So I'm looking at getting a crossbow, because they've changed the guidelines for hunting in my area. You can't use rifle or shotgun for deer anymore, only bow or muzzleloader. So, I've been doing some research, and think I'm going to settle on the Barnett Wildcat C5 compound crossbow.

Anyone ever use one of these? Good or bad remarks? Any other compound crossbow you might recommend?

I've got a nice Compound Crossbow that I got for my dad several years ago, and then I inherited, but to be honest, I don't remember many details about it right now. Been a while since I've used it, although I was thinking about getting it out and playing around with it just the other day. I'll have to dig it out when I get home and post more details.

Good luck on your Crossbow shopping. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Well I'll have to take some pics, but mine is a Barnett Demon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

From what I can remember it's a decent Crossbow, but it's been a few years since I've shot it so I can't tell you much...

Looks like I've got to get some new bolts and put some new fletches on the bolts I have, because they were plastic fletches and have dry rotted. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I need better bolts anyway. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Now you've got me wanting to take it out and play with it. Maybe I'll get a few minutes this weekend. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Here's a couple of pics. I'm sure the designs have changed a little. I can't remember when this was purchased but it may be around 20 years old. Still seems to operate fine though. Gotta find some time to shot it this weekend now! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Okay so my mind is almost made up. It's either going to be the Barnett Revolution AVI compound crossbow, with a 150 lb draw and fires up to 345 fps


OR, the Barnett Wildcat C5 compound crossbow, with a 150 lb draw, and fires up to 320 fps.


Both are about the same quality, with only minor differences. One has a scope, whereas the other has a red dot sight. One is a little harder hitting than the other. The price difference isn't too much. It's going to come down to what feels right. I'm planning to go to Toronto and visit the Bass Pro there and try them out; see which one I'll be hunting with this fall.

i just sold mine a couple months ago.i figured i'd get rid of it since i cany hunt in new york with it.

it was made by HORTON but i forget what model it was.

i loved it.i put a nice horton crossbow scope on it made it a real killing machine.accuracy was terrific.its almost too easy with a crossbow but i would definitely use it too hunt if allowed here anyways.

i hunt with a compound bow.i only hunt white tails and hunt 95% of the time on the ground.

I have a few crossbows....only one is a compound. Compound are not readily user serviceable if you break the string. As you can see I favour the Excalibur crossbow.

How often does that happen? Just curious; I don't know anything about crossbows.

Accidental dry fire or the most common reason I've heard of is brushing a broad head bolt across the string......keep in mind the broad head tip is essentially a razor tip and will cut or damage beyond use the string pretty quick...I can change my own string in less than 5 minutes, in the field....the compound string if broken, ends the hunt until you go to the bow shop for repairs. It is unlikely to happen to either bow, but if it does.....the guy using the recurve bow can continue on. Just my 2 cents.

Bramel: Nice crossbows <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I like firing the Excaliburs, but they have one essential flaw in my view; they're too wide for bush hunters.

I borrowed one from a friend a couple years ago, and the two of us went hunting in one of my fave spots, and we were catching up on everything. And when we were set up and trying to fire on our deer, again they were too large and cumbersome, catching on flora and ruining our hunt.

I like the barnett and ten point crossbows because they've just as much power, but they're much smaller. Sure, there's a chance you may have a string break on you if you're careless, as with any crossbow; but that's a small risk for having more ease of movement during your hunt. That, and the Barnetts' are roughly $300 cheaper than the equivalent Excalibur.

I am not surprised to see Bramel has a rack of the best ones.

I did not even know they were legal to hunt with. I have a martin youth bow to practice with and also because it is easy to get through thick brush with.
Around here crossbows (and regular bows) were associated with poachers because they are quiet.

I may have to look into one.