This will make people think twice before they throw rocks at cars. According to San Diego police two young boys were throwing rocks at cars, when the passenger in a vehicle (black Toyota RAV4), pulled out a crossbow and shot one of the boys in the abdomen. The young boy was taken to the hospital with no life threatening injuries. No arrest have been made.
It must be a hard lesson learned by the young boy that was struck by the crossbow, although the boy was wrong for throwing rocks, I believe that no child or person should be harmed in any form, especially being shot by a crossbow. There are many other forms in preventing situations like this from occurring, I am just glad to see that the young boy did not face any serious life threatening injuries. I do hope that the young boys parents are more aware of what there children are doing then letting them outside throw rocks at cars and well for the person who shot the crossbow I just hope that he gets arrested for his senseless act.
Hello Hunters–Have you ever found yourself on a big game hunt and you go to cock your bow and the wire snaps? Well, don’t get caught this season without your spare accessories such as our Barnett Predator Crossbow Extra Cross Wire String, which can be found at thecrossbowstore.com. That’s correct, we already have the cross wire in stock and ready to ship! So when you’re telling your buddies your hunting story this season, make sure it only includes the kill and not some sad story about your string breaking and not being prepared. Not shooting a Predator crossbow, not to worry as we have other CrossWire Strings and Cables available for the following Barnett crossbows:
Happy 4th of July weekend! To kick off the holiday celebration, TheCrossbowStores.com will be running a 4th of July Extravaganza on selected items. From July 1st thru 14th, we will be offering an additional 10% off on our already low prices! Don’t miss out on this great offer because it won’t last long!
Our most selling Pistol Crossbows are back in stock now. These hand held pistol crossbows feature 80lbs draw weight and 160 FPS, and these come with a self-cocking patent design.
These are also known as cobra pistol crossbows. Click here to get one pistol crossbow package now.
Wizard series Crossbows are back in stock now. All colors are available, including Camo Autumn Green, Camo Dezert Brown, Original Wood, and Black Fiber.
These wizard recurve crossbows are quality built and features 150 lbs draw weight. Read what customers say about our wizard crossbow here. Or get one of your Wizard Crossbow Package here.
All Sniper series crossbows are now back in stock. All colors are available, including Autumn Green, Desert Brown, and Original Wood.
These sniper crossbows are our best selling compound crossbows featuring with 150 lbs draw weight and arrow speed of 248 FPS. If you are on a budget of $200, get one of these quality sniper crossbows, and you will not be disappointed. Or for under $300, you get our most popular Sniper Crossbow Deluxe package, which includes extra 6/pack arrows/ bolts, one 4×32 scope, 3 packs of 3/pack 4-blades broadhead tips, one quiver, and one black padded carrying case! Accessories retail value of $149.99, and you only pay $259.99 for the whole package.
When Precision Shooting Equipment, Inc. at Tucson, AZ is celebrating its 40th
year of manufacturing high quality archery equipment, we, TheCrossbowStore.com,
now proud to be an authorized PSE Archery Dealer.
We will be carrying most PSE lines including PSE Mainline Bows, PSE
Bowfishing, PSE Heritage Series, Crossbows, Sights, Arrow Rests, Quivers, Sight
Accessories, Loops/Grips/Peeps, Carbon Force Arrows, Vibracheck Accessories,
King Accessories, Distributed Accessories, Hunting Accessories, Archery Tools,
Clothing/Gear, PSE Signature Items, and Manufacturer Rep Lines, except PSE PRO
Series Bows, which require to be locally tuned.
The first open season of crossbow hunting finally started. If you live near Wilson, here is a great FREE event for hunters and shooters to learn more about crossbow, the modernized ancient shooting device. Wilson Conservation Club located at 2934 Wilson Cambria Road (Route 425), Wilson, NY, is going to hold a Crossbow Demonstration Event on Saturday.
The free even will start from 9am to 3pm in the clubhouse, and they will provide refreshments and give out some valued gear during the demonstration. And some major manufacturers, including Excalibur, Maximus, Horton, TenPoint, and more will send technicians at the shooting sites, and you will have the opportunities to try their new crossbows. Also, DEC officials will be there to introduce some new regulations for the first crossbow hunting open season in New York State.
