Chapter 7: Advanced Hunting Techniques
Know Your Crossbow

Compound Crossbow

Parts of a Crossbow

Riser: Where the limbs attach.

Cocking Stirrup: Used to aid in cocking the crossbow. The archer’s foot is placed in the stirrup to prevent the bow from slipping when it is cocked.

Barrel: Made of aluminum or polymer. A grooved track on top (flight groove) allows the arrow to lie in perfect alignment with the string for consistent accuracy.

Stock: Made of wood or composite materials and available in many configurations.

Limbs: Can be compound or recurve. A recurve crossbow must have long limbs and a longer barrel to deliver power similar to that of a compound crossbow.

Latch Mechanism: Designed to capture the string when the crossbow is cocked (drawn), the latch holds the string in place until it’s released by the trigger.

Sight Bridge: Holds the sight.

Arrow Retention Spring: Holds the arrow in the track until the trigger releases the latch mechanism.

Safety: Prevents the arrow from releasing accidentally. May engage automatically or manually when the crossbow is cocked. Some crossbows have a dual safety system. Note: Since the safety is a mechanical device, it can be subject to failure. Always keep a loaded crossbow pointed in a safe direction.

Recurve Crossbow