Crossbow or bow - which is better to choose for hunting? Range and power. Designs and types of bows

Crossbow vs Bow

Since ancient times, man has sought to find a means by which he could confidently hit the target - on a hunt or in battle - from a long distance. It is believed that the bow was invented 2400 years ago and gained its widest use in the 11th century. For 500 years, until firearms appeared, crossbows were mainly used for protection, which were formidable military weapons. The crossbow was used mainly to protect various objects, such as castles and ships. In addition, he played a significant role in the knowledge of the properties of various materials and the laws of motion in the air. The great Leonardo da Vinci turned to the study of the principles underlying the shooting from a crossbow more than once.

The craftsmen who made bows, crossbows and arrows did not know mathematics and the laws of mechanics. Nevertheless, tests of samples of old arrows carried out at Purdue University showed that these craftsmen managed to achieve high aerodynamic qualities.

Archer and crossbowman from the time of the battle

In appearance, the crossbow does not seem complicated. Its arc, as a rule, was strengthened in front, across a wooden or metal machine - a bed. A special device held the bowstring stretched to failure and released it. The direction of flight of a short crossbow arrow was set either by a groove cut out at the top of the bed, into which the arrow was laid, or by two stops that fixed it in front and behind. If the arc was very elastic, then a special device was installed on the bed to stretch it; sometimes it was removable and worn with a crossbow.

When crossbows first appeared, not everyone accepted them, preferring a reliable bow. However, the design of the crossbow has two advantages over the conventional bow. Firstly, the crossbow shoots further, and the shooter armed with it in a duel with an archer remains inaccessible to the enemy. Secondly, the design of the stock, sight and trigger mechanism greatly facilitated the handling of weapons; it did not require special training from the shooter. The hook teeth, which held and released the string and arrow under tension, were one of the early attempts to mechanize some of the functions of the human hand.

The only thing in which the crossbow was inferior to the bow was in the speed of fire. Therefore, it was possible to use it as a military weapon only if there was a shield behind which the warrior took cover during reloading. It is for this reason that the crossbow was mainly a common type of weapon for fortress garrisons, siege detachments and ship crews.

Another nuance: the crossbow was invented long before it became widespread. Regarding the invention of this weapon, there are two versions. According to one, it is believed that the first crossbow appeared in Greece, according to another - in China. Around 400 B.C. e. The Greeks invented a throwing machine, the catapult, for throwing stones and arrows. Her appearance was explained by the desire to create a weapon more powerful than a bow. Initially, some catapults, which, according to the principle of operation, resembled a crossbow, apparently did not exceed it in size.

In favor of the version of the origin of the crossbow in China, archaeological finds of triggers made of bronze dating back to 200 BC speak. e. Although the evidence for the first appearance of the crossbow in Greece is earlier, written Chinese sources mention the use of this weapon in battles in 341 BC. e. According to other data, the reliability of which is more difficult to establish, the crossbow was known in China for another century earlier.

Archaeological finds indicate that the crossbow was used in Europe throughout the entire period from ancient times to the 11th-16th centuries, when it became the most common.

It can be assumed that two circumstances prevented its widespread use until the 11th century. One of them is that arming the troops with crossbows was much more expensive than with bows. Another reason is the small number of castles in that period. Castles began to play a historically important role only after the conquest of England by the Normans, which took place in 1066.

With the increasing role of castles, the crossbow became an indispensable weapon used in feudal strife, which could not do without fierce battles.

In the centuries after the appearance of the first crossbows, attempts were made to improve these weapons. One of the ways may have been borrowed from the Arabs. Arabic hand bows belonged to the type that was called composite or compound. Their design is fully consistent with this name, since they were made from various materials. A composite bow has distinct advantages over a bow made from a single piece of wood, as the latter has limited resilience due to the natural properties of the material. When the archer pulls the bowstring, the arc of the bow from the outside (from the archer) experiences tension, and from the inside - compression. With excessive tension, the wood fibers of the arc begin to deform and permanent “wrinkles” appear on its inner side. Usually the bow was held in a bent state, and exceeding a certain limit of tension could cause it to break.

In a compound bow, a material is attached to the outer surface of the bow that can withstand more tension than wood. This additional layer takes the load and reduces the deformation of the wood fibers. Most often, animal tendons were used as such material. The unusually high awareness of archery craftsmen about the properties of various materials can also be judged by what adhesives they used in the manufacture of bows. Glue made from the sky of the Volga sturgeon was considered the best. The variety of unusual materials used in archery suggests that many constructive solutions were achieved empirically.

Crossbows with compound arcs were common in the Middle Ages, including the Renaissance. They were lighter than steel bow crossbows, which began to be made at the beginning of the 15th century. With the same string tension, they shot further and were more reliable.

The advent of the steel arc in the Middle Ages was the zenith in the development of crossbow design. In terms of its parameters, it could yield only to a crossbow made of fiberglass and other modern materials. Steel arcs had a flexibility that no other organic material could provide before. The Victorian athlete Ralph Payne-Gallwey, who wrote a treatise on the crossbow, tested a large military crossbow with a bowstring tension of 550 kg, which sent an 85-gram arrow to a distance of 420 meters.