For more details of the corridor transportation proposal, go to dec.ny.gov/outdoor/73305.html.
2011 ATA Vegas Show again was held in Sands Expo Convention Center. ATA is the word’s largest trade show for all professional hunting and shooting sports industries, and it includes firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services.
This is Barnett’s newest Ghost Compound Crossbow featuring CRT (Carbon Riser Technology) by Barnett (The upper one in the picture), which is almost 1 lb less than the regular version in weight! I tried both in the show, and I will say it does make a big difference! As the front weight is reduced, the balance of the Barnett Ghost Crossbow is closer to us, which means higher stability.
With 400+ FPS incredible fast arrow speeds, the Ghost Crossbow also comes with Barnett AVI limbs which makes it less noisy and reduces vibration upto 30%. Other features, including CrossWire Strings, Aluminum flight track, and Whiplash Cams makes a faster, quieter, smoother and more accurate shot in a compact and light weighted fit.
Barnett is one of the Top Shot Archery names in the crossbow manufacturing arena and with good reason. They have been making hunting rigs for more than 50 years and have sold over 1 million units worldwide! The company strives to continuously improve, reacting to the changing needs of their customers through innovation.
The Predator, is loaded with features like an adjustable cheek plate, adjustable rear stock plate, Anti Vibration Isolator (AVI) limb covering technology, dual Whiplash cams, shoot-through stirrup and Realtree’s AP Camo finish among others.
Some Assembly Required
When your predator arrives it will require some bolt and screw turning to get it ready for the range/field. The ‘bow” part of the crossbow is not attached to the stock. A few minutes and a single steel hex-head bolt bring the two major pieces together. The stock portion of the crossbow has a protruding steel insert that accepts a pocket in the bow riser perfectly aligning the two. Follow the instruction manual for proper placement of the cables in the shooting rail slot. A single screw attached the quiver-mounting bracket and a couple of small hex-head screws attach the scope to the scope rail.
Stock Unit
The polymer material stock unit is home to the thumbhole pistol grip, trigger mechanism, adjustable cheek plate, shooting rail, oversized forearm grip, safety mechanism, scope, scope mount and adjustable rear stock plate. The units Realtree AP finish is applied through a water transfer dipping process.
The test crossbow came with Barnett’s 4x32MM Crossbow Scope, which features graduated crosshairs for multiple yardages. A standard mounting rail and scope mounts make mounting quick and easy.
Silks Outdoors Note: The Barnett crossbow scope presents a clear field of view and the crosshairs are crisp. I recommend adjusting the stock butt plate and cheek plate until the scope is clear as soon as you bring it to your shoulder. Frequent practice will help with this process.
Adjustability of the cheek plate is achieved via two male/female screw components. Each reach through the entire width of the stock and cheek plate and both oversized heads are slotted for easy screwdriver access. A few quick twists loosen the screws, which connect through elongated slots in the stock (see picture), allowing the front and/or back of the cheek plate to be moved up or down for a total span of approximately one inch.
The stock butt plate is adjusted by loosening two small setscrews on the stock and rotating a threaded thumb wheel. Total adjustment range is approximately one inch. Once the butt plate is in the desired position the setscrews must be tightened again to eliminate wobble in the loose plate.
Silks Outdoors Note: Since I have never owned a gun with adjustable cheek or butt plates it was surprising to me how much of a difference they could make in the shooting experience. It took me a while to get it all just right but when finished the Predator fit me like a glove. When I pull up with it now the scope is right there and it is clear, the trigger is in the right place and the whole package seems to be balanced correctly.
