How To Use A Modern Crossbow: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Load and Shoot a Modern Crossbow PDF download Download Article A simple guide to working this swift, stringed weapon Co-authored by Roger Judd

Last Updated: January 17, 2025 Approved

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  • Loading the Crossbow
    • |
  • Shooting the Crossbow
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Roger Judd. Roger Judd is a Firearms Instructor based in Mesa, Arizona. Roger and his team at Concealed AZ have been teaching NRA, Arizona Concealed Carry, group and individual firearms training classes as well as promotional, corporate, TV & media machine gun events since 2008. As an NRA Instructor, Roger specializes in teaching people how to safely use rifles, pistols, and shotguns. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 59,197 times.

Using a modern-day crossbow is a very exciting and rewarding hobby. Whether you're hunting or simply doing some target practice, we'll teach you how to properly handle, load, and shoot a crossbow to practice shooting. As always, safety is the number-one priority in any archery activities, so please consult the "Warnings" below (and the manufacturer's instructions) before attempting to shoot your crossbow.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Loading the Crossbow

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  1. Step 1 Place your foot in the cocking stirrup. 1 Place your foot in the cocking stirrup. This will ensure that the crossbow is planted in the ground while you pull the string back with cocking ropes. It is important to note that there are a few ways to cock a crossbow. This instructional shows the cocking process with a set of cocking ropes, which is the most common method.
  2. Step 2 Orient your cocking ropes. 2 Orient your cocking ropes. This is crucial to correctly pulling back the bowstring. Put the middle of the cocking rope in the groove. This will tighten the cocking rope as you pull on the ropes. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Place the middle of the bowstring on the bow's top groove by the stock. 3 Place the middle of the bowstring on the bow's top groove by the stock. It is very important that one does this step, as this is what creates the tight tension that helps actually pull the bowstring back. All modern crossbows that employ the cocking rope method of cocking have this groove, as depicted here.
  4. Step 4 Place the rolling cocking hooks on the bowstring, on either side of the barrel. 4 Place the rolling cocking hooks on the bowstring, on either side of the barrel. Be sure the cocking ropes are on the bowstrings, one on either side of the barrel, with the hooks facing away from you.
    • For consistency in accuracy, mark the location on the bowstring where you place the cocking hooks with a marker. This will ensure that you put the hooks at the same spot every time, increasing consistency in accuracy. Be sure that the hooks are oriented correctly, with the open side of the hook facing outward.
  5. Step 5 Pull the ropes slightly so that the handles are even with each other. 5 Pull the ropes slightly so that the handles are even with each other. This will ensure that you are pulling both ends of the rope at the same time
    • Make sure you pull both cocking ropes at the same time. Failure to do so will cause inconsistency in accuracy, as well as it will be difficult to pull the bowstring back.
  6. Step 6 Pull back in one forceful, fluid motion. 6 Pull back in one forceful, fluid motion. Keep pulling until you hear 2-3 clicks. These sharp clicks indicate that your bowstring is cocked and in the ready position. At this point, it is important that you keep your finger off of the trigger, and the safety feature of your crossbow in the "on" position. This helps to ensure you do not accidentally pull the trigger of your bow.
  7. Step 7 Place one bolt into the barrel groove. 7 Place one bolt into the barrel groove. Place the odd colored fletching, in this case white, down in the barrel groove first. Failure to do so will cause damage to the bow, as the bolt would not be placed, or nocked, against the bowstring correctly.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Shooting the Crossbow

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  1. Step 1 Slide the bolt back into the barrel until it is firmly seated against the bowstring. 1 Slide the bolt back into the barrel until it is firmly seated against the bowstring. Most crossbows have a clip that helps to keep the bolt from sliding around.
  2. Step 2 Flick the crossbow off of "safe." 2 Flick the crossbow off of "safe." Make sure that when the crossbow is off of safe, your finger is off of the trigger. This will prevent misfires and accidental discharge of the crossbow.
  3. Step 3 Aim down the scope or sights of your crossbow at your intended target. 3 Aim down the scope or sights of your crossbow at your intended target. Place your finger on the trigger, and squeeze the trigger as you exhale.
    • Be sure to not jerk the crossbow as you squeeze the trigger. This will decrease accuracy. Keep the crossbow aimed at your intended target.
  4. Step 4 Examine your shot placement in your target. 4 Examine your shot placement in your target. Make adjustments to your sites if necessary.
    • If your crossbow has a scope on it, you may have to adjust the settings on the scope itself. For help with that, make sure you consult your scope's manufacturer.
  5. Step 5 Maintain your bow with wax. 5 Maintain your bow with wax. Place a bit of bowstring wax on the crossbow strings every few shots. This will ensure the strings do not dry out, as well as decrease the risk of bowstring breakage. Additionally, regular waxing will add to the life of your crossbow.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How long can I leave my crossbow cocked without shooting it ?? A_zonia A_zonia Community Answer It is not recommended to leave a crossbow cocked for extended periods without shooting it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
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Warnings

  • For target practice, always use semi-dull practice tips on your bolts. Never use sharp hunting broadheads, as broadheads can pierce and go through your target. You will also more than likely ruin the blades of the broadhead. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
  • Never fire your crossbow without a bolt nocked in the latch. Without a bolt, the crossbow string is not transferring its kinetic energy to anything, and thus, all of this energy is being absorbed by the crossbow itself. This can lead to serious damage to the crossbow, as well as serious injury/death to yourself. Most crossbows now include a safety feature that will not allow the weapon to be fired until a bolt is nocked. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
  • Always be sure of your target. For target practice, make sure you are shooting at a target that is thick enough to absorb the impact of the bolt. Never shoot your crossbow with live animals/humans in the way. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3
  • Always keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire. This can prevent accidental misfires and discharges.[1] Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Always make sure you have a clear, safe path to your intended target, without any humans, animals, or obstructions in the flight path of your bolt.[2] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need

  • Crossbow
  • Bolts with practice tips (These are all around 20 inches and either aluminum or carbon)
  • Safe target (A bale of hay works well, but a large 4x4x4 foot block of foam is ideal.)
  • Cocking Rope (This should come with your crossbow when purchased.)

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References

  1. ↑ Roger Judd. Firearms Instructor. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Roger Judd. Firearms Instructor. Expert Interview

About This Article

Roger Judd Co-authored by: Roger Judd Firearms Instructor This article was co-authored by Roger Judd. Roger Judd is a Firearms Instructor based in Mesa, Arizona. Roger and his team at Concealed AZ have been teaching NRA, Arizona Concealed Carry, group and individual firearms training classes as well as promotional, corporate, TV & media machine gun events since 2008. As an NRA Instructor, Roger specializes in teaching people how to safely use rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This article has been viewed 59,197 times. 163 votes - 90% Co-authors: 16 Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 59,197 Categories: Archery
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Reader Success Stories

  • Cynthia Mejias

    Cynthia Mejias

    Jun 22, 2017

    "The close ups really helped. I am new to using a crossbow so it really helped to clearly see what they were talking..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Roger Judd Co-authored by: Roger Judd Firearms Instructor Co-authors: 16 Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 59,197 90% of readers found this article helpful. 163 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote Cynthia Mejias

Cynthia Mejias

Jun 22, 2017

"The close ups really helped. I am new to using a crossbow so it really helped to clearly see what they were talking..." more Carl K.

Carl K.

Mar 10, 2021

"Now I know how to use the cocking strings, thanks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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