More powerful crossbows required reliable triggers. It should be noted that the triggers used by the Europeans, which usually consisted of a rotating tooth and a simple lever trigger, were inferior to the Chinese, which had an intermediate lever that allowed a shot to be fired with a short and light pull on the trigger lever. At the beginning of the 16th century, multi-lever triggers of a more advanced design began to be used in Germany. Interestingly, a little earlier, Leonardo da Vinci came up with the same design of the trigger mechanism and proved its advantages by calculation.

As for the arrow, its design matched the materials available at that time so well that its geometry was not improved during the period when the bow was considered the main weapon.

Often in peacetime, garrisons were stationed on the territory of castles, consisting mainly of archers armed with crossbows. Well-defended outposts such as the English port of Calais on the north coast of France had 53,000 crossbow bolts in reserve. The owners of these castles usually bought arrows in large quantities - 10-20 thousand pieces each. It is estimated that in 70 years - from 1223 to 1293? - one family in England made 1 million crossbow arrows.

Despite the new word of the crossbow in remote shooting, many have not let go of the bows from their hands. One of the hundreds of examples of the confrontation between the bow and the crossbow, and not in favor of the latter, is the battle of Crécy, which took place in August 1346.

The beginning of the Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337-1453) for Guienne, Normandy, Anjou and Flanders was successful for the British and foreshadowed an early victory for them. In June 1340 they won the naval battle of Sluys, gaining command of the sea. However, on land they were pursued by failures - they could not take the fortress of Tournai. The English king Edward III was forced to lift the siege of the fortress and conclude a fragile truce with the enemy. In an effort to turn the tide of events in their favor, the British government soon resumed hostilities.

Edward III crossed the Seine and the Somme, went north of Abbeville, where at Crecy, a village in northern France, he decided to give the French pursuing him a defensive battle.

The English king ordered his knights to dismount and send their horses over the hill where the convoy was. It was assumed that the dismounted knights would become the mainstay of the archers. Therefore, in battle order, the knights stood interspersed with the archers. The groups of archers lined up in a checkerboard pattern in five ranks, so that the second rank could shoot at the intervals between the first rank archers. The third, fourth and fifth ranks were actually support lines for the first two ranks. Describing the position of the British, the military historian Geisman in the "Short Course in the History of Military Art", published back in 1907? noted that it consisted of three lines: “the first battle of the combat unit of the Prince of Wales, consisting of a phalanx of 800 knights, 2000 archers and 1000 Welsh infantrymen, turned in front, having behind them the second battle of Northampton and Arondel, consisting of 800 knights, as a reserve and 1200 archers. After taking up a position, the arrows, advanced forward and to the sides, drove stakes in front of them and braided them with ropes. The third battle, under the command of Edward III himself, consisting of 700 knights and 2000 archers, formed a general reserve. In total, the British had 8,500-10,000 men; behind the wagenburg or "park", and in it all the horses, since all the cavalry had to fight on foot.

On the night of August 26, 1346, the French reached the Abbeville area. At 3 pm, Philip VI received a report from the scouts, which reported that the British were in battle order at Crecy and were preparing to fight. Considering that the army made a long march in the rain and was very tired, the French king decided to postpone the attack of the enemy until the next day. The marshals gave the order: "the banners to stop," but only the warheads followed him. Moreover, King Philip VI himself, seeing the British, lost his temper and ordered the Genoese crossbowmen to move forward and start the battle in order to deploy the knightly cavalry for an attack under their cover. However, the English archers outnumbered the crossbowmen, especially since the latter's crossbows were damp in the rain. With heavy losses, the crossbowmen began to retreat. Philip VI ordered them to be killed, which caused even more confusion in the ranks of the entire army: the knights began to destroy their own infantry.

Soon the French formed a battle formation, dividing their troops into two wings under the command of the counts of Alençon and Flanders. Groups of French knights moved forward through the retreating crossbowmen, trampling many of them. On tired horses, across a muddy field, and even uphill, they advanced slowly, which created favorable conditions for the English archers. If one of the French managed to get to the enemy, then he was stabbed by dismounted English knights. The spontaneously started battle proceeded very disorganized. 15 or 16 scattered attacks did not break the resistance of the British. The main blow of the French fell on the right flank of the British. It was here that the attackers managed to move forward somewhat. But Edward III sent 20 knights from the center to reinforce the right flank. This allowed the British to restore the position here and repel the attacks of the enemy.

From beginning to end, the battle on the part of the British was defensive in nature. They succeeded because they made good use of the terrain, dismounted the knights and lined them up with the infantry, and also because the English archers were highly trained in combat. The indiscipline, the chaotic disorder of the conduct of the battle by the army of Philip VI hastened his defeat. The only thing that saved the French from complete destruction was that the British did not pursue them. Only the next morning, Edward III sent his cavalry for reconnaissance.

The event is also significant in that the main force of the British - 9,000 soldiers - for the first time was mercenary infantry, which demonstrated the impotence of the cavalry in front of the English archers. The French lost 11 princes, 80 bannerets, 1200 knights, 4000 other horsemen, not counting the infantry, which exceeded the total strength of the English forces.

