Crossbow cocking methods have evolved over the years.
Crossbows have been used for hunting and warfare since the Middle Ages. Similar to an archery bow in some ways, a crossbow uses a drawn string to propel a short, sharp dart, or bolt, toward a target. Unlike bows that are drawn and released almost immediately, a crossbow can be cocked and kept in shooting position until ready to fire. There are several methods of cocking a crossbow, each with different advantages and drawbacks.
Manual Cocking
The simplest and fastest way of cocking a crossbow, Hunter's Friend (huntersfriend.com) suggests, is also the method that requires the most brute strength. To manually cock a crossbow the shooter places his foot in a stirrup to hold the crossbow, then grabs the string with his hands and pulls it into the cocked position. One must be able to dead lift about 150 lbs. straight off the ground, Hunter's Friend says, to be able to manually cock most crossbows. Unless the string is drawn back and locked into place precisely at its midpoint, this method can produce shots that veer off target.
Rope Cocking
Because manually cocking a crossbow requires such force, many products have been developed to make the process easier. Rope cocking devices, according to "Cossbow Hunting" by William Hovey Smith, give a shooter a 50 percent mechanical advantage; that is, a shooter must be able to pull about 75 lbs. rather than the estimated 150 for manual cocking. The advantage is generated through the use of pulleys. Rope runs through the pulley system and clips attach to the crossbow string. When the cocking device is in place, the shooter grasps the handles at rope's end and pulls the string until it locks in position. The pulley mechanism may be nothing more than a groove or hole in the stock through which the cocking cord is threaded.
This method can take longer than manual cocking and requires a lengthier, but less heavy, pull. Using this method can help ensure that the bow string is properly aligned -- as opposed to manual cocking -- allowing the bolt to fly straighter when fired. Marking the bow string's center point gives a visual mark to use when gauging if the string is in proper position.
Crank Cocking
Crank cocking devices for crossbows, according to Hunter's Friend, may be sold as crossbow accessories or manufactured as part of the weapon. Essentially a small hand winch, crank cocking devices usually require only a small amount of force (about 10 lbs. or so) to crank. Crank cocking devices are more expensive than other tools (most cost more than $100) and require a bit more time to complete the cocking action.
Auto-Cocking Crossbows
New auto-cocking crossbows are now on the market, according to the Charlestown Gazette (wvgazette.com), which utilize carbon dioxide canisters to automatically cock the crossbow's string. The technology is similar to that used in auto-cocking paintball guns and allows cocking of the crossbow with a simple touch of a button. Regulations regarding the legality of hunting with crossbows vary by state; check with your local officials for specific laws regarding auto-cocking crossbows.
Tags: cocking crossbow, cocking devices, Hunter Friend, manual cocking, auto-cocking crossbows
