What type of crossbow should you choose?
Is a compound crossbow or a recurve crossbow better?
Where should you buy a crossbow that’s good for the money?
These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when choosing the most accurate crossbow for yourself. And today, we will walk you through and help you answer each of these questions with a comprehensive guide.
Here are the most accurate crossbows (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Snake Eye Tactical 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow -
- Fastest: BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow
- Best for Small Game Hunting: BOLT Crossbows
- Best for Target Practice: Viking FX1-45
- Best for Entry-Level Shooters: Leader Accessories Crossbow
- Best for Deer Hunting: Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package
| 6 Most Accurate Crossbows | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Snake Eye Tactical 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow - | |
Fastest | BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow | |
Best for Small Game Hunting | BOLT Crossbows | |
Best for Target Practice | Viking FX1-45 | |
Best for Entry-Level Shooters | Leader Accessories Crossbow | |
Best for Deer Hunting | Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package | |
Best Overall: Snake Eye Tactical 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow -
- Powerful and fast – feature a draw weight of 80 pounds and 160 FPS velocity
- Provide precise shooting - some sight adjustments
- High value for the price - includes free packs of heavy-duty arrows
- A bit difficult to assemble
The Snake Eye Tactical 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow is small but packs quite a bit of power.
Regardless of its lightness and ease of use, it features a draw weight of 80 pounds and 160 FPS velocity. It also allows for some sight adjustments to get more precise shooting and besides, includes free packs of heavy-duty arrows.
The aluminum bolt went through a cardboard box and broke itself on the cement wall behind it. It truly works and definitely is not a toy at all.
All-in-all, we’re satisfied with the cost and accuracy, and this crossbow is completely flawless for self-defense and/or hunting small game.
| Snake Eye Tactical 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow - Specifications | |
|---|---|
Bow Weight (lb) | 2.7 Pounds |
Width (axle-to-axle) | 17.5 inches |
Length (w/o foot stirrup) | 19.5 inches |
Velocity (FPS) | 160 FPS |
Draw Weight (lb) | 80lbs |
Highlight Features | feature a draw weight of 80 pounds and 160 FPS velocity; include free packs of heavy-duty arrows |
The Snake Eye Tactical 80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow is by far the best overall performer in our test.
Fastest: BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow
- Super-fast and accurate - 400 feet/second of velocity
- Ready for big games - the patented step-through riser, the draw weight of 187 pounds, and cocking device
- Smooth & quiet - CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track & String Dampeners
- Not easy to cock
- Slightly heavy
- The forearm grip is just a little hard and awkward feel to it
We’re completely sold for the decently quick velocity of this crossbow. In fact, it is the best performer in this field out of other counterparts here, highlighting 400 feet/second.
Make sure you have a worthy target as this thing is super-fast and has power.
Regardless, the illuminated scope is wonderful to work in the dark for a more eye on target early morning hours. Meanwhile, the patented step-through riser combined with a draw weight of 187 pounds and cocking device makes it ready for big games.
Very accurate, quiet, smooth, and the price is fantastic.
| BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow Specifications | |
|---|---|
Bow Weight (lb) | 140 Ft. |
Width (axle-to-axle) | 17.625" |
Length (w/o foot stirrup) | 36.5" |
Velocity (FPS) | 400 FPS |
Draw Weight (lb) | 187 lbs. |
Highlight Features | 400 feet/second of velocity; patented step-through riser, draw weight of 187 pounds, and cocking device; CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track & String Dampeners |
Featuring 400FPS of velocity, the BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow is undoubtedly the fastest option here.
Best for Small Game Hunting: BOLT Crossbows
- Easy to fire in close quarters – the weight of 4 ounces & a well-balanced design
- Ideal for small games - a velocity of 160 FPS and 80-pound draw weight
- Simple to find for target practice - The included three aluminum bolts
- Stringing is a bit tough
- The stock lock could be higher quality
This superbly lightweight crossbow might be exactly what you need for the next small game hunting trips. It weighs only around 4 ounces and features a well-balanced design for firing in close quarters.
