Best Axe Crossbows: Our Top 19 Comparisons

Axe crossbows combine traditional axe design elements with modern crossbow functionality, offering users a unique blend of aesthetics and performance. These versatile weapons provide an interesting alternative to conventional crossbows, combining reliable sighting systems with the distinctive appearance of axe-shaped stock designs.

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Reviews

Hammer and Axe Game Crossbow with Target

This crossbow is a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its soft-shooting power and reversible rubber-tipped darts that stick to the target. The included steel bullseye mounts easily on flat surfaces, while the compact design makes it perfect for indoor fun. Whether you’re mastering the art of crossbow shooting or just enjoying some quality family game time, this durable toy delivers on its adventurous promise.

Axe Lighted Crossbow Bolts

Factory-installed lighted nocks for Axe crossbows feature reliable side illumination with extended 20-hour lithium battery life. The 0.32-pound nocks include built-in ports for enhanced light dispersion, making them easy to spot after release.

Axe Crossbow AX405

The Axe Crossbows AX10001 AX405 Combo Pack delivers exceptional performance with its. 166 diameter aluminum bolts, featuring Fusion XII SL vanes for pinpoint accuracy. The sleek black, red, and white design combines style with durability, while the 17.50” length and 383 gr weight make it incredibly handling. Every pack contains six reliable aluminum bolts, providing ample ammunition for both hunting and target practice sessions.

Axe Crossbow Bolts

Made for precision shooting, these 20-inch micro bolts pack a lot of punch with their 383 grain weight. The 6-pak includes all the key components: 6061-T6 aluminum nocks and 3 Fusion XII SL vanes. The. 166” ID shafts are incredibly accurate thanks to their perfectly balanced design.

Axe Lighted Crossbow Bolt

Each of these carbon arrows is built for precision with a. 166-inch diameter shaft and three strong Fusion XII SL Vanes. The special aluminum nocks light up in flight, helping you track your shots, and the whole package comes with three arrows that fit perfectly in most crossbows. The built-in light system needs no extra batteries or setup, just install them as they arrive and you’re good to go.

Ace Martial Arts Supply Self-Cocking Draw Crossbow

The 80-pound draw weight makes it powerful enough for small game hunting, while the self-cocking mechanism and durable plastic construction keep setup simple and safe. The included aluminum arrows and adjustable sight make it ready for both target practice and outdoor use.

Avalanche 50 lb Crossbow

This mini-crossbow combines a sturdy fiberglass bow with an ABS stock for a solid shooting platform. It’s light enough for manageable draw weight while hitting speeds of 220 FPS, making it decent for target practice and small game hunting. The real test will be in how reliable it proves with regular use – while the basic design works, early returns suggest some parts might need more durability.

Centerpoint Amped 425 Crossbow

The CenterPoint Amped 425 packs impressive 425 fps performance into a manageable package, with its ball-bearing cam system ensuring consistent shooting. The durable aluminum construction and silent crank mechanism make it a solid choice for both new hunters and experienced shooters looking for a reliable crossbow. Whether you’re a veteran archer transitioning from a compound bow or a first-time crossbow user, this hunting workhorse delivers the accuracy and power needed to bring down game at ranges up to 60 yards.

Axe 440 Crossbow

The AX440 combines exceptional efficiency with a user-friendly design that makes it stand out in the crowded crossbow market. At just 18.2 pounds, it maintains stability while keeping the weight balanced over the shooter’s hand, thanks to its unique split limb system and shoot-through stock. The dual carbon rod system replaces traditional rails, reducing friction and improving accuracy, while the compact profile makes it easy to maneuver in the field.

Axe Crossbow Package with 130 Shaft Kit

The lightweight AX405 crossbow packs impressive power behind its compact frame, delivering velocities over 400 feet per second. Its intuitive design, including dual carbon guide rods and a shoot-through riser, minimizes friction for consistent performance. The included scope features red/green illumination and a wide field of view, making it adaptable for various lighting conditions.

Wicked Ridge Rampage XS ACUdraw Crossbow

The Wicked Ridge Rampage XS ACUdraw Crossbow combines exceptional performance with user-friendly features. Its ACUdraw system makes cocking effortless and quiet, while the lightweight 6.5-pound frame lets you move easily in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-time crossbow user, the reliable 3.5-pound trigger and accurate 3x Pro-View scope will help you make the most of your shot opportunities.

Xpedition Viking X-380 Crossbow Package

This crossbow package delivers impressive performance at an affordable price point, featuring a powerful 380 FPS speed and including everything needed to shoot right out of the box. Users appreciate its accuracy, with consistent 2-inch groups at 20 yards, though some note the scope’s crosshairs need adjusting. The all-black finish with smooth recoil makes it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced shooters.

Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Crossbow

This hunting crossbow combines a sleek 9-inch width with impressive 400 FPS speed, featuring Wicked Ridge’s ACUdraw system for smooth cocking and consistent accuracy. The included scope and carbon arrows make it a complete package suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters who appreciate American manufacturing quality. While some users report excellent performance, others have experienced issues like string serving failure and limb cracking, making regular maintenance crucial for reliability.

