Crossbow Roundup 2023

BY JOHN GOODSPEED

The latest crossbows may not be perfect, but they’re coming closer as they get faster, smaller, lighter and packed with features. One manufacturer says it’s producing the fastest compact crossbow with rated speeds up to 460 feet per second and a measurement of 71/2 inches wide axle to axle cocked. It’s also paired with a rangefinding scope.

That’s not the most compact crossbow, though. One measures 5¾ inches axle to axle cocked while another uses a cocking device that reduces effort down to 5 pounds.

Tactical-style bows are more common, too, with many featuring adjustable stocks and AR-15-style grips that are interchangeable with their firearm cousins.

One the downside, some manufacturers were not able to introduce new models and others could not supply details of new ones by deadline. It seems that complications of supply chain issues and residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still having an effect.

Meanwhile, some crossbows that were great a year or two ago still are including one that promises 1-inch groups at 100 yards. Prices listed are manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.