10 Best crossbow for deer hunting 2020 – Beginners Guide

Do you want to explore with the best pistol crossbow hunting kit? Then you are just like me. I have garnered quality experience with several recurve and compound bows, and my experience with a crossbow for deer hunting led me to write about my experience.

Your hunting quest is incomplete without the use of a high-quality bow, and that is why you need to get one of the best from our list below.

Hunting is fun and exciting only if you have all the necessary kits and a trusty bow to get the work done for you.

Either as a beginner or an advanced hunter, we have the collection of the best pistol crossbow you can consider in the market.

Best Pistol Crossbow for Deer Hunting

1. CenterPoint Sniper 370- Crossbow Package

  • System: compound
  • Axle to Axle (Cocked): 18
  • Power Stroke: 13.50
  • Draw weight: 185 lbs
  • Feet per second: 370
  • Camo Stock: Yes
  • Black Stock: Yes

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Just in case you are wondering what kind of crossbow is the CenterPoint Sniper 370- Crossbow Package, it is a compound crossbow that comes with the professional features to make hunting more comfortable for you.

It is one of the best pistol crossbows you should give the nod in the market considering its features and fantastic construction.

Although, you might likely get disappointed with the arrows that come along with the package as I was disappointed.

I’ve read reviews from some others as well, and it seems CenterPoint has to find something to do with that as fast as possible.

The arrows that come with the pistol crossbow are just 370 grains, and you need the one with about 420 grains to enjoy the best of the bow.

Therefore the bolts that come with the package are less quality, and you are advised to get high-quality bolts to use with the bow.

The CenterPoint Sniper 370 is a powerful bow that is reliable and effective with whatever you want it to do.

The craftsmanship is topnotch as it comes with a fully adjustable stock and passes through foregrip which makes it versatile for any shooting style to ensure that you hit your target with reasonable accuracy.

The design of the crossbow integrates CNC machined cam system which delivers mind-blowing speeds up to about 370 FPS. The construction makes it quite more comfortable to move about because it is made from light-weighted materials.

Due to being a sniper CenterPoint integrates Scope in the design of the bow to makes it easier to sight the target.

That’s not all about the design of the bow, it also incorporates auto-safety trigger mechanisms that help to prevent ill-intentioned shots.

It also has string suppressor which helps to keep shots quiet and bow free of vibration.

Pros
  • Compact design
  • String suppressor to keep shot quiet
  • Lesser vibration
  • Swift in operation
  • Lightweight and powerful
  • Comes with instructional manual
Cons
  • The bolts that come with the crossbow are of less quality
  • Somewhat challenging to assemble and install

Read: Nerf dude perfect bow

2. Manticore SAS 150lbs Crossbow

  • Draw weight: 150 lbs
  • Feet per speed: 210
  • Limb: High-tech fiberglass limb
  • Body Design: Aluminum barrel construction

If you’ve been an archer for years and you have used several types of the crossbow, and you think you should try out a rifle or pistol crossbow, the Manticore SAS 150 lbs Crossbow might be the right option for you.

Without a doubt, it is one of the best for beginners. However, you shouldn’t expect much from a beginner crossbow as it can’t deliver optimally compared to what expensive and high-quality crossbow will do.

Also, if you will be going for this particular pistol crossbow, you should get a stringer and learn how to use to make your time with the bow worthwhile.

It is straightforward to install and use for beginners s it comes with the instruction on how to do so in the user manual. The only challenge you might have been a first timer is the cocking.

For you to cock the pistol crossbow, you need to lay the cord over to the back of the buttstock and then attach the hook to the string. Use it as a pulley, and you are good to go.

The heavy-duty crossbow pistol hunting kit is perfect for hunting all kind of game as it comes compact and durable to handle whatever thrown at it.

The starter package comes with amazing features such as extra arrows, the scope for more visibility.

The package includes one 150 lbs Heavy Duty Hunting Crossbow with 2 Arrows, one Crossbow String, six Aluminum 14 inch Arrows, Crossbow Limb, one foot-claw and 1 x 4×20 Crossbow Scope.

The bow commands 150lbs draw weight, and the arrow can travel up to 270 FPS.

Pros
  • Perfect for large game hunting
  • Ideal for the first timer
  • Auto safety cocking mechanism
  • Compact, safe and easy to use
  • Excellent accuracy for up to 60 yards
Cons
  • Need stringer to get the best of the bow

3. Leader Accessories Crossbow Package

  • Draw weight: 160 lbs
  • Feet per speed: 210
  • Weight: 5.85 lbs
  • Arrow tip weight: 125 grains
  • Power stroke: 10.5 inch
  • Trigger Pull: 6 lbs

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Handling the Leader Accessories Crossbow Package will give you a feeling that can’t substitute for any other thing as a passionate hunter.

