FAQ On Crossbows

Crossbows are used for hunting and target shooting.

Crossbows have evolved from large weapons used in ancient battles to modern, portable weapons used in hunting and target shooting.

Identification

Crossbows are weapons that involve a bolt being shot at a high rate of speed from a bow-like device attached to a stock similar to a rifle. Unlike traditional bows, which involve the manual pulling and releasing of a string, crossbows are shot with a trigger mechanism.

History

Crossbows were used first in China during the fifth century B.C., and became popular for their ability to deliver a high volume of projectiles over walls and other fortresses. They gained popularity in Medieval Europe for their ability to deliver an arrow that could puncture armor. Their destructive force was so great that the use of crossbows was banned by the Catholic Church in 1139.

Types

Recurve crossbows have tips that bend away from the shooter, creating a longer draw length that increases the velocity of the bolt while decreasing the shock applied to the shooter's hand. Modern compound crossbows have stiffer limbs and a string attached to a series of pulleys to allow for easier drawing.

References

• TheMiddleAges: Crossbow
• University of Washington: A Visual Sourcebook of Chinese Civilization: Crossbows
• Castles Unlimited: Castle Learning Center: Medieval Weaponry
• Guide 4 Sportsmen: Recurve and Compound Cross Bows

Resources

• BowHunting: The Crossbow: 4,000 Years of Tradition