Although Barnett points to only one safety mechanism on their Predator I see two distinct safety features. The actual automatically engaged trigger safety and the oversized forearm grip. When I think of the possible dangers that are presented with a crossbow there are two things that come to mind; 1) Accidental discharge with no arrow intact (dry fire), and 2) discharge with shooter’s fingers above the flight path (path traveled by the string along the shooting rail). From what I can see Barnett has dealt with these possibilties, one more than the other though. The automatically engaged trigger safety prevents firing the bow before it is intended. When the crossbow is cocked the trigger safety automatically engages and must be pushed forward in order to fire. That takes care of #1 (unless, of course, the safety is pushed forward). An oversized forearm grip addresses #2 to some extent by preventing the shooter’s fingers from reaching the flight path. Still, a shooter with unusually large hands or a shooter who is using a bench or sand bags for stability could easily position their hand on the side of the grip and have their thumb extending above the flight path.
Barnett’s thumbhole stock/pistol grip is ergonomically molded for comfort with a well-rounded throat and contoured finger grooves. This stock configuration allows the shooter to have increased control over the crossbow during shooting situations.
Silks Outdoors Note: The thumbhole stock is one of my favorite features on the Predator. It gives me a sense of control.
The front of the stock unit is actually split, which creates a top half and bottom half. This split starts at the very front of the rail and reaches back approximately 6.5”. The purpose of the split is to allow a space for the “bow” cables to move. The top of the shooting rail where the string passes over is coated with a special material to reduce friction. Barnett adds a small strip of Teflon tape to the inside of the split rail to reduce wear to the cables. The shooting rail is an integral part of the stock unit made of the same material and processes.
The machined trigger mechanism is advertised to have a 3.5# pull weight. It emerges from the stock with a little over one inch exposed for the shooter’s trigger finger. The hidden portion of the trigger reaches approximately half way into the depth of the stock where it rotates around a pin. Just below (closer to the exposed portion of the trigger) the pin there is a bar attached to the trigger – we will call it the trigger bar. As the trigger is pulled and rotates on the pin the trigger bar, which reaches back approximately five inches to the release mechanism under the scope mount, moves backward. The rear of the bar attaches to the release block, which is spring loaded. Now, as the crossbow is cocked the string is pushed through/past the spring loaded string retainer. The retainer’s top portion is forced back and is locked in place when its lower portion catches on a metal bar that protrudes from the release block. The string is now caught in that position. When the release block is moved backward it actually rotates on a pin. The attached metal bar rotates slightly moving it out of the way of the string retainer and the shot is initiated. The trigger safety is a simple blocking mechanism that will not allow the release block and bar to rotate out of the way of the string retainer.
Bow Unit:
Barnett’s bow portion of the Predator has four basic components: riser/body, limbs, limb pockets and eccentrics.
The Magnesium riser body is formed through a Hot Chamber Die process and includes Barnett’s patented Shoot-Through Foot Stirrup. The “bow” and stock unit are connected with a single bolt – see section above entitled “Some Assembly Required”. A rubber piece is attached to the riser at its most forward surface, as this is the surface that rests on the ground during the cocking process. At its widest point the riser has two shallow beds that accept the unit’s split limbs. They work together with the limb pockets to control and harness the Predator’s limbs.
Limb pockets are constructed of high tensile steel, which is covered with an aesthetic molded plastic. Pockets capture approximately 1.75” of the limb’s end and are used to attach them to the riser body. A limb bolt passes through a large washer, through the limb pocket, between the limbs and into the riser body. The 175-pound draw weight is non-adjustable. Barnett’s AVI (Anti Vibration Isolation) technology is found on all four limb sections. This technology encapsulates the entire limb in a proprietary vibration and noise damping material. Underneath, the actual limb is manufactured with Gordon Composite materials and Barnsdale over-laminate. Limbs measure approximately 13 inches in length.
Silks Outdoors Note: The AVI technology gives the Predator a unique look and the performance appears to be effective, as this is one of the quieter crossbows I have tested.
Barnett’s Predator is powered by their Whiplash Dual Cam system. The inertia driven Whiplash cams are CNC machined from aluminum and ride on sealed bearings for a smoother, more efficient shot. Barnett uses BCY DynaFlight 97 for their string, which is made of a strong Dyneema material. The 26-strand string measures 38.5 inches in length.