I have garnered quality experience with several crossbows but this one if one I will always recommend for all hunters who are in need of a quality pistol crossbow without spending their fortune.

I got a feeling I will love it from the very first shot, and I was never disappointed. It was taken away by my cousin, and I couldn’t just stop gushing over the comment from her while she was away hunting.

It is a compact bow that offers you all that you need to have smooth hunting experience. One of the challenges you are likely to face with the bow is the installation, and with time as you sit to read and follow the instruction, you will surely find it easier to do without the assistance of anyone.

The crossbow commands about 160 lbs draw weight to ensure the arrow can fly as far as 210 feet per second to hit the target. The exciting thing about the bow is that it can be used by adult kids who have got years of experience with hunting with compound bows.

The Leader Accessories Crossbow Package is indeed the leader to some of its counterpart, and the company ensures it comes with a year warranty, but that is subject to change.

All other materials and extra features are included in the construction of the crossbow to ensure you have a smooth and pleasant experience while you are in the field hunting.

They include padded sling, four 16 inch aluminum arrow, stringer, wax, three red dot sight scope, cocking rope and quiver.

Pros
  • Ideal for adult and experienced kids
  • Anti-dry fire mechanism
  • Fully equipped for smooth operation
Cons
  • It has no significant setback

4. Barnett Outdoors BCR Recurve Crossbow Package

  • Draw weight: 150 lbs
  • Feet per speed: NA
  • Trigger pull: 3.5 lbs
  • Weight: 9.3 pounds

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If you are a big fan of recurve crossbow, the Barnett Outdoors BCR Recurve Crossbow Package is the right choice for you if you ever consider a rifle design or pistol crossbow.

One important feature that gets my attention about the bow is that you can dry fire. Dry firing your bow isn’t a good thing to do as it will cause more harm to the bow and the handler.

It is why Barnett integrates anti-dry fire trigger which is a mechanism to help prevent anyone from shooting in the absence of the arrow.

The construction or design of the recurve crossbow incorporates Anti-vibration isolation which helps to reduce noise and vibration from the bow while shooting up to about 30% and it also plays a role in preventing inadvertent nicks and scratches.

Installing the pistol recurve bow from Barnett is easier to do if you can follow the instruction. The bow looks tactically appealing with exceptional accuracy to its belt.

It is easy to cock and fire for an adult as it has all that is required to operate optimally.

For accuracy and clear visibility of the target from your anchor point, the recurve crossbow comes with a rifle scope that has three dot red and green sights with five brightness settings for each.

It commands the draw weight of 150 lbs, and it can fire up about 40 yards to hit the target.

Pros
  • Adjustable butt pad
  • Lightweight and easy to install and use
  • Premium red dot scope
  • Silence noise and vibration
  • Perfect for deer hunting
  • Anti-dry fire trigger mechanism
  • Perfect for the beginner or intermediate archer
Cons
  • The rail and string need to be greased regularly to avoid damages

5. Southland Archery Supply SAS Honor

  • Draw weight: 175 lbs
  • Feet per second: 160
  • Weight: 4 lbs & 12oz without accessories and 5lbs & 16oz with all accessories
  • Length: 30.5 – 33 inch
  • Width: 28 inch

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SAS is one of the frontiers in bow industry, and she is just at it again with the Southland Archery Supply SAS Honor.

The fact it comes cheap and affordable makes it one of the best to consider for those in search for a high-quality pistol crossbow with little budget.

The Southland Archery Supply SAS Honor is fully equipped with all the essentials that are needed to compete with seasoned crossbows. It is a better option to some of the heavyweight crossbow.

A crossbow is a perfect option for those handling crossbow for the first time.

Just in case you are wondering what kind of bow it is, the Southland Archery Supply SAS Honor is a recurve bow that comes with a reflex red dot scope sight, rail lube, quick detach quiver with three arrows, rope cocker, and auto safety system.

Also with the package come tools needed for assembly and adjustable rear stock. The crossbow commands 175 pounds draw weight with the speed of 260 feet per second.

The construction and design make it lightweight and compact for hunting.

