Crossbow Shooting

Crossbow shooting is a target sport where you fire short arrows, called bolts, from a bow mounted sideways on a stock. You pull the string back until it locks, load a bolt, aim and release it with a trigger. Because the crossbow holds the string for you, it's all about a steady aim rather than strength.

People have used crossbows for thousands of years, from ancient China to medieval Europe. In the Middle Ages it was so feared that church leaders tried to ban it in battle. These days it's a precision sport, and a very satisfying one.

A recurve crossbow has limbs that curve away from the shooter at the tips, a bit like an Olympic bow turned on its side. It's simple, tough and the one beginners usually start with.

A compound crossbow adds cables and wheels called cams, which store more energy and make it faster and more powerful. It's the high-tech cousin.

A pistol crossbow is a small, handheld version made for close-range target fun. Historic designs include the repeating crossbow, which could fire bolts one after another from a magazine on top.

The stock is the body you hold and tuck into your shoulder. The limbs, sometimes called the prod, are the bow part at the front. The bolt sits in a groove along the top, called the flight groove or rail. Then there's the trigger, a safety catch and usually a sight or scope to help you aim.

First comes the safety briefing and the range rules, and they are taken seriously. Your Activity Leader shows you how to cock the crossbow, load a bolt with the odd-coloured vane facing the right way and keep your fingers well below the string. Then you take your stance, rest your cheek on the stock, line up the sight and gently squeeze the trigger. Everyone shoots and collects bolts together, only when told.

Once you've found your aim, it usually turns into a friendly target challenge, and suddenly everyone has very strong opinions about wind.

Good news: that's the perfect place to start. The crossbow holds the string at full draw for you, so you can focus on breathing, stillness and a smooth trigger squeeze. Beginners often land close to the middle much sooner than they expect. Bragging rights are not included, but they are strongly implied.

You might also like Archery, Air Rifle Shooting and Axe Throwing.

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