Cocking Mechanism: Barnett includes a standard rope cocking mechanism with the Predator. You will need to adjust the length of the rope to match the Predator setup, as they are too long right out of the box with intention to fit the longer stock models offered by Barnett. To make the adjustment simply pull the knotted section of the rope out of the handle and re-tie a new knot further down the rope. Basically, you want the handles close to the string when you start to pull. Barnett also has a Predator Crank Cocking device available as well, which has a maximum wind tension of 16 pounds.
Silks Outdoors Note: The rope cocking device is very simple to use and requires little effort in my opinion. Just make sure the rope length is right for the bow you are drawing or you will struggle.
Package #1
Predator Crossbow
Quick Detach Quiver
4 ea. 22” arrows
Package #2
Predator Crossbow
Quick Detach Quiver
4 ea. 22” arrows
Rope cocking device
Choice of Premium Red Dot Scope or 4×32 Multi Reticle Scope
Testing
All of my reviews start with a quality check as soon as a product is removed from the package. From top to bottom I go over each item with the proverbial fine-tooth comb looking for evidence of workmanship, fit, finish and good mechanics. I found a couple small blemishes in the molding process, however, neither were obvious and certainly will have no effect on product performance. In performing the overall review I had the Predator down to its most basic components and back together again twice. All of the screws and mechanical components operated without any issues.
The following tests were conducted on the Barnett Predator: Speed, Maneuverability in a treestand, effect of incorrect cocking, and overall accuracy. The Predator was tested in an “as-is” condition right out of the box.
Silks Outdoors Note: The Predator is an extremely fast bow. Ordinary targets cannot handle the arrows so choose your targets wisely. Also, you may want to remove and re-attach the inserts with fresh adhesive as all four of the test arrow inserts pulled out in dense foam targets.
Speed was measured with an Easton Professional Chronograph with an infrared lighting system and confirmed with an Oehler M35 Chronograph. See chart.
Velocity Test Results
395 Grain Arrow
415 Grain Arrow
440 Grain Arrow
475 Grain Arrow
Shot # 1
389.2
381.8
374.9
362.2
Shot # 2
389.5
382
374.6
362.1
Shot # 3
389.5
381.9
374.8
362.5
Shot # 4
389.4
381.7
374.8
362.3
Shot # 5
389.1
382.2
374.7
362.4
5 Shot Total
1946.7
1909.6
1873.8
1811.5
Average Velocity
389.34
381.92
374.76
362.2
Note: Barnett does NOT recommend using arrows weighted below 440 grains.
Maneuverability is affected by various factors such as width, length, mass weight and product features. The Predator weights 9 pounds, which sounds heavy to someone who is accustomed to carrying a typical compound bow or stick bow. It is still a little heavier as compared to the average crossbow, which according to my research typically range between 6 and 8 pounds. The Predator’s length is 38.5” and its overall width is approximately 24”. When cocked that width drops to slightly under 20”, which comes into play when sitting in a ground blind or treestand. While testing I shot the Predator at various angles from both a treestand and ground blind. The few times the bow did contact the treestand accidentally the sound was muffled by the AVI limb coating – nice bonus! In all I would say that as far as crossbows are concerned the Predator has average maneuverability.
Using a rope cocking device opens the door for inconsistent string position through differing pressures and angles applied when pulling the string back to full draw. To test the effects of this possibility I tried to cock the Predator with one of the string fixtures further away from the shooting rail than the other by pulling harder on one side than the other, etc. I was unable to detect any appreciable differences in accuracy no matter how I cocked the crossbow. There are most likely instances when the accuracy would be compromised, however, I think the shooter would have to be extremely negligent in their attempt to cock it.
Accuracy was tested with a single point of stabilization (top of a fence post). I do not have a fixture that allows me to fire crossbows with mechanical consistency so the “accuracy” test results are as much wrapped up in my ability as they are in the crossbow’s ability. I shot three arrow groups at 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards with the following results:
Considering the retail price of $689 it is hard to beat this bow! Other bows that compare in speed do not generally come anywhere close in price. As far as crossbows are concerned the Barnett Predator Package is a smart choice for those looking for top-notch performance with a reasonable price tag. Not only is it fast, it is also easily customized for individual shooters with its adjustable cheek and butt plates. As I said earlier in the review I would only ask for additional safety features to come standard on the Predator. Another feature I thought made a big difference was the thumbhole stock. A pistol grip just feels good!
