Crossbows

A crossbow is a ranged weapon with a bow mounted horizontally on a stock. The bow, or prod, stores energy when drawn and launches a bolt (quarrel) when the trigger releases the string. The stock aids aiming and houses the mechanism.

Most crossbows are drawn by hand using a brace, crank, or other mechanical device, and locked by a trigger or latch. When fired, the string slides off the prod, propelling the bolt along a groove in the tiller. This design allows the user to hold a loaded shot ready for release, unlike traditional bows that require continuous drawing.

Crossbows appear in China by the 6th century BCE and spread to Europe in the Middle Ages. They offered greater power with less training than hand bows, aiding siege warfare and hunting. Later centuries saw steel prods and mechanical draw devices such as windlasses and cranes, which increased draw weight and reliability.

Types include traditional crossbows with wooden or laminated tillers and steel prods; recurve crossbows with curved limbs; and compound crossbows that use pulleys to boost draw weight. Small pistol crossbows exist but tend to be weaker and more compact, suitable for short-range use.

In modern use, crossbows are commonly employed for hunting and sport shooting. Legal rules vary by jurisdiction, often dictating minimum draw weight, bolt dimensions, safety devices, and hunting seasons or licensing requirements.

Manufacture relies on wood, laminated composites, fiberglass, and carbon fiber for the tiller and prod. Maintenance involves string replacement, brace height checks, and ensuring safe operation of the trigger mechanism. Proper handling and training are important to minimize injury.