More and more archers are seeking out pistol crossbows because of their awesome advantages. One of those advantages is that pistol crossbows are perfect for target practice. Also, they are more budget-friendly than bows and crossbows.
Pistol crossbows, also known as crossbow guns, require less manpower and are easy to operate making them suitable for beginners and newbies. Crossbow guns are also regarded as the best for small game hunting and target practice. Their arrows travel fast and quiet – an advantage for the hunters.
From this article, you’ll be able to determine the best pistol crossbow for you.
Reviews of The Best Pistol Crossbow
1. Kings Archery Pistol Crossbow
Best overall
Is made of highly durable flexi glass
Is of very light weight
Has adjustable sights for a perfect aim
Difficult to string
Has a bit of a loose trigger
Built with highly durable flexi glass, Kings Archery Pistol Crossbow is made to last a long time for your archery pleasures. The flexi glass rules out the possibility of wear and tear. Kings pistol crossbow weighs only 2.95 pounds making the pistol crossbow very easy for you to carry and use.
It also provides you with a perfect aim for your hunting or target practice because of its super adjustable sights. The arrows move very quietly and fastly at speeds as much as 165FPS (feet per second), making it very effective for hunting small game.
This pistol crossbow is perfect for beginners who are just trying archery out because it is very easy to use and because of its new self-cocking feature. Young archers/hunters will find this pistol crossbow helpful because of its light draw weight (80lb) which requires less manpower. It is a bit difficult to string.
It comes with bolts included. If you get the biggest package, you’ll also receive 123 aluminum and PVC bolts. However, you can get the crossbow alone, without the bolts. This crossbow also has a beautiful pistol design.
The limbs of this pistol grip crossbow are collapsible, meaning that it’s easy for you to pack it up for travel or storage. Kings Archery Pistol crossbow makes the perfect companion for small game hunting or target practice. This is the best overall pistol crossbow we found.
2. PSE Viper SS Handheld Crossbow
Best lightweight
Arrows can move at 215FPS
Has a low draw weight of 50lbs
Has a many safety measures
Frame is made from composite material
Has poor penetration
The Viper SS Handheld Crossbow is one of the most popular recreational crossbows out there. It is also one of the lightest pistol crossbows in the world because it weighs 1.5 pounds.
It has a draw weight of only 50lbs which allows for easy use. This is perfect for beginners, or if you’re looking for something requiring very little manpower. The arrows at speeds as high as 215FPS. Even though its arrows travel this fast because of the low draw weight, this pistol crossbow has poor penetration power.
It has a composite frame and recurve-bow limbs, with a self-cocking mechanism. The limbs are made with durable flexi glass. You can rest assured that you’ll use this crossbow long term.
This handheld crossbow comes with an integrated cocking mechanism and a safety lock which serves as a second safety. This allows for a fast, safe, and easy setup. It also has attached an anti-dry fire trigger. There is a finger guard for hand safety. With this bow, you can adjust the rear sight and the front sight for better shots.
If you’re looking to achieve a perfect aim, then the Viper crossbow is for you. It has a sophisticated track style rail for precision. Also, if you’re looking for something requiring little manpower, this now is perfect for you. This is considered one of the best crossbows out there.
3. Cobra System K-8025 Pistol Tactical Crossbow
Best value
Has adjustable tactical sights
Comes with an extra string
Has an easy self-cocking mechanism
Body is made of plastic
This crossbow pistol is very durable because it has a compressed molded fiberglass bow and a strong plastic body. When you get this crossbow, it comes with 39 aluminum arrows with metal tips. These arrows move very fast at speeds of 165FPS. At this high speed, you can hunt small game with great results.
Another plus side to this crossbow is its light draw weight – 80lb. This allows for easy use and carry. Its light draw weight makes this crossbow perfect for beginners or young archers.
This pistol crossbow also comes with a self-cocking mechanism leading to less strenuous use. All you have to do is to pull down on a pivoting arm lever making the crossbow’s cable to cock much more easily, and even engage the safety automatically. Because of the speed of this new cocking mechanism, the reload time is shortened so that you can fire more shots quickly.
This pistol crossbow also has adjustable tactical sight. This means that with this crossbow, you can shoot more effectively.
When you get this crossbow, it includes 2 strings. This also increases the durability of the crossbow.
Cobra System tactical crossbow is a powerful mini crossbow that will provide you with fast and accurate shots, and especially comes in handy if you’re an amateur. It provides the best value of all.
4. The Prophecy Self-cocking Pistol Crossbow
Best compound crossbow pistol
Lightweight and compact
Has an aluminum body
Has durable flexi glass limbs
Built-in sights are not very precise
The Prophecy self-cocking pistol crossbow is perfect for beginners because of its light weight. This pistol crossbow is one of the lightest crossbows in the market since it weighs 2.36 pounds. It has a draw weight of only 80lbs.
