Top 20 Best 2 Shot Crossbows: Quick and Efficient Hunting

Short-range precision shooting has become increasingly popular among recreational and competitive shooters. Enter the 2-shot crossbow - a versatile firearm that combines compact size with potent stopping power. This article evaluates the best 2-shot crossbows available today, comparing their performance, accuracy, and practicality to help you make an informed choice.

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Reviews

Excalibur Twinstrike TAC2 Crossbow

The TwinStrike TAC2 from Excalibur is a compact recurve crossbow that packs a powerful punch. At just 23 inches long, it’s incredibly maneuverable, giving you that crucial edge whether you’re stalking through the woods or hanging tight in your hunting blind. While it’s built for precision with a heavy recoil, some users find it a bit cumbersome for extended use.

Excalibur Twinstrike Crossbow Package

When you need more than one chance at a shot, the Excalibur Twinstrike delivers. This recurve crossbow packs two arrows ready to fire, giving you double the opportunity to hit your target. At just over 16 pounds, it packs plenty of power for hunting without being too heavy to handle. The green and red sights make it easier to aim, especially in low light conditions.

Excalibur Micro Mag 340 Crossbow

This compact crossbow packs impressive power without sacrificing maneuverability, making it perfect for hunters who need to transport their gear effortlessly. The fully-loaded package including sound suppression and precision optics delivers the performance you’d expect from a premium huntsman’s tool, while the straightforward cocking mechanism and reliable trigger keep setup simple even in the field. With solid feedback from experienced users who’ve brought down deer at 60 yards, this Excalibur crossbow combines dependable accuracy with thoughtful design touches that make it stand out in its category.

12.3” Siege RS410 Crossbow

The TenPoint Siege RS410 crossbow combines impressive accuracy with intuitive design features like the ACUslide cocking system. Its compact 7.5-pound frame makes it exceptionally lightweight for hunting. Whether you’re a first-time crossbow user or an experienced hunter, this reliable bow delivers excellent performance in the field.

Tenpoint Siege 425 Crossbow Package

The TenPoint Siege 425 Crossbow combines impressive speed with remarkable compactness, making it a versatile choice for both ground and tree stand hunting. Its quiet operation and precise 425 FPS performance deliver consistent results in the field. The included Rangemaster 100 scope and EVO-X 16-inch arrows provide everything you need to get started, while the ACUslide cocking system makes it easy to handle.

Excalibur Micro Extreme Crossbow Package

This compact crossbow combines solid build quality with reliable performance, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios from tree stands to open fields. The rope cocking system requires a bit more effort than modern cam models, but the simplicity and consistency of each shot are worth the extra work. Hunters have praised its accuracy and durability, with many reporting successful hunts on their first try.

Excalibur Suppressor 400 TD Crossbow

This compact crossbow packs an impressive punch with its 400 FPS velocity and 325-lb draw weight. The included illuminated scope and quiet SDS silencing system make it a practical choice for hunters who value both precision and stealth. Whether you’re a seasoned crossbow user or new to the sport, the Excalibur Micro suppressor delivers reliable performance in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package.

Excalibur Twinstrike Crossbow Package

The Excalibur Twinstrike combines dual-fire technology with a lightweight design, firing two arrows with precision from a single crossbow. Its compact recurve design and silent crank system make it highly versatile for both target practice and hunting, while the durable skeletonized construction ensures it handles powerful shots with ease.

Tenpoint Vengent S440 Crossbow Package Graphite

The Tenpoint Vengent S440 delivers impressive accuracy and power with its fast shooting speeds and well-engineered design. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to crossbow shooting, this well-reviewed bow handles like a dream once you get the hang of its intuitive cocking system. While it has minor drawbacks like occasional loose scope mounts and noisy safety features, the overwhelming satisfaction from users speaks to its solid performance and reliable build quality.

Bruin Ambush 425 Crossbow Package

The Bruin Ambush 425 brings serious performance to the crossbow table, packing 425 fps power in a design that caters to shooters of all sizes. Its adjustable buttstock and reliable anti-dry fire trigger system make it a joy to shoot, while the included ball-bearing retention spring ensures every bolt clicks home safely. Available in stealthy Prym1 Blackout and Woodlands camo, this crossbow delivers accurate, quiet performance that’s earned it top ratings from hunters who know what they’re talking about.