Of course, both the bow and the crossbow served their masters invaluably, but around the middle of the 13th century, black powder became known in Europe, and already at the beginning of the 14th century, according to the manuscript of the Oxford library, firearms appeared, which eventually completely replaced the bow, and crossbow.

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A crossbow is a type of throwing weapon in which the bow is rigidly fixed to the stock in a horizontal position. This symbiosis allows the use of materials with a high coefficient of elasticity, thanks to which the crossbow became the first weapon with armor-piercing properties, as well as significantly increasing the effectiveness of shooting. You can learn how to use a "crossbow" much faster than a traditional bow.

You can classify a crossbow according to several parameters, but a combination of them gives a more complete picture of it.

  1. Structurally crossbows are recursive and block.
    • The former work solely due to the elastic force of the bow arms. They were called recursive for a double bend, which, when the bowstring is pulled, work in opposite directions - one for compression, the other for tension. Popular recursive models: Yarrow ( , ), etc.
    • The latter use the principle of a chain hoist - a system of blocks and cables passed through them to overcome the elastic resistance of the shoulders. Known block models: , and , , and .
  2. By appointment. Crossbows are hunting, sports, for entertainments.
  3. Type of ammunition used. Short arrows (from 16 to 21 inches), darts (from 8 inches or less), and steel balls, which are fired by crossbows-schnappers.

About what is more powerful and, in general, better for hunting and sports, a bow or a crossbow, how they differ from each other in comparison, we will describe below.

The video below will tell you which crossbow to choose, block or recursive:

Comparison with bows

So, a crossbow against a bow.

  • The main advantage of a crossbow is that it is much easier to learn how to shoot from it. For the reason that the shooter does not need to do two things at the same time - hold the bowstring and build a line of sight.

However, for this he had to pay with weight - together with the stock and the trigger mechanism, he weighs at least twice as much as a classic bow.

  • When pulling a crossbow, various devices are used. From the stirrup in which the foot is placed for holding, to mechanical tensioners. Thanks to them, you can use a bow that is much more resilient, strong, capable of throwing heavy arrows (bolts) with great energy and penetrating power. For comparison: the maximum pulling force for a hunting bow does not exceed 60 pounds - 27.3 kilograms, and for a crossbow, which has a recursive design similar to it, in the basic version it is 43 kilograms.
  • Crossbows can be equipped with optical sights - from collimator to diopter, which significantly increases the efficiency of shooting. In compound bows, the aiming line is built much more complicated, using a pip-site (a ring in the bowstring at the level of the shooter's eyes) and a scope scope. Classic and traditional bows do not have this set either. It takes a great deal of skill to get them on target, acquired through long hours of practice.

About the choice of a crossbow for underwater and ground hunting, sports and entertainment, read below.

How to choose a crossbow

In this case, knowledge of the basics of mechanics and Newton's laws will be of great help. and to begin with, we will find out which and how to choose a crossbow for hunting (eg for wild boar) and sports, what prices and reviews about certain models of weapons.

For hunting and sports

Let's say right away:

  • Firstly, hunting with the use of throwing weapons is prohibited in Russia.
  • Secondly, none of the freely sold models of crossbows has a pull force exceeding 43 kilograms. Even if its cost is close to one hundred thousand rubles, and by the manufacturer it is positioned as a hunting one. Anything above this value is subject to licensing as a military weapon.

The stopping power of an arrow, due to its mass and geometry, is comparable to a 20 gauge bullet. Usually hunting with smoothbore weapons takes place at distances of no more than 50 meters. Therefore, the term "hunting crossbow" refers to a weapon that is capable of throwing an arrow with such force that at a distance of 30 meters it almost does not lose strength and can fly another hundred. To do this, it must have special technical characteristics, the main of which are the course of the bowstring and the tension force. About the latter, we will assume that it is equal to the maximum permitted by law.

The stroke of the bowstring is the distance from the point where it crosses the upper edge of the forearm to the holding tooth of the trigger. It provides the duration of the force and sets the amount of energy transferred to the arrow. Directly depends on the span of the bow arms. For example, for a block crossbow, which is exactly capable of sending an arrow 100 meters and further, with a bow length of 61.5 cm, it is 37 centimeters. And the recursive Jaguar Interloper, which is used by many as a hunting weapon, has a bowstring stroke of 24.5 cm with a bow length of 67 centimeters.

The value of 24 cm should be remembered as the minimum, which distinguishes hunting and sporting weapons from recreational ones.

In a block crossbow with a shorter bow length, the bowstring travel is longer. This is due to the design features - a large coefficient of specific tension of the cable system, which accumulates the bulk of the energy for a shot, and powerful shoulders that can be bent without fear of breaking.

But the difference is not only this. The diagrams of the force impulse during the pulling and lowering of the bowstring of the recursive and block crossbows are mirror opposite. In classic recursives, the force reaches its peak when the bowstring is placed on the tooth of the fighting mechanism. And it is spent almost immediately after the descent. In blockers, there is a drop in effort by almost 70 percent, and it is consumed gradually, with an increase to a maximum at the moment the arrow leaves the guide. Therefore, the speed of an arrow from recursives does not exceed 60, for blockers it reaches one hundred meters per second.