Pros
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Auto dry fire safety system
  • Perfect for hunting
  • Adjustable stock
  • An ideal starter for beginners with hunting
  • Can move up about 100 yards
  • Precise and accurate
Cons
  • It has no significant setback

Read: kestrel wind meter

6. XGear Crossbow Archery

  • Draw weight: 160 lbs
  • Maximum Speed: 210
  • Power Stroke: 10.5 inch
  • Width: 26.5 inch
  • Trigger pull: 6 lbs
  • Arrow tip weight: 125 grains

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The XGear Crossbow is the next to consider on our list of the best pistol crossbow you should opt for in the market. It looks similar to a royal crossbow, but it is a crossbow pistol and has all that is needed to give you the best experience with hunting.

The crossbow pistol hunting kit from XGear is one of the best to be considered by beginners that want to get the best of hunting on a different level.

It is compact, and the construction is made from high-quality materials which makes it appealing to hunters.

One the arrival of the crossbow, you will get to see a bow that appears in camo color as it is equipped with three red dot sight scope for more visibility and clarity on target before shooting, four pieces of the 16-inch aluminum arrow, stringer, wax, quiver, padded sling, and cocking rope.

Also, the crossbow commands 160 lbs draw weight and a maximum speed of 210 FPS.

It is safe and more comfortable to use even for beginners as it comes with a protective measure such as the Anti-dry fire mechanism to ensure you can’t fire the bow in the absence of an arrow.

Pros
  • Anti-dry fire mechanism
  • Excellent for hunting
  • Ideal for beginners and advanced hunters
  • It is smooth, effortless to install and use
Cons
  • It has no significant setback

7. PSE Archery Jolt Hunting Crossbow Package

  • Draw weight: 175 lbs
  • Feet per speed: 250
  • Arrow weight: 100 grains
  • Length: 32 inch
  • Width: 23.5″ cocked, 27.5″ uncocked
  • Power stroke: 12.5 inch
  • Weight: 5.8 lbs

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Taller hunters do find it challenging to handle some bows, but the whole story is different with the PSE Archery Jolt Hunting Crossbow Package because it has Shoulder stock which retracts 1.25 inches to accommodate taller shooters.

The pse insight crossbow is the recurve type that can be used for all kind of hunting. It gives users rest of mind and offers a more significant performance level with the shooting.

The recurve bow is perfect for hunting deer, elk or turkey. It works excellently well which is the reason many hunters consider it.

The hunting bow commands a shooting speed of 250 feet per seconds which is enough to penetrate through any target.

The pse crossbow for sale is mighty and made from heavy-duty material yet lightweight to be carried from one hunting site to another.

One of the reasons you should trust the pistol crossbow is that it comes from one of the trusted brands in the industry known as PSE archery which has been a frontier since 1970.

The crossbow pistol hunting kit is designed for hunting and equipped with many resources to make hunting appealing and pleasing such as illuminated red dot scope, four 18 inch aluminum arrows that weigh 100 grains, four-bolt quiver, cocking rope device, rubber string grooves, and rail wax lube.

Also, as part of the construction, the pistol crossbow comes with CNC precision machined barrel which features recurve bow style as said earlier which enhances the stability, power, silent shot and accuracy of the bow.

The rubber string that comes with the bow is Pre-installed to help you reduce the limb vibration and audible sound while shooting.

With the availability of the Anti-dry fire safety, you can be assured that no one can move the string without the presence of an arrow.

Pros
  • Anti-dry fire mechanism
  • Retractable shoulder stock for taller shooters
  • Safe and easy to use
  • It has a recurved style, and it is lightweight
  • Perfect for deer, elk, or turkey hunting
Cons
  • You might need to get a new set of high-quality arrows for it

8. iGlow Hunting Crossbow Archery Bow

  • Draw weight: 150 lbs
  • Feet per speed: 220
  • Weight: 8.8 pounds
  • Arrow weight: 125 grains

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With different styles and color to its belt, this particular pistol crossbow comes in a simple design with an aluminum body covered in black color.

The crossbow pistol is stylish, and it can be called upon for all kind of shooting quest. The feel and operation of the crossbow pistol are, and that makes it one of the best pistol crossbow you should consider in the market.

It is ideal for beginners and advanced shooters as it has an operating system that is easy to understand. The bow boast of 150 lbs draws weight with the arrow speed of 220 FPS.

The arrow released from the bow travels with the speed of light with an exceptional level of precision and accuracy to hit the target without missing an inch.

The construction of the bow features black aluminum stock and fiberglass limb which is polished to enhance shooting performances. It also comes with a quality scope for greater visibility, seven arrows, rope cocking device and auto safety cocking mechanism.