The body of this pistol crossbow is made from aluminum while the limbs are made from fiberglass. The aluminum allows for a lighter weight. The Prophecy pistol crossbow is a long-lasting one.
It is a small crossbow that is beautiful and compact, and therefore, easy to manage. Within 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll be able to assemble the bow for use.
Even though it can’t take down big game, it is perfect for small game hunting and target practice. It can take down small prey with ease provided that you are within the right distance and take a suitable aim.
If you’re just trying to test the waters of archery and figure out if the sport is for you, then this pistol crossbow is perfect for you. After all, you don’t want to make any major investments until you’re sure that archery is for you. It is very easy for beginners to use because of its compactness and simplicity.
It also has an easy self-cocking mechanism. This allows you to fire many bolts in a small amount of time. When you get this pistol crossbow, it comes with 3 free aluminum bolts. Amazing, right?
The crossbow’s arrows move at the high speed of 165FPS. This speed, coupled with its light weight makes for shooting with minimal manpower.
Obviously well-suited for young archers.
It has a red dot scope that requires a battery. The limbs are also foldable making for easy transport. It’s perfect for hunters who are planning on traveling a long distance to hunt. It has been reported by previous users that the built-in sights are not very precise, so ensure you use the red dot scope.
It has a Picatinny ⅞” mounting rail which is far more stable than pistol crossbows with dovetail ⅜” mounting rail. This crossbow pistol is regarded as the best compound crossbow pistol out there.
5. BOLT Crossbow The Impact Crossbow 80lbs
Best fishing crossbow
Small and compact design
Comes with a lever cocking stock
Fitted with adjustable sights
String is not very durable
Cocking takes a bit of effort
Even though the BOLT Crossbow design is quite like that of a traditional crossbow, it is a mini crossbow pistol that comes with a light weight and compactness that makes it an awesome pistol crossbow. For the little amount you’ll spend getting this crossbow, it will give you immense value.
It has a draw weight of 80lbs and can fire bolts at speeds between 165FOS and 200FPS making it perfect for hunting small prey and for target practice. Its light weight is also beginner-friendly.
It also has an easy reload practice but it comes with an easy cocking lever. It, unfortunately, does not have a self-cocking mechanism. And, its string is not very durable.
However, the limbs are made of durable flexi glass while the body is made of plastic and metal parts. This means that you don’t need to worry if you’re planning on using this bow for a long time.
It has assisted cocking and automatic safety to prevent accidental discharges and dry shots. Considering the high number of bow accidents, this is an important feature.
If you want high precision shots, the Bolt pistol crossbow is perfect for you because it comes with adjustable sights. This pistol crossbow has been reported by previous owners to have high precision and 100% functionality.
Bolt Pistol Crossbow is considered the best crossbow for fishing available.
How to Choose the Best Pistol Crossbow for You
Draw Weight
This is one of the main things you should consider while choosing a pistol crossbow. After all, you want something light and easy to use. Many pistol crossbows have the draw weight of 80lbs, while some have the draw weight of 50lbs.
Draw weight affects the penetrating power of a pistol crossbow’s arrows. This means the lesser the draw weight, the lesser the penetrating impact.
Bow Materials
If you are looking to get a durable pistol crossbow, then the materials of the bow’s body and limbs are of great importance. It is advisable to get a bow that is made of non-degradable materials. An example is Kings Archery Pistol Crossbow, its limbs are made of durable flexi glass.
So, consider the materials used to build a bow to determine how long it’ll last for you.
Tactical Sights
There is no point in using a pistol crossbow if you cannot achieve high accuracy. The built-in sights of a bow have a lot to do with the level of accuracy that you can achieve with it.
If you’re looking for something to help you hit a perfect aim often, then you need a bow with adjustable sights. It can also have a foregrip or red dot scope. It all depends on your choice.
Built-in Safety
It is very important that you stay safe. Bow accidents happen all the time and they are very serious. When trying to find a pistol crossbow for yourself, consider safety measures. Some crossbow pistols have safety guards built into them to protect you.
Questions you may have (FAQs):
Safety Warning
Pistol crossbows can deceive by their smallness or how simple they look. They are still deadly weapons that you must keep away from young children to avoid accidents. It is advised that there should be parental supervision for kids under 18.
Conclusion
Now you have it. The pistol crossbows mentioned here are the best that you’ll find in the market. The overall best is the Kings Archery Pistol Crossbow followed by the PSE Viper SS Crossbow Viper SS Handheld Crossbow.
Remember, crossbow pistol hunting is suited for beginners, for target practice, and small prey hunting. You should also take advantage of their light weight.
At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun and hitting the right targets with your pistol crossbows. Explore these options and go get the best pistol crossbow for you.