  • Since the "blocker" has less force on the holding tooth of the trigger mechanism, it can be kept cocked longer without the risk of breaking the bowstring. By analogy with the gas spring of air rifles.
  • But recurve crossbows have an advantage: they are simpler and lighter - the MK-380 weighs 4.5 kilograms, and the Jaguar Interloper 3.1.

The part of the stock, which is called the fore-end, of a hunting crossbow must be metal.

  • Firstly, it allows you to make the bow block massive, damping vibrations and residual tension in the shoulders.
  • Secondly, a trigger mechanism is attached to it and it should not hang out, which affects not only safety, but also the accuracy of shooting.
  • In addition, deformation of the plastic guide when the bowstring is pulled is not ruled out.

Optical sights are necessarily installed on a hunting and sports crossbow, for which profile strips are used - Weaver, Picatinny, dovetail. Therefore, a recursive crossbowhaving a tension force of 43.4 kg and a bowstring stroke of 24 cm cannot be considered as a full-fledged hunting one. Its guide is plastic, and the sights are only external - the rear sight and front sight without fiberoptic filaments.

Sports shooting is less dynamic, but the requirements for results are higher. Remember the axiom that "the barrel shoots, but the stock hits." Therefore, choose models with adjustable shoulder rest and bullpup form factor, which are more balanced. For example, the model "", which is also equipped with other "goodies": a bowstring damper, an adjustment of the pressure force of the arrow bar, an adjustable Weaver bar.

This informative video will tell you what is better for hunting and sports, a bow or a crossbow:

Crossbows for fun

Any throwing weapon with a bowstring less than 20 cm can be considered recreational. First of all, these are crossbows in the “pistol” form factor. Man Kung companies produce a whole series with letters from to. All of them are recursive, but the body and guide are made of both plastic and metal. Their shoulder span is 42, and the length of the bowstring is 12.7 centimeters. Tension force 23 kilograms. Ammunition - short arrows (darts) with a length of 16.51 (6 inches) centimeters.

The effective firing range of them is no more than 15 meters, so they are not considered hunting, but at this distance a "toy" crossbow is deadly.

Schnepper crossbows that shoot steel balls stand apart. All shneppers are block, with a rifle stock. In any case, the ball does not fly further than 15 meters, so they are classified as entertaining weapons. Even if the length of the bowstring exceeds 24 cm, as in "".

Compact models are more common. Like the Tiger. Its arch span is 42.9 cm, and the tension force is 25 kilograms. In addition to steel balls, which are 8 mm in diameter, it shoots darts 6 inches long. Further than forty meters the dart does not fly. Known and , as well as .

Choice of arrows

Crossbow arrows are available in 14", 16", 18", 20" and 22" lengths. The recommended size is indicated in the instruction manual. It is acceptable to use a longer one. In any case, the shaft of the arrow must fit snugly against the guide along its entire length. Now they are made from the following materials:

  • carbon fiber - carbon fiber plus a binder;
  • aluminum - hollow with replaceable tips;
  • fiberglass (fiberglass).

Wherein:

  • For hunting, heavy arrows are used, flying slower, but having greater penetrating power. These are full-bodied carbon (the heaviest) and aluminum, suitable for hunting small game.
  • For sports, aluminum is used, and to a lesser extent fiberglass, which, due to their low weight, are highly susceptible to the action of wind.
  • Fiberglass, the lightest, are used for recreational shooting. In most cases, their use on serious crossbows is undesirable, since it is tantamount to a blank shot, leading to a breakdown of the weapon.

Hunting arrows for ungulates have a massive metal tip, often with several blades. For better stabilization, their plumage is longer. For hunting feathers and small game, a simple sharpening is enough.

Arrows for block crossbows have a deepening for a bowstring (moon nock) at the end. They have a two-tone plumage - a stabilizer, which differs in color, is installed in the groove of the guide.

This video provides an overview of different crossbow arrows:

Model selection

Perhaps, at first, you should not buy an expensive thing with a bowstring tension of up to forty kilograms. To form an idea of ​​how dangerous powerful crossbows are, it is enough to mention their ability to break through the doors of cars. From a short distance - right through. It is better to first gain experience with something simpler.

The process of loading powerful weapons can be too difficult for a teenager. And for sure it will negate the pleasure of shooting.

If you are firmly convinced that you need a solid thing with a high damaging ability, choose something with a convenient loading mechanism. For example, with a removable handle and a winch (collar) on the side. Twisted - and the string is stretched.

With regards to bows, block ones for young neophytes, in general, are suitable. After all, they do not require significant physical strength from the shooter. Even a fragile schoolgirl can shoot for a long time and with pleasure.

The "classic" versions of the bows are quite suitable, but the force of the full string tension in them usually starts at fourteen kilograms. (This strength, however, can traditionally be measured in pounds. A typical beginner's bow starts at twenty-eight pounds.)