Pros
  • Perfect for all kind of hunting quest
  • Easy to install and use
  • Lightweight and easier to move
  • Safety cocking system
Cons
  • Lacks Anti-dry fire mechanism
  • Not reliant for big hunting game

9. BOLT Crossbows the Seeker Crossbow

  • Draw weight: 80 lbs
  • Feet per second: 200
  • Free Grip
  • Three arrow aluminum
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds

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Do you need a pistol crossbow that can effectively handle small game hunting or effective for target practice? The BOLT Crossbows, the Seeker Crossbow, is the best to consider.

The bow isn’t a toy, but it’s nowhere close to the ones we have listed above. It is designed for hunting but has limitation to what it can do.

Due to its design and construction, it is ideal for beginners or first timer. Once they can successfully master the use of the bow, they can move ahead to using some advanced styles.

The construction of the bow integrates for grip for steady aim and excellent control. The bow can shoot plastic arrows over 200 feet per second while it can shoot aluminum arrows over 160 FPS.

The automatic safety mechanism is incorporated in the construction of the bow to prevent dry fire. Also, it has adjustable sight which allows you to have a full range view of your target before shooting.

It comes with one-year user warranty, and that is subject to change. The pistol crossbow comes with an aluminum arrow, and the whole package is more comfortable to install.

Pros
  • Simple design
  • Safe to use for beginners
  • Perfect for target practice and small game hunting
  • Steady with excellent control
  • Lightweight and more comfortable to move from one place to another
  • 1-year warranty and subject to change
Cons
  • Not an ideal option for large or big hunting

10. PSE Viper SS Crossbow Viper SS Handheld Crossbow

  • Draw weight: 50 lbs
  • Mass weight: 1.6 lbs
  • Feet per speed: 215
  • Weight: 2.3 pounds

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You might have been so curious to know if we are ever going to include youth pistol crossbow in our list. Well, we have finally added one for you to take your shooting experience to a higher level.

The PSE Viper SS Crossbow Viper SS Handheld Crossbow is the right choice for you if you are 18 years and above and you are in search for a crossbow pistol for fun, shooting, and small hunting game.

It should never be considered for hunting. As simple as it is, it should be not be used without the supervision of an adult. Although the arrow is frenzy they can harm any individual is directly released to their path.

Kids below the age of 18 are not advisable to use the bow. The pistol crossbow for youths has a draw weight of 50 lbs and move over 215 FPS.

It as well integrates the cocking system with a safety lock which serves as second safety to the users. Due to the fact it is designed for youths, it comes with finger guard, track style rail, and anti-dry fire trigger.

Pros
  • Finger guard for hand safety
  • Track style rail for precision shooting
  • Auto safety system
  • Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
  • Not ideal for kids below 18 years

Read: Bear cruzer g2

PISTOL CROSSBOW HUNTING BUYER’S GUIDE

Essential things you need to know about pistol crossbow

There are crucial things that you need to consider if you want to get a crossbow pistol.

The pistol crossbow is lightweight and more comfortable to use compared to the normal crossbows.

Also, you need to know some other things which we will discuss below.

What is a pistol crossbow

A pistol crossbow is a bow that is fixed across any support with a groove for the arrow and a mechanism for drawing and release of the bolt with the help of the string.

There are two different types of pistol crossbow such as the one withdraw pulley and the other with the self-cocking system.

Self-Cocking

Self-cocking doesn’t mean the pistol crossbow will shoot itself. It simply says you have a lever on the back of the bow frame and that gives you the platform to push down and draw the string back into position.

This gives you dominance of the bow for easier cocking of the bow to load up with the best arrow of your choice.

Arrows

Most people find it difficult to differentiate between arrow, dart, and bolts. The bottom line is that they are all the same.

There are different types of arrows, dart, bolts and you should choose one of your choices with the style of your bow.

Makes sure the weight of the arrow can work effectively on the bow.

Draw Weight

Draw weight means the amount of weight you are pulling whenever you cock the bow.

The valve of draw weight varies with different pistol crossbow. The average falls within 50 to 300 pounds, and it determines the flight of the arrow or speed at times.

String

The string is part of the bow, and it is responsible for releasing the arrow or bolts towards the target.

To have a smooth and accurate shot, you need the string to be in proper condition, and you should never dry fire as long as you have the bow with you.

Read: Tree saddle hunting

Conclusion

We hope we were able to meet your need as regarding the best pistol crossbow hunting you should consider.

We realize as a hunter, you need a high-quality bow to experience the best of hunting.

It is why we choose to give you the best information required to have a smooth experience with shooting.