Barnett Phantum Compact Crossbow

Combining portability with precision, the Barnett Phantum Series crossbow takes aim with its 3+1 shot capacity and pump-action design. The included fiber optic sight and 6 safety darts make it a serious contender in the world of suction dart competitions, while the free practice target lets you develop your skills in style. Built by the crossbow pioneers since 1962, this mini crossbow delivers the quality you’d expect from a trusted name in the industry.

Bear x Desire XL Pistol Crossbow

The Bear X Desire XL delivers impressive performance with 175 FPS velocity, though some users note the plastic bolts can be problematic. The adjustable stock improves stability, and the self-cocking mechanism makes it accessible for shooters of all skill levels. While construction quality is mixed, many reviewers report satisfying accuracy and reliable performance for both casual practice and outdoor use.

Barnett Phantum Mini Crossbow

Made by the trusted brand Barnett since 1962, this crossbow is specifically designed for young archers, with a pump-action mechanism that makes it easy to load. The included fiber optic sight helps kids learn to aim properly, while the suction cup safety darts ensure they’re always shooting without risk of injury. With its 3+1 dart capacity and 30-foot shooting range, the crossbow combines real archery fun with essential safety features, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

Bear x Desire RD Pistol Crossbow

This compact crossbow pairs impressive power with ease of use, perfect for both backyard fun and controlled hunting situations. The included red dot sight and decent arrow speeds make it surprisingly accurate for its size, though some users have noted challenges with the red dot’s precision and initial setup difficulty. Weighing just 1.9 pounds, it’s a surprisingly capable little package that packs more punch than you might expect from a 60-pound draw.

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Compact Crossbow

Weighing just over two pounds, the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II packs serious stopping power behind its magazine-fed six-shot capacity. The ambidextrous grip and adjustable length make it super comfortable whether you’re right- or left-handed, while the Picatinny rails let you add your own sights and accessories. The glass-infused polymer construction feels really solid when you’re pumping it back for that 35-pound draw, and the fiber optic sights really help you align your shot in low light. The 150 fps velocity and 7 ft/lb muzzle energy translate to an impressive amount of kinetic force when you’re scoring hits at 75 feet.

Barnett Blackcat Recurve Crossbow

The Barnett Blackcat crossbow has been well-received by both new and experienced archers, thanks to its intuitive design and reasonable draw weight. At 165 pounds, it’s powerful enough for deer hunting while remaining surprisingly lightweight for a crossbow. While some users appreciate its simplicity and solid performance, a few have noted issues with the intricate mechanics and occasional reliability problems.

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Str Crossbow

Featuring a sleek Step-Through Riser design that cuts down on overall length, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR delivers impressive performance with its 180-lb draw weight and 118 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. The bow’s comfortable 375 FPS speed makes quick work of Whitetail targets at reasonable ranges, though accuracy can be finicky with the included scope – some users report consistent groups around 65 yards, while others struggle to get reliable hits even at 30 yards. Built for durability with an 18.125” axle-to-axle rail, it handles well through multiple shooting sessions withminimal maintenance.

Tenpoint Nitro 505 Crossbow

With its powerful 521 FPS performance and quiet operation, the Nitro 505 delivers pinpoint accuracy for ethical hunting. The EVO-X scope system and 20-inch barrel engineering combine for a smooth shooting experience with quick target acquisition. The crossbow’s 19.8-pound weight and well-considered design details, like the silent acuslide cocking mechanism, make it a pleasure to handle for extended shooting sessions.

Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Package

The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Hunting Crossbow Pro Package combines impressive raw power with thoughtful design elements that make it surprisingly comfortable to shoot. It delivers consistent performance with its 210-pound draw weight and 405 FPS velocity, though some users find the included scope could be more premium. The package includes essential accessories like a rope cocker, 3 carbon bolts with field tips, and a quality 4x32mm scope, making it a solid value proposition for hunters who want reliable results without breaking the bank.