Spec Sheet
Draw weight: 175#
Axle-to-axle length: 21-11/16”
Mass Weight: 9 lbs.
Eccentrics: Dual Whiplash Cams
Advertised speed: 375 fps
Advertised kinetic energy: 133 foot pounds
Power stroke: 16”
Available finish: Realtree’s AP
Riser: Hot Chamber Die Cast Magnesium
Limb pockets: ¾ Capture high tensile steel/molded plastic
Limbs: Gordon Core/Barnsdale Laminate with AVI Technology
Barnett crossbow is available for sale again, but due to the limited production from Barnett Manufacture, item stock is not guaranteed. Please call (626) 552-8201 before you place order.
We recently had a customer purchase one of our most popular crossbows, the Man Kung Sniper MK-150A1PB from Thecrossbowstore.com website in October, 2010. Since then our customer has made some self modifications and upgrades to enhance the accuracy and comfort level of the crossbow.
Here are the pictures:
The customer started by attaching a Black Leather sling that would allow for a easy carry and shoot while out hunting.
Black leather sling added (cost $25) Original weight 5 lbs 7 oz. Customized weight 7 lbs. 6 oz.
A Grayling Lite ‘N’ uff quiver was added that holds 4 arrows will make it easy for the hunter to get access to the arrows quickly.
The customer made a upgrade to the scope by attaching a 4 x 32 Dual Red-Green Illuminated Rangefinder Scope with Multiple Rectiles and flip-up caps (cost $50). Dovetail Rail removed and Weaver 20mm Rail installed. And also along with the Red Laser point, attached a Green Laser that will reach up to 100 yards that will assist with hitting a further out target and pressure pad attached with tri-rail scope rings.
The lower one is a green laser and the top one is a red laser included in the pro package, or you can get the red laser from our store.
Originally there was no cocking mechanism included with the crossbow, our customer attached a white pulley to the stock of the bow so that he could add on a Excalibur Cocking Rope that will allow for a even faster cocking of the string. Thumb pressure pad for green laser.
The last modification that our customer did was to the stock of the crossbow. To make sure our customer had spare strings and tips on him at all times, he added a Colt Rifle Buttplate (cost $25) has a trap door for storing extra strings and tips if ever needed.
When purchasing any of our Man Kung crossbows all of our packages are fully equipped to handle all of your hunting needs and if needed they can be modified to our customers liking. Even having spent extra more money to customize his bow to his preference, our customer has been very pleased with how accurate and efficient the crossbow has been working for him.
Thanks for one of our customers: Wghunter, who shared his DIY customized 150LBs hunting crossbow with us.
FOR GUARANTEED DELIVERYT BY CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 25, 2010:
Order by Friday, December 17 (Midnight, Pacifit Time) and select Standard Ground Shipping*
Order by Tuesday, December 22 (Midnight, Pacifit Time) and select FedEx 2 Day Shipping
Order by Thursday, December 23 (1:00PM, Pacifit Time) and select FedEx Overnight Shipping
This compound bow features powerful draw weight of 55 lbs. The bow was manufactured from the finest materials available and handcrafted. With proper care and use you will enjoy this product for years.
This Camo Man Kung Right Hand Compound Archery Set is made of a Composite Deflex handle and limb for durability. This set has arrows and quiver for your archery needs.
We recently received an email from one of our customers, and I would like to share with everyone here.
“Just a note to let you know that last evening I shot a deer with the MK-150A3TC crossbow you sold me. Made the shot at 32 yards using a 15″ 2219 tipped with a Scorpion XP mechanical broadhead. The arrow penetrated both sides of the deer but didn’t pass all the way through. The deer only went about another 80 yards after that.
I am very pleased with the crossbow you sold me. It is light and compact, safe and reliable, and built like the proverbial brick outhouse. The trigger mechanism might not be as polished as some other crossbows, but I didn’t pay $500 for it either. All in all you can’t beat this crossbow, worth more than I paid for it.