The usual picture - the shooter, in accordance with his current capabilities, stretches the bow only half. But with the "classic" models, nothing terrible will happen from this, the blocks will not deteriorate, the sight will not go astray. Can be purchased with the expectation of "growth".

rate of fire

The number of arrows fired at the target during a picnic trip is directly proportional to the level of positive emotions received. Consider the process of preparing for a shot.

For onions, the algorithm is approximately the following:

1) put the throwing projectile (arrow) on the shelf;

2) we install it (an arrow) on a bowstring (the action is indicated by the English word “nock”);

3) we cling to the bowstring with a release;

4) pull the string and start aiming.

With the "classic" versions of the weapon, things are simpler: the stages of installing an arrow on a bowstring and clinging to the latter with fingers in (fingertips) are practically combined and performed quickly, so the rate of fire is much higher.

With a crossbow, we usually do this:

1) we bring the weapon into a state of combat platoon, pulling the bowstring manually, using a lever or other auxiliary means;

2) carefully insert the arrow into the groove intended for it, and at the same time under the holder above the trigger mechanism;

3) start aiming.


As you can see, there are also few preparatory stages, but the first two take much more time. In addition, the pull force cannot be varied “on the go”, like a bow. Like it or not, you need to pull it up to the cocking of the trigger mechanism. That is, until the end.

As a result, it often turns out that during a family vacation, a crossbow for children is loaded by parents before each shot. The rate of fire becomes very low.

Accuracy and ease of aiming

Archery is a sports discipline for a reason. This is truly a sport that requires the acquisition of skills and promotes physical development. Aiming is not so easy, you need training and constantly replenished baggage of experience. With crossbows, things are radically different.

Firstly, the crossbow has more or less constant ballistics, depending only on the arrows (their mass) and the technical condition of the device (whether the bowstring has sagged, whether the shoulders have weakened, how the blocks are doing, if any). With a bow, everything is more complicated, since there is no guarantee that the bowstring is pulled by the shooter every time with the same force. Such constancy at the level of muscle memory does not appear immediately. And the flatness of the trajectory depends on the force.

Secondly, the crossbow allows you to aim more carefully. There is no trembling in tense muscles, no desire to fire a shot as soon as the hands are tired. You can use bipods, stands, a laser designator and even an optical sight.

In other words, if it is accuracy that brings positive emotions, and not rate of fire, then a crossbow is preferable.

Hunting

For residents of countries where hunting with bows and crossbows is prohibited, this aspect has practical informative value only in terms of survival techniques during all kinds of cataclysms.

With the types of weapons discussed, medium-sized animals that do not pose a danger to humans are usually hunted. Most often - on deer. From a short distance, to ensure that the target is hit in vital areas without leaving a wounded animal.

There will be only one shot, so the issue of quick reloading is hardly decisive. You need to successfully hit right away so that the wounded prey does not run far, suffering for a long time and bleeding. If the overtaken wounded animal needs to be finished off, you will have time to recharge in any case.

Since the distance is short (most often - no more than thirty meters), and the rate of fire is not relevant, the choice of weapon depends only on the experience of the shooter. In the hands of people who are not familiar with the bow well and do not have shooting practice, the crossbow will be more effective.

With regards to serious distances, a good crossbow (for example, something from Hoyt products) with a carefully adjusted optical sight is capable of hitting game from eighty meters, and even from a hundred. But not for sure. If only because taking corrections for the wind is a difficult task, to put it mildly. Arrows are demolished much more easily than bullets due to their large size, feathering, and low speed. An unexpected impulse - and you get a wounded animal. And in calm weather, accuracy is usually small. This is not a rifle capable of meeting half a minute of arc.

It should not be forgotten that real hunting is not sniper entertainment, not a pleasure safari, but, first of all, pragmatic food extraction. Therefore, animals must be treated humanely, not to cause them unnecessary suffering. Beat either for sure, or not at all.

Dangerous animals (like wild boars) should be approached with firearms. Taking risks with only a bow or crossbow available only makes sense in critical cases, when the threat of death from starvation is approaching, and there is no other edible game in the entire forest. And it is advisable to shoot only from an ambush on a tall and thick tree, securely tied to the trunk.

Accessories and safety

Even for a small "children's" bow, you should buy long arrows. The usual length is thirty inches. If a teenager cannot yet stretch the bowstring to the end, that is, almost the entire length of the arrow, then in the future the situation will change as the muscles strengthen.

Anything will do for a crossbow. It is not uncommon to use arrows sixteen inches long, but shorter ones can be used. Some people are interested in making very short “bolts” on their own. Usually for the purpose of "historical reconstruction". But it is better to use standard purchased ones that provide uniform ballistics. All the same, the same plumage cannot be made by hand. Aerodynamics is a stubborn thing.

Tips must be sporty. That is, not having any blades, teeth, harpoons, protruding blades and other terrible things intended for purely hunting purposes (and in many countries requiring an appropriate license).

Sports bullets resemble streamlined rifle or pistol bullets. As a rule, licenses for storage and use are not required. However, their penetration ability cannot be underestimated. We are talking about a very serious weapon.

Archery requires gaiters, as well as finger guards or a release. Necessarily, unconditionally and regardless of skill level. Protective equipment can be made independently. Old worn gloves made of thick leather will also come in handy. Craftsmen even make releases on their own, since the prices for these devices are very often unreasonably high.