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II

With its compact design and affordable price point, the AR-6 Stinger II proves surprisingly capable for its class, delivering respectable velocity and decent power for its 10.2 ft/lb muzzle energy. The ambidextrous grip and adjustable length make it manageable to assemble and comfortable to shoot, though new users might find it challenging at first. Overall, it strikes a nice balance between performance and portability, making it a popular choice for both casual shooters and indoor enthusiasts.

Buyer’s Guide

A 2-shot crossbow combines impressive power with significant convenience, making it a popular choice for both casual shooters and competitive archers. These compact weapons store two bolts at once, eliminating the need to repeatedly load and cock the crossbow between shots. Understanding the key features and considerations for 2-shot crossbows will help you select a reliable and accurate weapon that fits your shooting style and preferences.

Power and Performance

2-shot crossbows typically offer a power output of 120-170 foot-pounds, providing sufficient energy for hunting medium-sized game while remaining manageable for practice. Key performance factors include broadhead penetration, kinetic energy transfer, and consistency between shots. Look for crossbows with adjustable cocking mechanisms to optimize energy transfer and maintain consistent bolt speeds.

Accuracy and Stability

Accuracy in a 2-shot crossbow depends on several factors including barrel design, bolt alignment systems, and trigger mechanisms. Look for crossbows with multi-chambered barrels that maintain proper bolt rotation, and features like bolt retention systems to prevent rotation during the shot sequence. The trigger should have minimal creep and consistent reset for repeatable shots.

Compact Design and Portability

Since 2-shot crossbows store two bolts, they’re naturally more compact than single-shot models. However, overall length, weight distribution, and carry systems significantly impact ease of use. Consider crossbows with ergonomic grips, adjustable cheek rests, and well-placed sights for stability. Built-in quivers or quick-release mounting systems can improve portability while in the field.

Maintenance and Durability

Regular maintenance is crucial for reliable performance in 2-shot crossbows. Key areas include lubricating moving parts, inspecting triggering mechanisms for wear, and maintaining proper bolt alignment. Durability considerations include material quality of the crossbow’s components, especially the barrel and trigger mechanism, as these experience the most stress during use.

FAQ

What is a 2-shot crossbow?

A 2-shot crossbow is a type of crossbow that fires two bolts in rapid succession, typically within 1-2 seconds of each other. This design allows for consecutive shots without the need to reload between volleys.

These crossbows combine the power and precision of traditional crossbows with the rapid-fire capability of modern mechanical options, making them popular for specific hunting and competition scenarios.

How does a 2-shot crossbow work?

After cocking the crossbow, the mechanism holds two bolts in place. When triggered, the crossbow releases the stored energy from the bowstring, firing both bolts simultaneously. The mechanism then resets to prepare for the next shot.

The crossbow’s design requires careful alignment of internal components to ensure proper bolt release and reliable operation. Regular maintenance and proper setup are crucial for optimal performance.

Are 2-shot crossbows legal to own and use?

Legality varies by location, but many regions allow 2-shot crossbows for hunting or competition. Check local laws and regulations before purchasing to ensure compliance.

Some areas restrict their use to specific hunting seasons or require additional permits. Understanding legal requirements is important for responsible ownership and safe use.

What types of bolts work with 2-shot crossbows?

Most 2-shot crossbows use standard crossbow bolts, though manufacturers often recommend specific models optimized for their systems. Check your crossbow’s manual for compatibility details.

The bolts must match the crossbow’s specifications in terms of length, diameter, and weight to ensure safe and reliable operation. Using bolts that are too heavy or long can damage the crossbow.

How often should a 2-shot crossbow be maintained?

As with any mechanical device, regular maintenance prevents wear and ensures safe operation. Clean and inspect all components after each use and before storage.

Check mechanisms for proper function, lubricate moving parts, and verify bolt alignment. Clean the bow and rail systems to remove debris and prevent corrosion, especially if shooting in wet conditions.

Can 2-shot crossbows be customized?

Similar to other crossbows, 2-shot models can be customized with various accessories and upgrades. However, modifications must not alter the crossbow’s mechanical operation or legal classification.

Popular upgrades include improved sights, scopes, or mechanical aids for consistent bolt release. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility and safety of any modifications.

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