[Broke Winger]

takes me about 30seconds to cock one, and i never tried to learn any speed loading, its still better than going melee against armed person

30 seconds huh? That's actually pretty impressive. However a gun can be drawn and fired in 2. You could be shot 15 times by the time you get off one shot.

IF your crossbow is already cocked and nocked you have the potential to get off one shot and realistically protect yourself. So you have to know the threat is coming because you can't just keep a crossbow ready to fire, it isn't practical or safe.

 

[Broke Winger]

For the OP

If you are looking for a modern crossbow with realistic potential for home defense. The TwinStrike from Excalibur is the ONLY crossbow I would even consider. Those self loading repeater jobs lack the KE to actually stop a human threat. Again even with the TwinStrike, you have to know the threat is coming so you can be prepared.

Spend your energy and money on something more practical.

 

[fly]

30 seconds huh? That's actually pretty impressive. However a gun can be drawn and fired in 2. You could be shot 15 times by the time you get off one shot.

IF your crossbow is already cocked and nocked you have the potential to get off one shot and realistically protect yourself. So you have to know the threat is coming because you can't just keep a crossbow ready to fire, it isn't practical or safe.

when someone is rattlin on your apartment door, get into closet with your bow, gives you just enough time to get it ready, if intruder is not allready in when you get it cocked, go say hello

it dosnt take 30seconds to pull and empty mag

 

[Broke Winger]

OK so the thread got me to looking around. And a I came across something else that may interest the OP.

Jeorg Sprave Is a longtime youtuber who has built some pretty impressive slingshots, sling bows and other such weapons over the years.He has been working with some folks on the design of a self loading repeater crossbow.

It is now available to the public. RX Adder The price point is a little off putting for me personally. But it is an interesting weapon none the less.

 

[Broke Winger]

when someone is rattlin on your apartment door, get into closet with your bow, gives you just enough time to get it ready, if intruder is not allready in when you get it cocked, go say hello

it dosnt take 30seconds to pull and empty mag

IF they rattle your door. IF you hear it. What if you wake up and they are already standing at the foot of your bed gun drawn?

The likelihood of being able to respond to a human threat inside your home effectively with a crossbow....I would NEVER count on it. That's why I said crossbows don't even hit my radar for home defense.

 

[Broke Winger]

Man, I really gotta start reading more of the thread before I post.

 

[wb_hunter]

American or not, there are a million better defense weapons.
Baseball bats, knives, hell even bear spray.

I saw no need to state the obvious.
Albeit many European countries restrict the types and sizes of blades you are allowed to carry in public.

In most if not all EU lands air guns a regulated. Which means they have a maximum KE rating to be legal. ANY airgun with the KE to stop a human threat far exceeds that legal limit.

As far as I know e.g. 6 Joules (about 4,5 ft-lbf) in Germany.
A proper shot would kill a squirrel.

 

[miles58]

This is really not that difficult. You need a three part system. Pepper spray, a 6 foot handle with a nice sharp spear point on the end and a baseball bat.

You give 'em a face full of pepper spray so that they can't see so well. Then you run 'em through with the spear and stick 'em to a wall (tree if outside), Then you go to work with the baseball bat until you have their attitude properly adjusted.

Much less recidivism than firearms or crossbows.

 

[fly]

IF they rattle your door. IF you hear it. What if you wake up and they are already standing at the foot of your bed gun drawn?

The likelihood of being able to respond to a human threat inside your home effectively with a crossbow....I would NEVER count on it. That's why I said crossbows don't even hit my radar for home defense.

yes you wont need an gun under your pillow if ninjas wakes you up

 

[Exc@lman]

There is no regulation, at least in Finland, you only have to report possession of an airgun over 6.35 cal. All models are lethal weapons
I've had a 22 cal Steyr Hunter (full power PCP) it shot from 50 meters into the same hole!

 

[fly]

There is no regulation, at least in Finland, you only have to report possession of an airgun over 6.35 cal. All models are lethal weapons
I've had a 22 cal Steyr Hunter (full power PCP) it shot from 50 meters into the same hole!

Tehokkaan ilma-aseen hankkiminen ja hallussapito ovat kuitenkin ilmoituksenvaraisia, jos hankkijalla tai hallussapitäjällä on jo oikeus ampuma-aseen hallussapitoon

only if you are all ready permitted to own an weapon

Kodinturva-aseet ovat tehokkaita ilma-aseita - Poliisi

poliisi.fi

.

so if i get permit for .22, i could get powerfull airrifle with notification

 

[wb_hunter]

so if i get permit for .22, i could get powerfull airrifle with notification

As a side note, loosely related to the topic of crossbows and self defense ...

Going through old stuff stacked away at my parents' house, I found a spent .22LR cardridge. I had pocketed it about 40 years ago, semi-legally ...

In my youth, we were quite "persuaded" into paramilitary education, including shooting firearms.
In a very controlled environment of course, as one would expect from an authoritarian state.
Thus, at the age of fourteen, I had the "pleasure" to shoot a small caliber firearm, this one in particular:

An AK-47 look-alike, only blow back operated because of the tiny .22LR cardridge.
Here a link to a more detailled description.
The shooting experience was a bit underwhelming, though.
These guns were not properly sighted in, and round steel disks (at 50m) are not really attractive targets for a young boy.
In addition, they suffered from frequent jamming. And with the few shots assigned to each of us, no automatic fire was allowed.
Thus I wrote the whole thing off as ineffective plinking.