The crossbow, in general, does not require anything of the kind. The only unpleasant moment is connected with the method of cocking. If there is neither a mechanism with a miniature winch (with a collar), nor a lever (at least the traditional "goat's foot" or its analogue), it is not very comfortable to pull the bowstring with bare hands, to put it mildly. Even if a special cable with hooks is used, the load on the fingers does not add health.

There is only one way out: to purchase a model with mechanics. With gate or lever. In relatively compact ones (for example, in the Cobra), the “fracture” system serves as a lever drive, like in simple air rifles. Only it is not the barrel in front that “breaks”, but the back part, connected with special knitting needles for tension. In short, the fingers should not come into contact with the bowstring.

Otherwise, the safety rules are almost the same as when handling any small arms. Do not point at people even for a moment. Even by accident, even as a joke. Behind the target and near it, there should certainly not be a soul.

self defense

Finally - about the potential suitability of the considered types of weapons for self-defense. It is very difficult to load and reload a crossbow in the dark, in the twilight, being in a state of stress. It is much easier to handle a bow, it is easier to act by touch.

Or a crossbow in modern Russian realities is much less common than with a gun. The first reason is the high cost of equipment, and the second is the need to master the theoretical and practical part of the use of throwing weapons.

The choice between a crossbow or a bow will depend on the skills of the shooter and his personal preferences in hunting, which one is best suited for a particular type of hunting. Many hunting enthusiasts strive to at least try these types of weapons in action, because it is reliably known about the unforgettable sensations received in the process.

Features of hunting with a bow and crossbow

The ability to shoot a firearm does not give any significant skills in handling a crossbow or bow. Which one is best for each hunter, he must decide for himself. Mastering archery is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. However, good skill with a bow is achieved by practicing aimed shooting and attending instruction from masters.

Still, it is somewhat easier to switch to crossbow shooting for those who previously had experience using firearms. Good shooting from a gun will allow you to quickly adapt to aimed shooting with crossbow arrows and not feel much discomfort from changing outfits. If the shooter is completely without experience in shooting from throwing weapons, the game has an unsuccessful but traumatic hit from a bow, more likely to survive, which is better to use a bow or crossbow in this case, from the point of view of humanity should be taken into account.

In fact, this kind of hunting bears little resemblance to an entertainment event; it is rather an art and a matter of real hunters. In addition, hunting with a bow or crossbow is a real sports discipline, no less significant than similar sports with shooting from firearms.

Differences from hunting with firearms

Naturally, the main difference is the possibility of silent shooting, which will not scare away all the game within a radius of several hundred meters. In addition, shooting from a thrown weapon gives a completely different feeling than using guns. The hunter feels as if closer to his prey, in more complex and interesting conditions. Excitement in such a hunt is more reminiscent of that of distant ancestors. Absolute silence and unity with nature when tracking game and shooting itself can leave few people indifferent.

Questions about whether to choose a crossbow or a bow, which one is better suited, are decided depending on the type of fishing. For example, hunting for aerial targets is entirely the prerogative of the bow, the use of a crossbow for flying targets is impractical. Ground game can be equally effectively hit with both weapons, but the crossbow is more suitable for beginners or those who do not want to retrain for a long time after using guns. Archery, on the other hand, will require better developed skills, including taking into account the tension of the bowstring, the firmness of the hand, the correction for the wind, the skillful calculation of the trajectory of the arrow and the movement of the target.

Beginners should be advised to purchase weapons from the best company of crossbows and bows Ten Point, which is the leader among American manufacturers. It is also recommended to study the products of Horton, Megaline, Barnett, Excalibur and PoeLang

Designs and types of bows

The invention of the bow gave man the ability to remain out of sight of his prey and greatly increase his range compared to throwing weapons such as spears. The very first structural design of the bow was presented about 10 thousand years ago and turned out to be almost ingenious in its efficiency and simplicity.

The bow was an excellent example of a universal weapon for both hunting and war. Even ancient bows were capable of shooting several hundred meters and piercing enemy armor. The range of the arrow then depended not so much on the design, but on the physical data of the shooter.

Although the very first design has survived to this day unchanged, experts have created significantly improved versions that even the best Mongolian archers would envy. There are five main types of traditional, block, sports and children's.

Compound bows for hunting, their advantages and disadvantages

If we consider hunting from the point of view of the fascination of the process, then in response to the question of what is better for hunting, a bow or a crossbow, one can definitely answer - a bow with a block design. It has special mechanisms that are located on the shoulders of the bow. These devices partly assume the effort of pulling the bowstring, making this task easier for the shooter. Also, a compound bow is easier to transport and store than a traditional one. It is more compact and does not require removal of the bowstring for storage.

The first disadvantage of a compound bow is its cost. The basic model may not be very expensive, but the most popular use case is that the hunter will have to more or less regularly buy various modules (blocks) to suit his needs. There are also initially fully equipped models on the market, you can find them by the PKG marking in the title. The second disadvantage can be considered the need for excellent bow skills for effective hunting, as well as direct experience in the process itself.