It fits comfortably against the shoulders while the assembly doesn’t take tons of time.
The unit has a velocity of 160 FPS and 80-pound draw weight, meaning that you’re able to take down small games like a breeze.
The included three aluminum bolts are very accurate and powerful, making it easy to see and find for target practice. Additionally, the sight does require a lot of adjustment to get near the target.
| BOLT Crossbows Specifications | |
|---|---|
Bow Weight (lb) | 3.52 ounces |
Width (axle-to-axle) | 8.386 inches |
Length (w/o foot stirrup) | 24.488 inches |
Velocity (FPS) | 160 FPS. |
Draw Weight (lb) | 80 pounds |
Highlight Features | weight of 4 ounces & a well-balanced design; a velocity of 160 FPS and 80-pound draw weight; three aluminum bolts |
If you’re in need of the most accurate crossbow for small game hunting, the BOLT Crossbows are a wonderful option.
Best for Target Practice: Viking FX1-45
- Easy to use – compact & lightweight design
- Able to customize to fit specific shooting needs - adjustable buttock, large boot-style foot stirrup, an aluminum lightweight barrel
- Dampen vibration well - mil-spec KO 45 front grip, ergonomic KO 510 foregrip, and adjustable KO 540 stock
- Hard to cock without the cocking device
For those who appreciate the benefits of target practicing with a petite, lightweight crossbow, this model is unbeatable.
It is specifically designed to fit your shooting demands, highlighting adjustable buttock, large boot-style foot stirrup, an aluminum lightweight barrel, and ambidextrous auto safety.
Particularly, the crossbow releases hardly vibration during the use, which is a big thanks to its mil-spec KO 45 front grip, ergonomic KO 510 foregrip, and adjustable KO 540 stock.
| Viking FX1-45 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Bow Weight (lb) | 5.5 |
Width (axle-to-axle) | 26.5 inches |
Length (w/o foot stirrup) | 30” |
Velocity (FPS) | 240 feet per second |
Draw Weight (lb) | 175 Pounds |
Highlight Features | adjustable buttock, large boot-style foot stirrup, an aluminum lightweight barrel; mil-spec KO 45 front grip, ergonomic KO 510 foregrip, and adjustable KO 540 stock |
For target shooting, we would recommend the Viking FX1-45, based on its exceptional consistency, accuracy, and price tag.
Best for Entry-Level Shooters: Leader Accessories Crossbow
- Affordable and high value – priced around $160 and include quiver, sling, 4 bolts, and a red dot sight (battery included)
- Easy to use - 160 pounds of draw weight
- Impossible to shoot at a downward angle.
Pricing around $160, nearly twice or 3x cheaper than other counterparts in this list, with no compromise of quality and performance, the Leader Accessories Crossbow is perfect to start out with.
It’s also a good entry-level option to check if you like crossbows or not.
The draw weight of this model is just 160 pounds and the bow itself weighs only around 6 pounds to hold and handle sturdily. Yet, it is very powerful, fast, and accurate, featuring 210 FPS velocity.
The stock bolt is adequate quality for both target practicing and small games. Meanwhile, there comes with a red dot sight, which is by far a good value.
| Leader Accessories Crossbow Specifications | |
|---|---|
Bow Weight (lb) | 5.85 lbs. |
Width (axle-to-axle) | 26.5" |
Length (w/o foot stirrup) | 34.5", |
Velocity (FPS) | 210 fps. |
Draw Weight (lb) | 160 lbs. |
Highlight Features | priced around $160 and include quiver, sling, 4 bolts, and a red dot sight (battery included); lightweight; 160 pounds of draw weight |
The Leader Accessories Crossbow impresses us and takes home our Top Pick Award for entry-level shooters.