Centerpoint Dagger 405 Crossbow

The Centerpoint Dagger 405 combines impressive speed with thoughtful design details like adjustable ergonomics and smooth-draw technology. Hitting 405 fps with its powerful 220-pound draw weight, this crossbow delivers big-game power while maintaining manageable cocking effort. The included 4x32 illuminated scope and durable CNC-machined aluminum components make it a solid value choice for hunters looking to upgrade their setup.

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.

Centerpoint Crossbow Hornet Scope

The CenterPoint Hornet takes backyard archery to the next level with its sleek black stock and speedy 191 FPS performance. The reflex red dot sight makes quick target acquisition a breeze, while the break-barrel cocking mechanism makes it a snap to reload. Each shoot feels rewarding with the kind of precision you’d expect from a much more expensive bow.

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.

Centerpoint Amped 425 Crossbow

The CenterPoint Amped 425 packs an impressive punch in a conveniently compact frame, measuring just 12 inches when cocked. It generates devastating power with a 425 fps velocity and 160 fps knockdown force, making it more than capable of dropping game animals at the right setup and conditions. Users appreciate its solid build quality and quiet operation once dialed in, though some note the trigger pull requires refinement for smooth shooting.

Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical Crossbow

This crossbow packs surprisingly good power in a compact package, hitting 180 fps with decent payloads. The ambidextrous design and adjustable length make it versatile for different users. While some note the plastic parts feel cheap, many praised its affordability and fun factor. The fully customizable shooter kit lets you add sights, lights, and accessories to make it your own.

Buyer’s Guide

Axe crossbows combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, offering users a distinctive hunting and recreational option. These versatile weapons require careful consideration of several key factors to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Key Components and Functionality

Axe crossbows operate via a mechanism that stores energy in a central crossbow arm, which then releases it to fire a broadhead-tipped arrow. The crossbow arm’s width influences its power and stability. Higher-quality models feature adjustable sights and ergonomic stocks for consistent shooting.

Power and Energetic Performance

Power measurement in axe crossbows is typically expressed in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) or joules, with higher ratings indicating greater kinetic energy. Most hunting models range between 120-180 ft-lbs, while target-oriented crossbows can exceed 200 ft-lbs. Power selection should match intended use and local hunting regulations.

Weight and Portability

The crossbow’s weight affects both carrying comfort and kinetic energy maintenance. Heavier models provide more power through kinetic energy transfer, while lighter options enhance mobility. Recurve designs generally weigh less than compound crossbows of similar power.

Maintenance and Durability

Proper maintenance extends an axe crossbow’s lifespan and ensures reliable performance. Regular inspection of critical components, including crossbow arms, cables, and safety mechanisms, is essential. High-quality aftermarket parts are available for upgrades and repairs.

FAQ

Q: What is an axe crossbow?

An axe crossbow, also known as an axe-bolt crossbow, combines the design elements of a traditional crossbow with a blade-like bolt. This unique projectile serves both as a hunting tool and a survival weapon, offering versatility in different environments.

These crossbows are particularly effective in close-range situations and dense forests where traditional arrows might get tangled. The blade-shaped bolt provides additional stopping power and can create more significant damage upon impact.

Q: How does an axe crossbow differ from a standard crossbow?

While standard crossbows fire conventional arrows, axe crossbows use blade-like bolts with a sharpened edge. The bolts can be used for both hunting and self-defense, providing a versatile weapon option.

Additionally, the blade bolts can cause more significant damage upon impact and are less prone to getting tangled in the target. This makes them particularly effective in close-range situations where visibility is limited.

Q: What are the key components of an axe crossbow?

The primary components of an axe crossbow include the stock, trigger mechanism, and bow limbs. It also features a special quiver designed to hold the blade bolts securely in place.

The crossbow bow limbs store energy, while the trigger mechanism releases the stored energy to fire the blade bolt. The stock provides stability and control during firing, ensuring accurate shots.

Q: What maintenance is required for an axe crossbow?

Regular maintenance for an axe crossbow includes checking the bow string for wear, cleaning the trigger mechanism to prevent corrosion, and inspecting the bolts for damage. The crossbow should be oiled periodically to maintain smooth operation.

Storage requirements include keeping the crossbow in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent warping of the wood components. The blade bolts should be stored separately to prevent damage during transport.

Q: What accessories are recommended for axe crossbows?

Most axe crossbows come with basic accessories like a carrying case and cleaning kit. Additional recommended accessories include spare bolts, target arrows for practice, and a boattail sight for improved accuracy.

For hunting use, consider adding a scope or fiber-optic sites. A carrying sling helps prevent accidental discharge and provides convenient transportation. A low-profile quiver allows for quick bolt reloading during use.

Q: What are the legal considerations when using an axe crossbow?

Check local laws regarding crossbows and their usage, as regulations vary by location. Some areas may require permits or specific licensing for crossbow use, especially in wildlife management zones.

Be aware of restrictions on bolt size and type. In many regions, blade bolts may be prohibited in certain environments due to their effectiveness as a hunting tool. Always prioritize safety and responsible firearm ownership.

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