Bow range and power

These parameters depend primarily on the design of the bow. Traditional models shoot at about 500 meters, and block models can launch an arrow at 1200 meters or more in planning mode. Russian legislation allows the use of compound bows with a bowstring force (i.e. power) of no more than 27 kg with an error of about 5%. This means that the maximum distance is in the region of 870 meters.

Designs and types of crossbows

Crossbows have become a kind of offshoot and continuation of the idea of ​​​​the development of small arms in the Middle Ages. Increased power and firing range have become their calling card. By type, crossbows are divided into rifle, block and classic. The purpose of the devices is combat, hunting or sports. Also there are children's reduced models. If in the question of what is better, a bow or a crossbow for hunting, the choice fell on the latter, then you should take a closer look at the rifle models that have the largest weight, combined with increased power and range.

Pros and cons of crossbows in hunting

The crossbow is smaller than the traditional bow. If you choose based on what is better than a bow or crossbow, a photo of them nearby can help compare the dimensions of both designs. The path of the crossbow is close range, while the bow manifests itself better at long distances. The design of the crossbow allows the use of a sight with night vision.

If you have not yet been able to decide which is better, a crossbow or a bow, then you need to pay attention to the shortcomings of crossbows, namely:

  • the rate of fire of a modern crossbow, by virtue of its design, as well as a medieval one, is significantly inferior to the rate of firing from any bow;
  • slightly worse ballistics, which reduces the effectiveness of weapons at long distances;
  • less power with the same tension force;
  • faster bowstring wear with the same use.

Range and power of crossbows

The maximum allowable power or tension force of the bowstring of crossbows for hunting is about 43 kg. The shooting distance in this case can reach 60-80 meters when hunting a wild boar, if you use the best crossbows recognized in world sports. However, as a rule, shooting distances are a little more modest. A crossbow with a power of 43 kg will easily hit a deer at a distance of 40 meters.

The above facts and features of both types of throwing weapons will help you finally decide whether a bow or a crossbow is better in comparison for a certain type of hunting.

Once upon a time, the bow was the main weapon of most peoples of the earth. The bow is the most ancient fighting and hunting weapon on earth, and although modern weapons are superior in power, a simple bow can be extremely useful for survival in nature if you have to hunt for food. In addition, you can always show off to your friends. Read on and you will learn how to make a bow and arrow yourself.

Steps

Onion

    Choose a large bow rod. There are a few things to consider when choosing a rod:

    • Find a strong dry stick, without cracks. Hardwoods such as lemon tree, oak, yew, black locust, or teak are good choices for a rod. The rod should be about 1.8 m long and should be free of knots, twists and branches.
    • The rod you choose should be flexible, like juniper or mulberry. You can also use a bamboo tree or reed; the main thing is that the rod you choose is not too thick. You can use young bamboo, which is both strong and flexible.
    • Green rods can be used but should be avoided as they are not as strong as dry rods.

  1. Find the natural curve of the stick. Each stick has its own curve, even if it is difficult to notice. You should take into account the natural curve of the stick when you start making a bow. To find a natural curve, place a stick on the ground and press it down with your hand at the top. With your other hand, press the stick to the ground in the middle. Now her natural curve should be facing you.

    Define the edges of the bow and its handle. This is very important in the bow making process. To find where you will hold the bow, make marks on the bow above and below 7.5 cm from the center point of the bow. The one in the middle of these marks is where you will hold the bow.

    Give shape to your bow. Put the bow on your leg and hold it on top with your hand. Use your other hand to press down on the bend to determine where your bow is more flexible. Use a knife or similar tool to remove knots and other irregularities from the center of the bow. The top and bottom of the bow should be almost identical, so trim off any excess wood if necessary. When the bow is smooth and the top and bottom are mirror images of each other, you can move on to the next steps.

    • A thicker and stronger bow should be exactly where you will hold it.
    • Be careful when handling onions, as excessive amounts of pressure and even slight damage to the structure can lead to breakage.

  2. Make notches for fastening the bowstring. Using a knife, make notches at each end of the rod. Their distance should be from 2.5 to 5 centimeters from the tip. The notches should resemble a crescent moon and should be on the outside of the bow. The notches should not be too deep so as not to damage the bow, but, on the other hand, deep enough to hold the bowstring.

    Choose a string. If you are in nature, you will have to search and try many materials to find the right bowstring. Suitable bowstring materials:

    • rawhide;
    • thin nylon cord;
    • hemp rope;
    • fishing line;
    • strands of cotton or silk from caterpillars;
    • ordinary twine.

  3. Arrows

    1. Find branches for arrows. Arrows should be made from straight, dry branches. The length of the arrow must not exceed half the length of the bow. Even better, the length of the arrow should not exceed the length of the bow, as there is no point in arrows that cannot be pulled. Here are some types of wood that can be used as arrows:

      • Green branches are not a bad choice for arrows, but you should give them some time to dry, as the sap can ignite if you choose to dry them over a fire.
      • Goldenrod is excellent for making arrows, as it has strong and straight branches. It can be easily found in the fields.

    2. Shape the arrows. You will need to clean up the branch until it is smooth. To straighten a branch, you can lightly heat it over coals and keep it straight while the tree cools. Make notches at one end of the arrow so that it can cling to the bowstring.