But reading up, I was shocked to find that even the subsonic .22LR variant delivers about 120 ft-lbf of kinetic energy, more than any of my crossbows.
And I subsequently found videos of folks killing hogs and cattle with a single .22LR round - always through the head, though.
Just saying...
I am aware that self defense has little to do with lethality.
The main goal is to stop an attacker immediately, and well-placed headshot with a .22 might not be a practical solution in most circumstances.

 

[fly]

As a side note, loosely related to the topic of crossbows and self defense ...

Going through old stuff stacked away at my parents' house, I found a spent .22LR cardridge. I had pocketed it about 40 years ago, semi-legally ...

In my youth, we were quite "persuaded" into paramilitary education, including shooting firearms.
In a very controlled environment of course, as one would expect from an authoritarian state.
Thus, at the age of fourteen, I had the "pleasure" to shoot a small caliber firearm, this one in particular:
View attachment 243817

An AK-47 look-alike, only blow back operated because of the tiny .22LR cardridge.
Here a link to a more detailled description.
The shooting experience was a bit underwhelming, though.
These guns were not properly sighted in, and round steel disks (at 50m) are not really attractive targets for a young boy.
In addition, they suffered from frequent jamming. And with the few shots assigned to each of us, no automatic fire was allowed.
Thus I wrote the whole thing off as ineffective plinking.

But reading up, I was shocked to find that even the subsonic .22LR variant delivers about 120 ft-lbf of kinetic energy, more than any of my crossbows.
And I subsequently found videos of folks killing hogs and cattle with a single .22LR round - always through the head, though.
Just saying...
I am aware that self defense has little to do with lethality.
The main goal is to stop an attacker immediately, and well-placed headshot with a .22 might not be a practical solution in most circumstances.

i was just lookin someone putting down hogs with .22 brakebarrel, requires ear shot to work
reading this immeadetly reminded me of this video

 

[wb_hunter]

reading this immeadetly reminded me of this video

And I immediately thought "extremely cheap ammo...".
By the way, with cattle, I meant that video. I suppose the many "graphic content" warnings in the beginning are somewhat redundant on a hunting-related forum.
While all the cattle drop immediately, these do not exactly resemble hunting situations. Or self defense situations.

 

[mubeen]

Using a crossbow for home defense can be viable due to its accuracy, stopping power, reduced risk of over-penetration, quiet operation, ease of use, and low maintenance. Crossbows deliver lethal force with high kinetic energy levels, effectively stopping intruders. Unlike firearms, crossbows are less likely to penetrate multiple walls, minimizing the risk of collateral damage. Their quiet operation provides a tactical advantage, allowing you to surprise potential intruders discreetly. Crossbows are also relatively easy to use and require less training than firearms. However, research and comply with local laws and regulations before considering the best crossbow under $400 for home defense.

 

[Iron Duke]

Old adage ... "Better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by six." Get a real self-defense weapon for home defense. If you have to use it then argue the "Castle Doctrine" in court. Other than that, I agree with miles58. A can of bear mace, a Louisville Slugger and a Roman Gladius blade. The bear mace is for your hikes in the woods, the bat is for your time at the local batting cage, and you wanted a replica Roman Gladius since you were a kid. Lucky for you that you stored them all in your bedroom. Not so lucky for the home intruder reeking of Mace with his eyes popped out of his bashed skull and split open like that last deer carcass you gutted.

 

[wis-redneck]

I guess a CC permit could mean concealed crossbow.

 

[Iron Duke]

I guess a CC permit could mean concealed crossbow.

Or ... "Concealed Claymore."

 

[Broke Winger]

Using a crossbow for home defense can be viable due to its accuracy, stopping power, reduced risk of over-penetration, quiet operation, ease of use, and low maintenance. Crossbows deliver lethal force with high kinetic energy levels, effectively stopping intruders. Unlike firearms, crossbows are less likely to penetrate multiple walls, minimizing the risk of collateral damage. Their quiet operation provides a tactical advantage, allowing you to surprise potential intruders discreetly. Crossbows are also relatively easy to use and require less training than firearms. However, research and comply with local laws and regulations before considering the best crossbow under $400 for home defense.

You must be John Wick in real life.

 

[Shooter Mike]

A home defense crossbow, unless you have a legal restriction that prevents you from buying a firearm, is absolutely, 100%, foolish. A shotgun is the best home defense weapon it is better than a pistol, it is better than a rifle, it is the right choice. Being groggy,-eyed at 3am, the shotgun will get it done.

That said, a shotgun is a great general purpose home defense weapon. There are other times when a pistol or rifle would be the right choice, but speaking generally, a shotgun is the preferred home defense gun. Buy an AR-12. Buy a shotgun with an extended magazine tube. The right ammo can take out two perp’s with one trigger pull. Don’t be an idiot. Whether you’re pulling the trigger of a crossbow or a firearm, you’re making a life and death decision. An arrow through the chest might piss someone off. A shotgun through the chest is going to do something entirely different. You have to consider hydrostatic shockwave, and that is virtually nonexistent with an arrow.

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