Stopped by Cabelas in Huntsville and they had a Ravin crossbow.

Wow, they thought of EVERYTHING when designing this crossbow. The arrow sits above the rail so there is no friction between the string and the rail, so no rail lube is needed. Maybe you've seen their commercials where they shoot a 3" group at 100 yards? It is really impressive to shoot one.

The bow is drawn with a built in crank and can be de-cocked using it. It was VERY easy to crank. When drawing the bow, you just crank until it quits (impossible to over-crank), then you don't have to move the cocking mechanism, it stays right there. The axle to axle when drawn is something like 6". It did require the use of Ravin arrows because of a special nock.

A group of guys gathered around when I shot it a couple times and everyone was really impressed with the engineering that went into that crossbow. Others also shot it and were impressed. One of the guys said, this crossbow makes all the other crossbows out there "junk". I don't know if I would go that far, but they really did try to think of everything to make it the ultimate crossbow. I don't know of anything I would change right off.

The version they had was the R9 that shoots 390 fps. It was fairly quiet and the trigger was very good. The price tag was a little high, but not out of line with some of the others out there. It was $1500, which was a little bit of a sticker shock for me.

Maybe I will save up, idk??? The worst part about getting one is having to start sitting down to pee...

true that^^^^

They are legit 100-yard crossbows.

Saw it in action at the range at the SHOT Show this year in Vegas in a wind that was so terrible I don't know how the arrows were getting downrange. But they were, to 100 yards. It was impressive.

$1500 is what is impressive to me. Put a little more change with it and you're getting in the semi-custom/low end custom rifle range. 100 yard accuracy, sitting with it cocked in the stand, you might as well be hunting with a muzzleloader or shotgun with slugs IMO. Dang sure isnt archery equipment to me.

If'n I had 1500 extra clams sitting around, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Impressive weapon.

Archery!!!



Ok, maybe not.

very impressive.

This is actually a great thing for archery purists (and those who simply recognize the difference). This type of technology, which was inevitable, will force states to take a hard look at their seasons and regs. I wouldn't think that "archery only" seasons could allow this type of equipment to be used. The x-bow industry, with this technology, will force themselves out of "archery" seasons.

Even the website of this product says "sleek rifle like design".

I say keep the technology and comments like that going. It will be a win for archery eventually.

Honestly, the states don't care about that. I really don't care. I was one of the ones fighting it when they were legalized because of the way it was snuck through by the CAB. I went through that "purist elite" stage, then I grew up. I'm just having some fun joking with the ones that use them. One of my best friends has to use one. He was having some health issues last year and I walked into his stand with him and cocked his for him before heading to my stand.

When Extreme Heights Hunter started the "DEADWOOD!" thread a few days ago, he was aware that I had bought the Ravin R-15, and wanted to know how I liked it. I didn't say much about it at the time because of all the ribbing crossbow shooters have to hear, but I saw it and had to have it:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/RAVIN-R-CROSSBOW-PACKAGE/2498266.uts

I still haven't had time to go shoot it, but I guess I'll own up to buying it now.

That sucker has a little bit of weight for a crossbow.

I don't consider myself a "purist" either (whatever that even means).

However, I do believe this type of technology will get states to take notice.

I've always been in favor of the application/permit process for reasons just like this.

I think just speaking out about the differences can get a bow hunter stereotyped as a purist butthole, when that's not always true.

Why do you care how another person shoots a deer? It bugs me that people care enough to infringe on my liberties. Do the 300wsm shooters need a permit because I'm a purist and shoot an open sight 30/30? I just don't get why people care.

I don't get all caught up in the pissing contest between bow types. I own several recurves, a couple of compounds and I use to have and will again have a crossbow. They're legal to hunt with so shoot em if you've got em

There's been plenty of discussions here that were pissing contests and bashing from each side. Nobody's doing that here, yet. Apparently, what I am saying is misunderstood. I'm just referencing that states will notice. Just my opinion. Those states have very limited firearm seasons for a reason, not just for the heck of it.

Yeah, you're right. A crossbow would make a big difference in a place like Illinois.

Crossbow is still a whole lot cooler than a rifle

It's an amazing piece of engineering. I shot it a couple times in the store. I was really impressed. The guy at the store was really knowledgeable.

Wow, you got the really fast one. What are you waiting on? Get that thing out and shoot it.

The ONLY negative is that it takes a special press, which I would want one, which would add to the cost. They really thought of everything.

This is AWESOME!!!!

Woody when you bought it did you get a coupon for a free mangina exam? CR gets him checked often. He even had a private bidet installed in his mancave!

No, but they did give me a discount for my three legged camo pants and an anchor to keep my dick from knocking limbs out of the adjacent trees when I have to turn around on a stand.

The only place a 100 yard crossbow could come into play is in a foodplot. You'll have a damn hard time threading an arrow through limbs at any range over 50 yards in the woods.

I'll certainly agree with that. I'm very conservative with ANY arrow shot. My reasoning is that I don't want to just see if I can "hit" an animal, I want to make EVERY effort for a quick, painless end for the animal. I pass up bow shots that a lot of folks would laugh about, but as I age, I just don't have to kill 'em all. Plus, long distance tracking is one job I don't look forward to, for me OR the animal. I've been fairly fortunate in that regard over the years.