      Sharpen the tip of the arrow. The simplest tip is the pointed end of an arrow. It is possible to sharpen an arrow with a knife and then lightly burn it over warm coals to harden the arrow (again, be careful not to burn the arrow).

      Make arrowheads if possible (this is an optional step). You can make tips from metal, stone or glass. With a hammer or stone, slightly split the tip of the arrow and insert the tip there. The tip can also be secured with a rope.

    3. Make feathers for arrows (optional). Although the fletching contributes to the stability of the flight of the arrow, you can do without it. Find the feathers and glue them to the back of the arrow. You can also split the back of the arrow and insert the fletching into the groove, then wrap it tightly with string (you can use thread from your clothes). If you use this method, then anything can be used as plumage.

      • The feathering acts like a rudder on a ship or small plane, as it guides the arrow through the air with greater accuracy.
      • The fletching also improves the range of the arrow.
      • However, plumage is not so easy to do. If your weapon is designed for survival, feathering is not that important.
    • First, try making a bow from a branch. Such a bow will not be dangerous and is suitable for beginners.
    • Learn to shoot a bow.
    • Always keep the bow away from your face.
    • Use smooth wood whenever possible. Rough wood can scratch your hands and damage your feathers, preventing you from hitting your target.
    • If you are checking the tension of the string, do not let go of it without an arrow, otherwise there is a high probability of ruining the bow over time.
    • If you are going to fish with a bow, try to aim slightly below the fish due to the refraction of the rays in the water. When catching fish, plumage may be superfluous.
    • If you are fishing with a bow, tie a rope to one end of the arrow so that if it hits a fish, you can pull it out.
    • It is not necessary to fletch arrows when making them. You can simply cut a few shavings from your arrow and leave them hanging on one side.
    • To build a fire with a bow, you will need to collect dry moss, dry fiber or any other tinder, find a piece of hard wood the size of your palm and a piece of soft wood (softer than your arrow). Make a cut in a piece of soft wood about 3 centimeters deep and place tinder over the cut. Make a small hole no larger than 10 centimeters in solid wood to fit an arrow. Wrap an unpointed arrow in the bowstring and place the back of the arrow in a hole in hard wood. Be careful that the arrow does not pop out of the hole and injure you. Insert the end of the arrow into the notch of the soft wood. Start pulling the bow back and forth in a smooth motion. The soft wood will begin to heat up and smoke, and at some point embers should begin to appear. These coals will fall into tinder. If you carefully blow on the tinder, then you will get the fire!
    • Wrap the bow handle tightly with the wet skin and let it dry. This way you will have a stronger bow and arrows will fly faster.
    • To test your bow for strength, bend it. If you feel that it is breaking, then it is not strong enough.
    • You can cut the handle 1 cm deep and 2 cm high so that you can keep the arrows level when stringing.
    • To increase the power of the bow, you can make two identical bows and tie the front of one to the front of the other so that when viewed from the side you get the letter "X". They must be tied at the ends, and the string must be on only one bow.
    • It is better if the bowstring is about one and a half meters, so as not to be mistaken with the length you need. Excess string can be cut off.
    • Instead of a notch (to keep the arrows straight), you can wrap the handle with buckskin. For a better grip on the bow, glue it or tie it.
    • Make holes in the arrows to make them lighter.
    • The bow described in this article will not last forever and is only a temporary solution. Luckily, it's easy to replace.

    Warnings

    • Always wait for everyone to finish shooting before collecting arrows.
    • You should take a bowstring with you when you go camping, as it is difficult to make from natural materials.
    • The more you use the bow, the more likely it is to break. Change onions every 3-5 months.
    • Bow and arrows are dangerous weapons! Be careful when you train with him and never aim at someone you don't want to hurt.
    • The bow is not an easy weapon, and it takes a lot of practice to learn how to use it. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to hunt to survive, it's better to make traps.
    • Be extremely careful with knives and axes.
    • Keep bow and arrows away from children.
    • When shaping the onion, only chip from the inside of the onion. If you're chipping from the outside, it's likely that the bow will break the first time you use it.
    • If the arrows are too short, pulling them can hurt your hands.
    • Before shooting, protect the hand with which you will hold the bow. When you let go of the string, it hits your hand hard.

    What will you need

    • hard rod: about 1.80 centimeters long and 12 centimeters in diameter. A good tree is a yew or an oak.
    • Inelastic bowstring A: nylon rope, sinew, fishing line and so on.
    • Woodworking tools: ax, special knife, sandpaper, plow (large and small), file.
    • More or less straight branches for arrows. They should be about 80 centimeters. Straighten them with fire. You can make arrows from wood or planks. Cut off square pieces 1 centimeter wide and use special cutters to make almost perfectly round arrows.
    • Feathers for plumage. Use feathers from the tail or wings of a bird. If you are using wing feathers, try not to mix left and right wing feathers. The plumage gives good spinning to the arrow.
    • Flint tips: metal 1–2 mm thick. Use a machine to cut and sharpen the tips. You can use plastic tips.
    • steel wool for processing green rods.

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