Best Pistol Crossbows | 50Lbs vs. 80Lbs Crossbows | Comparison & Buyer’s Guide 2022

Crossbow pistols are perfect for short-distance shooting and are often used for fun activities, target practicing, and hunting. But check your local legislation to see whether and when pistol crossbows can be legally used for hunting in your state. If you want to get the most out of a crossbow, we recommend the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter Crossbow.

It has a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope. With 118.6 pounds of draw weight, this crossbow hunts fast at 375 ft. per second. It is made with nock sensors, a lightweight quiver, and the Frictionless Release Technology™ for a smooth trigger. The enhanced safety features also include anti-dry fire technology that prevents accidental misfires without a bolt.

Compared to high-performance crossbows, pistol crossbows have the smallest shooting range and can be used for training, small game hunting, or entertainment. But this equipment has the advantage of small weight and size. But please, note that a lot of pistol crossbows available on the market are useless for hunting because they simply do not have enough draw weight.

How Pistol Crossbows Differ

• 50-pound pistol crossbow is the best choice for beginners and children. Due to their low draw weight, they are easier to draw and can be used for practice by people of any skill level and physical ability. But they are not suitable for hunting.
• 80-pound pistol crossbow you can use for hunting rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals. They are usually manufactured with more reliable and durable materials, such as compressed fiberglass and metal alloy, and will last you longer.

Pistol Crossbows Compared

Different models vary in quality and longevity, with prices ranging from $20 to $300 and over. The best pistol crossbow should have a draw weight of approximately 80 pounds and a velocity of at least 160 fps. Measured in pounds, draw weight is the amount of force needed to pull a crossbow. Now, let’s take a closer look at the distinctions between 50lbs and 80 lbs pistol crossbows.

80-Pound Cobra Crossbow

This is the most widespread type of pistol crossbow. Made with a higher power and a more reliable cocking system, it is ideal for adults who take crossbow shooting seriously. It is harder to draw but more powerful and accurate than the 50-pound type. Some models include a package of hunting accessories, such as a shoulder rest and a scope. 

A good example is the Ace Martial Arts Supply Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow. This device has a draw weight of 80 pounds and a firing speed of 165 fps. One of the strengths of this product is its safe yet speedy self-cocking mechanism. It will take less time for you to reload the crossbow. The cable is cocked much easier while the automatic trigger lock prevents accidental firing.

With a price of around $100, this Cobra System crossbow is fairly sturdy. The bow is manufactured with compressed molded fiberglass, but the body is made with a strong plastic. The product comes with an additional 80-pound string, 39 aluminum arrows, and a 4x20 scope.

50-Pound Pistol Crossbows

Pistol crossbows with a draw weight of 50 pounds are the best choice for beginners and children. Due to their low draw weight, 50lbs pistol crossbows are easier to draw and can be used for practice by people of almost all ages, any skill level, and physical ability. While lightweight and user-friendly, they have automatic safety preventing accidental shooting. That said, this type of crossbow is not suitable for hunting. They are also less accurate and made from less robust material when compared to the other type.

Perhaps the most advanced model in this category is the Bear X AC90A0A260 Desire RD Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow, with a draw weight of 60 pounds and a velocity of 175 fps. Compact and lightweight, it comes with a self-cocking arm, a forearm grip, a red dot sight, and 3 premium bolts. More than half of Amazon buyers gave this product five stars, indicating accuracy and thickness as the main advantages.

Trusted Brands of Self-Cocking Crossbows

Since there is a great variety of pistol crossbows on the market, it would be wise to consider not only their features but also the manufacturer. One of the factors that makes a brand trustworthy is the company’s experience in the industry.

• PSE Archery, Inc. You may opt for the PSE Zombie React Crossbow Pistol, which delivers the highest speed compared to the analogs.

It is manufactured by PSE Archery, Inc., an Illinois-based company established as far back as 1971. The company has been designing and producing different types of bows and arrows for 50 years and now is the world’s leader in the production of bows and crossbows for both sports and hunting.

• Southland Archery Supply, with headquarters in Covina, CA, offers a broad range of pistol crossbows as well as traditional compound bows and their accessories.

You may want to try their Prophecy 80 Pound Aluminum Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with the Cobra limb system. This model is one of the world’s best-selling pistol crossbows. This semi-automatic device with adjustable rear sight releases bolts at high speeds.

• Among best-selling pistol crossbows, there are models from Ace Martial Arts Supply, a company located in Whittier, Alaska.

This brand is well known in the market and has an enormous assortment ranging from weapons and crossbows to knives and swords. It offers high-quality yet affordable products and has responsive customer service.

Pistol crossbows under the Bear X brand are offered by Bear Archery, a manufacturer of bows and archery equipment headquartered in Gainesville, Florida. Established in Detroit in 1933, the company started by producing handmade bows and then found success with compound bows.

Mini Pistol Crossbows

Among the pistol crossbows for under $20, there is a Tactical Crusader Hand Held Hunting Archery 50LB Pistol Crossbow Gun. Great for fun target practice, this unsophisticated device weighs just 2 pounds, with a draw weight of 50 pounds.

For beginners, this pistol crossbow might be hard to string at first, but then, they will master it quickly. In fact, even a 12-year-old boy can handle it. Good design is enough strength for this low-budget product. With the body made from cast aluminum, it is durable and robust enough. The metal bow will not snap. However, the sights do not seem to be stable.

Local legislation

Сheck your local legislation to see whether and when pistol crossbows can be legally used for hunting in your state. For example, hunters can use only crossbows that have at least 125 pounds of draw weight in Nevada, South Dakota, and Washington. In Rhode Island, using crossbows for hunting wild birds is prohibited by law.

Best-Selling Pistol Crossbows | Comparison Table