CROSSBOWS

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SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED ... but it's really easy!

WHAT TO EXPECT` Your new crossbow will surely require a little assembly and basic setup, but don't worry. It's really easy. Most manufacturers include complete instructions and only simple hand tools are needed. The bow section of the crossbow generally comes separate from the stock. When you get your crossbow, all you have to do is attach the bow to the stock using the supplied fasteners. Scopes and sights are sometimes pre-installed, but not always. Some manufacturers package these items separately, so you may need to mount your rings and/or your sighting device as well. But again, it's just a simple nut and bolt operation. Finally, you will need to mount your quiver bracket and any optional accessories (slings, cocking devices, monopods, etc.) onto the stock. Then you're ready to shoot! If you're the least bit handy with a screwdriver, you'll have the crossbow ready for action in just a few minutes. If you run into any trouble, please call us at 606-297-1011 or call the manufacturer help line.

WHY DON'T CROSSBOWS COME "READY TO HUNT"? The short answer is, shipping costs. A fully assembled crossbow has considerable height, width and length. The box required to ship to such an item is surprisingly huge (especially if the assembled crossbow is loaded into a protective case). That means dimensional oversize transport rates apply. The same crossbow which can be shipped from coast to coast for $20 (in the original factory packaging), can cost $60+ to ship when fully assembled and repackaged in a protective case. We would love to apply our Hunter's Friend service magic to crossbows, like we with do with compound bows, but it just isn't feasible (or necessary). Crossbows don't require complicated adjustments or elaborate tuning protocols. You just bolt the parts together and they're ready to use. Regrettably, that doesn't leave us much opportunity for HF service magic, and asking a customer to pay a $40-50 premium to install a handful of basic fasteners just isn't reasonable. So we ship crossbows in their original sealed factory packaging. The on-site setup will be up to you, but don't worry. It isn't like assembling a giant entertainment center. There are only a few parts and it really is simple and easy. You'll do just fine. And again, we're just a phone call away if you have questions.

COCKING THE BOW

COCKING DEVICES All of our crossbows come with a cocking device included (to help you draw the bow). Modern crossbows are simply too heavy for the average user to cock by hand (unless you can dead-lift 150-200# off the floor). So crossbow manufacturers are kind enough to include mechanical devices which make the task easier. The standard device is the basic rope cocker which gives you a 2:1 mechanical advantage. You'll still need a fair amount of physical strength to use it, but most people can comfortably cock their crossbows with the standard included rope cocker. If you need even more help, you might consider an optional crank cocking device. A crank cocking device is a small hand-actuated winch, usually mounted on the stock of the crossbow, which allows the user to cock the crossbow by winding a small crank handle. A few (elite-level) crossbows already come with integrated crank cocking devices, but it's usually considered an "add-on" feature. Crank cocking devices typically take less than 10# of force to turn, so they enable virtually anyone to use a high-power crossbow with ease. Crank cocking devices are particularly popular among hunters and shooting enthusiasts with physical disabilities. If you need help selecting an optinal cocking device, please contact customer service at 606-297-1011.

CROSSBOW SAFETY

READ YOUR LITERATURE` Please - PLEASE - read and understand all the safety literature included with your new crossbow. Modern crossbows are no joke. They're deadly weapons which must be treated with the same respect you would give a firearm. Crossbows can be dangerous and potentially fatal when mishandled. Safe use of your crossbow is your personal responsibility and failure to follow all of the safety rules and instructions may result in severe personal injury or death. If any part of your safety instructions are unclear, contact the manufacturer before using the crossbow or crossbow device. As with any high performance equipment, meticulous care and a regular maintenance schedule must be maintained. If you ever sell or lend your crossbow to someone else, be sure they too understand the proper safety and usage rules first.

ANTI DRY-FIRE DEVICES` Many crossbows are now equipped with specialized trigger mechanisms which prevent the bow from firing unless a bolt (arrow) is properly engaged into a safety mechanism. Great! This is a welcome innovation, but it is not a substitute for following responsible safety protocols. Never attempt to defeat a crossbow's safety mechanism, and whether your bow has an anti dry-fire mechanism or not, NEVER pull the trigger on your crossbow unless you have the correct bolt (arrow) loaded and properly seated in the crossbow. Dry-firing your new high-energy crossbow is a very - VERY - bad thing. At the very least, a dry-fire will seriously damage the crossbow. Don't try it. Don't risk it. Don't even think about it. Never dry-fire any bow. Just remember, dry-fired guns go click , dry-fired bows go boom!