The sighting system is slick. I mounted a 4×32 scope on it and sighted it in at 20 yards on the 1st click. The 2nd click stays right on at 30 yards and the 3rd at 40. I didn’t have time to check to see if the other clicks held their yardages as well, but I did take a couple of offhand shots at 50 yards that seem to be hitting about 5″ low at the 50 yard click, but that could have been movement on my part. That’s OK, shouldn’t be sending arrows after deer at those yardages anyway.
I have another crossbow that is very large, powerful, very heavy, and it’s a compound bow. I honestly like this MK conventional bow better, less tinkering and tuning I think, and it shot the same yesterday as it did the day before.
I suspect that there are some who, because of the price of these MK crossbows, might consider them a novelty or toy item, but I can assure them that nothing could be further from the truth. The deer I have hanging outside my cabin is just as dead as if I had shot it with my 30-06. Feel free to use this email as a product endorsement and if anyone has questions I can answer, feel free to give them my email address.
Later, I intend to buy your folding crossbow as a backpack/survival/hunting weapon. Will be looking for them to go on sale.Thanks again,”
From Cal Meyers
We appreciate Cal’s input, and we would like to see more happy hunters’ successful stories. Happy hunting and happy holidays!
4×32 Sporting Riflescope is an inexpensive high quality zoom scope for Rifle Rimfire .22 or hunting crossbow with Duplex View. The scope includes two bracket mounts to attach the scope to our hunting crossbows and most air rifles. The scope comes with 3/8″ Dovetail Rings.
Highline
4x Scope Magnification
32mm Objective Lens
Parallax-free at 25 yards… no “optical illusions” to deal with
Looking for a Black Friday deal? Here, we thecrossbowstore.com offer 25% one day sale promotion on 11/25/2010. Get your hunting crossbow or make it a great gift.
Enter code: BF25 when you checkout our hunting crossbow deals and get 25% off!
Catch your holiday saving before it is too late. Happy Turkey Day! Thecrossbowstore.com is running a 20% thanks giving promotion from 11/19/2010 – 11/25/2010. Get your hunting crossbow or make it a great gift.
Enter code: Turkey20 when you checkout our hunting crossbow deals and get 20% off!
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Customer Review for Wizard Crossbow from our valued customer Cal Meyers
We recently received an email from one of our customers, and I would like to share with everyone here.
“Just a note to let you know that last evening I shot a deer with the MK-150A3TC crossbow you sold me. Made the shot at 32 yards using a 15″ 2219 tipped with a Scorpion XP mechanical broadhead. The arrow penetrated both sides of the deer but didn’t pass all the way through. The deer only went about another 80 yards after that.
I am very pleased with the crossbow you sold me. It is light and compact, safe and reliable, and built like the proverbial brick outhouse. The trigger mechanism might not be as polished as some other crossbows, but I didn’t pay $500 for it either. All in all you can’t beat this crossbow, worth more than I paid for it.
I have another crossbow that is very large, powerful, very heavy, and it’s a compound bow. I honestly like this MK conventional bow better, less tinkering and tuning I think, and it shot the same yesterday as it did the day before.
I suspect that there are some who, because of the price of these MK crossbows, might consider them a novelty or toy item, but I can assure them that nothing could be further from the truth. The deer I have hanging outside my cabin is just as dead as if I had shot it with my 30-06. Feel free to use this email as a product endorsement and if anyone has questions I can answer, feel free to give them my email address.
Later, I intend to buy your folding crossbow as a backpack/survival/hunting weapon. Will be looking for them to go on sale.Thanks again,”
From Cal Meyers
We appreciate Cal’s input, and we would like to see more happy hunters’ successful stories. Happy hunting and happy holidays!
For more customer reviews, please read our crossbow product review page
Thecrossbowstore.com
Tim
General Manager
December 6, 2010 | Categories: News Update | Tags: 4x32 crossbow scope, 4x32 Riflescope, 4x32mm scope, crossbow comments, crossbow review, MK-150A3 hunting crossbow | Leave A Comment »