Best for Deer Hunting: Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package
- Ideal for beginner and intermediate deer hunters - 150-pound draw weight, 315 FPS speeds, and 7.7-pound weight
- Able to pick red or green depending on weather conditions – include a scope
- Not really quiet
- No string silencers included
Within 50 yards, the Barnett Jackal Crossbow can kill a deer no problem. It is created for a beginner and intermediate deer hunters, with a highlight on 150-pound draw weight, 315 FPS speeds, and 7.7-pound weight.
Aside from the ease of assembly, it is praised for ease of loading in the stand, powerful performance, and accuracy.
There are also many cases where people had taken down decent size deer with it.
The scope, on the other hand, works well and you can pick red or green depending on weather conditions. Lastly, the bolts are strong and sturdy. They go straight through deer with no problems.
| Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package Specifications | |
|---|---|
Bow Weight (lb) | 7.7 pounds |
Width (axle-to-axle) | 26.5 inches |
Length (w/o foot stirrup) | 35.5” |
Velocity (FPS) | 315 FPS |
Draw Weight (lb) | 150-pound |
Highlight Features | 150-pound draw weight, 315 FPS speeds, and 7.7-pound weight; include a scope |
We love the Barnett Jackal Crossbow for deer hunting, and it’s also offered at a reasonable price.
How To Choose The Most Accurate Crossbow?
Draw Weight
In terms of draw weight, you need to first make a decision based on the limited range in each state. The allowed range of draw weight generally is between 75 and 125 pounds, which is enough to take down a whitetail at moderate distances.
Most good hunting crossbows have a draw weight ranging from 150 to 175 pounds with few exceeding 200 pounds.
Type
The next thing to consider is choosing between one-handed and two-handed crossbows. Each type has its own up and downsides, consider them carefully and pick out the one that fits you the most.
Currently, two-handed crossbows are more popular, suitable for most situations including hunting, target shooting, fishing, etc. They offer the most power and highest accuracy, familiar aiming, as well as easy-to-learn operation and handling.
One-handed crossbows, on the other hand, are more suitable for small game hunting. They are less powerful, less accurate than two-handed crossbows. However, they are more compact, lightweight, affordable, and easier to use.
Recurve or Compound Bow
According to experienced bow hunters, beginners should choose a recurve bow. However, they both have their own advantages and disadvantages that you should think about before deciding anything.
Compound | Recurve | |
Pros | Maximize the store energy Require shorter limbs | Lighter Cheaper Quieter Low maintenance Doesn’t require a bow press to replace the string |
Cons | Larger front weight Require a bow press to replace the string Louder at the release point The cams can be knock out of sync | Harder to cock |
Which Brands Make The Most Accurate Crossbow?
BARNETT
Over the past 56 years, BARNETT has taken pride in delivering the most durable products. Not just that, its crossbows are also dependable and offer great performance. If you’re looking for a new crossbow, you must try this brand.
Leader Accessories
With three decades of experience in the business, Leader Accessories aims at giving you a selection of the best products with high quality and affordable price tags. It can be your go-to brand for your future crossbow.
FAQs
What distance should I sight my crossbow?
The recommended distance for sighting your crossbow is 10 yards from the target.
How far can a crossbow shoot accurately?
Most of the available crossbows on the market can deliver an accurate shot at a distance of 50-60 yards max. However, for many hunters, the distance of 35 yards is more secure for accuracy.
How accurate is a crossbow at 100 yards?
While the ideal distance for an accurate shot is from 60 yards max, a crossbow can still be deadly accurate at 100 yards though this distance can result in a 10-foot drop in the arrow and may take about 1 second for the arrow to hit the target.
Are crossbows more accurate than bows?
In general, bows are more accurate than crossbows, but you can achieve the same level of accuracy if providing a steady rest for the shot on a crossbow.
How much does a crossbow bolt drop?
Conclusion
This is the end of our complete guide, we hope that you have got all the answers you want to choose the most accurate crossbow. A crossbow can be somewhat a big investment, so you need to make thorough consideration in each and every factor we listed above to find the perfect product. Good luck!
Bryan Listor
