger mechanism. The Frictionless Release Technology aid in accuracy by making a decent, lightweight, and smooth draw with zero creep.

When you launch this crossbow, you'll get to know how strong it is. Its 15.5" power stroke propels it to 420 feet per second. Which is quite remarkable for such a modest crossbow! Similarly, cocking the Hypertac 420 with the rope cocker isn't too hard either, as It has an effortlessly smooth feel.

When we first hold the Barnett TS380, we realized how comfortable it is. The stock is rubberized wherever you'd need to place your hands, making it one of the best fore grips on the market. The adjustable butt stock lets you customize it to your liking, which is always a plus in our view.

The Barnett TS380 is small and light, weighing only 6.9 pounds, with an aluminum flight track and magnesium alloy riser. The Barnett TS380 fires at a rate of 380 feet per second, which is more than adequate to take down a variety of wildlife.

The TS380 Crossbow provides a 4x32 Multi-Reticle Scope that gives an excellent view of details at a long distance. The main issue with this scope is that it is not fog-proof, which would be a problem if you were hunting in temperatures below freezing.

Overall, this is an incredible compound crossbow that Barnett has to offer and one of the best in its price bracket on the market. We wish it had a better crank-cocking mechanism, but considering the price and quality, you will not be disappointed.

The weight distribution and compact profile of the Hyper XP 405 make it seem more like firing a rifle than a bow, which is what most shooters desire. Its crossbow base allows you to transfer your shooting talents from one form to another without any modifications or compromises.

A nock sensor and an Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) mechanism guarantee that the crossbow cannot launch unless the arrow is loaded correctly. The wide pass-through foregrip keeps fingertips away from the string path, and a customizable buttstock allows for the optimal length-of-pull fit, making the XP 405 suitable for kids, women, and men.

The 4-5x32mm red/green lighted scope from dusk to noon provides precision and target acquisition in various ambient light settings. A quality multi-position holster rounds out the set for the optimum shooting experience.

Lastly, the Hyper XP 405 has a straightforward three-bolt construction, with one bolt connecting the riser to the rail and two screws connecting the foot stirrup.

It can be equipped with either a little quiet crank or a rope. The Accutac barrel of SWOT X1 matches accuracy and speed. The Accutac gives the crossbow's bolts more direction and support.

At 50 yards, it possesses a mediocre accuracy, with 3.7-inch groupings. It has a simple crossbow to cock. The cheek rest needs to be lifted out of the way to cock the crossbow and then closed again before shooting. This extra step is a trade-off for the SWAT X1's smaller size.