Have you ever thought about buying a crossbow for home defense? We know that waking up to an intruder and grabbing a crossbow may sound a little unorthodox. However, it could be a sensible alternative to a firearm. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing a tactical crossbow.
Crossbows vs. guns for home and self defense
Granted, none of us want to think about a home invasion, but unfortunately, it is best that we do start to try and make an escape and protection plan.
A crossbow is a comfortable replacement for a weapon like a gun. With a crossbow, you will be less likely to accidentally injure yourself when grabbing it in a hurry.
With this in mind, let us talk about a scenario that could happen when someone enters your home for criminal purposes. You hear a noise and the first thing you do is stay still to make sure it is, indeed, a burglar. They have figured out how to cut the alarm and they have made it into your house. Now what? Well, this is where you would try to keep as calm as possible and find your weapon. Which weapon will you have chosen to protect yourself and your family?
At this point, we should discuss why we would suggest you have a crossbow for home defense over a gun during this crucial moment. First, the crossbow is a lot more silent than a gun. In fact, there are certain models of crossbows that are made so silent that you may not even know you hit your target unless they cry out. That is a great mechanism of this weapon when it comes to defending yourself and home against a dangerous thief.
A few more reasons that a crossbow may be your weapon of choice for your home is that they are less likely to harm a bystander, which could be someone in your family. Bullets ricochet, but a bolt, if you are trained well with the crossbow, will usually hit the intended target without bouncing anywhere else. Also, there is less ammunition to buy because crossbow bolts are reusable.
A word on self-defense laws
After determining some main functions that would benefit a crossbow for home defense, we should talk about crossbow self-defense laws. Today, in all 50 United States, crossbows do not require a license to own or use. That means a person who chooses this weapon will not have to register it.
As for crossbows for home defense in other countries, there are places that do not allow any type of weaponry, so if going on a hunting adventure or moving to a different country, you should study the particular country’s laws before bringing your crossbow along.
While laws change frequently, in the United States, a crossbow can be used for self-defense when the operator fears that their life is in imminent danger.
Best tactical crossbows for self-defense
When considering using a weapon for self-defense, you will want to know the very best one to purchase for protection. The best crossbows for home defense vary depending on your strength, size, and situation. However, here are a few of the top crossbows for self-defense:
1. Barnett Edge
This crossbow has a low draw weight, which is a plus for some who purchase it. The length is slightly lower than other models from the Barnett brand. And it has a no friction trigger which helps when releasing the bolt from its high-velocity launch.
- Draw weight is 135 lbs.
- Length 32.6″
- Velocity is 360 FPS
- Lightweight of only 8lbs.
2. Barnett Rogue
One of the more reliable bows of the Barnett brand, this crossbow is stocked with safety features including a conventional safety and a trigger that prevents dry fire. This weapon is budget friendly and is a good choice for someone that is a beginner when it comes to using a crossbow.
- Draw weight 165 lbs.
- Length 36″
- Speed of 330 FPS
- Weighs 7.5 lbs.
3. Parker CenterFire XXT
This crossbow is ergonomic, high tech, and simple to use. It also has great safety features with a very quiet release.
- Draw weight is 160 lbs.
- Length 34.25″
- Speed of 350 FPS
- Weighs 7.6 lbs.
4. Arrow Precision Inferno Scorch
Described as a basic crossbow and suggested for the beginner, this weapon is made of durable materials like fiberglass and aluminum. With this type of durability, a new shooter can drop it or knock it around with little to no damage done. It also has an easily adjusted sight.
- Draw weight 185 lbs.
- Length 36″
- Speed of 390 FPS
- Weighs 7.5 lbs.
5. SA Empire Terminator
While lower powered, the low cost of this budget crossbow makes it a sought after home defense tool. It is a very small crossbow making is easy to handle.
- Draw weight 175 lbs.
- Length 26.5″
- Velocity is 260 FPS
- Lightweight 4.2 lbs.
The above list of crossbows is on the lower scale of price, which makes them budget friendly. They are also lightweight for ease of positioning. These crossbows are good for most beginners since they have some really good safety features, which also makes them great for home defense purposes.
A few more key notes to remember when thinking of buying a crossbow for home defense is that there are bigger and better bows on the market, but they cost more and would be better for a highly trained crossbow user.
The price range can start from $600 and go up to around $2,600. It would also be helpful for you to keep in mind that if a scope is desired for your crossbow, it will be an extra expense.
Pistol crossbows for self defense
If you feel pretty safe with your alarm system and watchdog, but do want to find something else just in case, I would suggest a pistol crossbow for self-defense.
Obviously, you will not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-velocity crossbow to safeguard yourself and your home if you already feel like the other measures that are in place will probably be sufficient. However, you may be thinking that it would not hurt to have a little something extra under the bed.
A pistol crossbow will not take out big game, but it will slow something down and put a stop to an intruder.
Here is a list of the best pistol crossbows:
- Last Punch Snake Eye Tactical
- Velocity Recurve Pistol
- Prophecy 80 lb. Self-Cocking
- Kings Archery Crossbow
- PSE Viper SS
The best thing about a pistol crossbow — also known as the mini crossbow — is that it is super lightweight. Most are also self-cocking, however, and rarely have a draw weight of more than 80 lbs.
The bottom line
Now to repeat some important self-defense measures to take if buying a crossbow to protect your home and family:
- If purchasing a crossbow for self-defense, make sure you choose a model that matches your level of experience.
- If you choose a crossbow that’s under $1,000, then you are looking at a crossbow that is more than likely suited to a beginner.
- It’s always a good idea to practice with a weapon and to take archery lessons that specifically train you to use crossbows.
- If you already feel pretty good about your safety measures such as an alarm system or a watchdog but are looking for an extra back-up just in case, look into pistol crossbows as an option.
So, what do you think? If you’re happy with the other security measures for your home, a crossbow could be a great back-up plan for you to consider.