Let me tell you a little about my friend: He's 71 years old. He is a Marine Corps veteran and did 3 tours in Vietnam. He was diagnosed with throat cancer 20 years ago due to exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. You make one more derogatory remark or attempt to make a joke about him again, your ass is out of here. Comprende?

hahahaha

I've read where the string is good for 200 shots. After that they recommend changing them out. Ive also read the first replacement is free. After that it's around 120.00. That's roughly .50-.60 a shot.

Y'all here them crickets chirpin' in here?

Keep taking care of ol' Emmitt, Sonny.

I think the difference is the shared picture from shaw was generalized and your comment was geared towards an individual with health issues and Shaw didn't like that. Kinda simple

Nobody in decent health should take any offense to good natured ribbing from Shaw or you or anybody else for their decision to shoot and hunt with a crossbow. We can dish it back in good fun. But when a person attacks the manhood of an old warrior who's done MORE than his share of serving and suffering and watching his comrades die for us and STILL wants to hit the woods with his friend, that's offensive to most folks. That kind of MAN gets a free pass.

Let it lie where it is.

Sonny has a habit of following up on his promises.

So come on back in here and join the fun of giving folks like ME hell instead. I don't mind taking a little ribbing.

I bought the R-15 and can't wait to give it a try this year. Going to use it for spot and stalk on my Kansas lease.

I don't know King but I would be willing to bet you that he meant no disrespect to your friend at all. Sounds like your have a trigger finger to me Shaw. If you threaten everyone on here with being booted for a little ribbing there wouldn't be anyone left.

I looked it up and they recommend 400 shots or every 2 years.

On normal crossbows, I've seen 200 shots, but with the Ravin, there is no friction between the string and rail. There is only a short section of the string that is un-served.

Just because it is capable of a 3" group at 100 yards doesn't mean most folks would even attempt a shot like that.

Most guns are capable of good groups at distances much farther than most folks are willing to attempt.

I think we all like accuracy. If it can shoot a 3 inch group at 100 yards, it can shoot a very tight group at "normal" distances.

I do not own one, but I was just amazed at the engineering that went into the design of this bow. I think they have addressed most things that I didn't like about crossbows.

I'm sure the design could be improved upon, and will be, but I don't know what those changes would be.

Here's something to consider if you're thinking you can make that 100 yard open range kill on a whitetail:

Just as a rough average, sound travels about 1125 FPS as a baseline.

The Ravin R-15 I have sends the arrow that THEY picked out for optimal speed at a supposed 425 FPS. Also, The bolt isn't travelling at 425 FPS as soon as you dump the trigger; it must build up speed. The 425 FPS will develop after a short distance and time interval just like a car going from 0-60mph would.

Under PERFECT conditions, the longer the shot, the longer that little whitetail pea-brain will have to hear and process the sound as a danger. And ALL archery equipment makes noise. So longer shots ain't necessarily better.

We've ALL had one to jump the string at CLOSE ranges.

So a crossbow ain't a laser-gun that guarantees success from any dumbass holding one.

The advantages come from, hopefully, less movement on your part and the ability to use a scope on the crossbow.

Well damn Woody, I didn't mean to out you like that. I'm hoping to order the r9 soon. Oh and yes I sit to pee, how else am I going to wash my unit with out getting in the shower?

Aw, that ain't any big deal, Joe.

I just decided after the new truck thread that turned into one guy basically telling me I was a dumbass for paying cash, not once, but numerous times in the same thread, that I wouldn't discuss anything about money or finances or buying stuff. I pretty much ain't gonna be discussing my purchases anymore on the open forum. That guy thinks that me buying depreciating stuff on credit is wiser than paying the cash that I saved AHEAD of time for just that very thing. He just wouldn't quit.

I will, however, PM certain folks to talk back and forth as the need arises.

I didn't see any of that. Piss on him.

Usually the people calling other people "dumbasses" for writing a check for a car couldn't write a check 1/10 that big if they had to. I don't think having a car payment is dumb, but writing a check for a car certainly isn't either.

I say if you can afford it and want it buy it. Gotta have something for the heirs to fight over.

hey shaw, I would like to clear up our discussion on shooting cross bows, I was not making fun of your friend,im an old fart military man myself,i served 12 years ,in the 20th special forces and the Dixie division of the 31st armored div. so I have total respect for your friends right to hunt with what ever he wants to , he can use a sling shot if he wants to!!!and you can kick me out of you little KINGDOM if you want to , go ahead and "MAKE MY DAY"

Thank you for clearing that up and thank you for your service.

Anybody want a rarely used barnett vengeance?

Edit: That was a joke. I am so sorry, I'm not getting another x-bow.

I want a Xbow just because I hunt on only 150 acres and it's quieter than booming off that rifle of mine.

Back on the market? What u take for it?

X2

Hunting is still "hunting". The hunter still has to find the game, set up just right, and then make the shot. A humdinger of a Xbow doesn't equal a guaranteed kill. The effective "danger range" of the humdinger Xbow may be a different story. A 17 year old legally hunting in the suburbs with his new humdinger could be considered a little dangerous because that age group doesn't always look beyond what they are shooting at. For that matter, neither do some adults. I know because I've had my tree shot twice in years past on public land.