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Posted: 9/11/2021 6:58:28 PM EDT
Situation:
Female, right handed with right wrist injury, & Yes I watched "The Legend of William Tell" as a kid. I have a bunch of groundhogs making homes all around my house and barn (I think this needs stealth and quiet because they are VERY observant and skittish). I am not a weakling & my arm strength is pretty good for a girl, but the wrist injury limits my ability to do some things. There are lots of stones around the property, so I don't want to ricochet a bullet through my house shooting at the varmints. Not looking to spend thousands. Any suggestions for brand, size, etc. is appreciated. |
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Posted: 9/11/2021 8:27:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: JPK]
[#1]
Get a 223/5.56 and use any one of the explosive Varmint bullets to eliminate the ricochet problem while maintaining efficiency. I like Fiocchi 50gr VMax load.
For a crossbow, Ten Point. |
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Posted: 9/11/2021 8:57:21 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JPK: Get a 223/5.56 and use any one of the explosive Varmint bullets to eliminate the ricochet problem while maintaining efficiency. I like Fiocchi 50gr VMax load. For a crossbow, Ten Point. Thanks for the info! Interesting suggestion of explosive Varmint bullets! I do have the 223/5.56 covered, so I may try that. For the crossbow: Ten Point certainly has some awesome equipment and of course I love some of the top of the line. That is much higher than I anticipated though. Any opinion on the lower end crossbows? |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/11/2021 10:03:11 PM EDT
[#3]
Ten points Wicked Ridge line has a lower price point than the rest of the line.
I have a Wicked Ridge RDX 400 |
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Posted: 9/11/2021 11:02:30 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bigborehound: Ten points Wicked Ridge line has a lower price point than the rest of the line. I have a Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Looking at it on their site. Do you have the Pro View or Multi-line scope? |
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Posted: 9/11/2021 11:23:58 PM EDT
[#5]
I have a M1 Titan and you are probably as likely to ricochet bolts off a rock as you are a bullet. What kind of varmints are you planning on shooting? Losing bolts gets expensive quick if you aren’t getting any meat out of the deal.
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Posted: 9/13/2021 12:47:00 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Lhands]
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By NoImpactNoIdea: I have a M1 Titan and you are probably as likely to ricochet bolts off a rock as you are a bullet. What kind of varmints are you planning on shooting? Losing bolts gets expensive quick if you aren’t getting any meat out of the deal. Ground Hogs...Maybe I should use a slingshot instead. I think I might be able to hold with the right hand & pull with left, but would have to try that before buying.  Must exterminate!We do have HUGE herds of deer around here and they are causing lots of damage at our friend's farm. I saw 3 bucks together the other day, each a different generation, & have not seen that before. I thought about trying my luck hunting deer with a crossbow. MI law allows it. They eat our veggies and fruit bushes/trees. Lots of rabbit and turkey around here too. |
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Posted: 9/14/2021 11:44:48 AM EDT
[#7]
On the lower end/entry level, Barnett is a solid choice. I have the Whitetail Hunter II and like it. In the sub $400 range it's probably the best option.
Ever consider an air rifle for the ground hogs? |
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Posted: 9/14/2021 12:14:02 PM EDT
[#8]
CO2 air rifle would be a lot easier on your wrist. You in town? My city won't allow shooting w/ an air rifle, but a 125 lb draw crossbow is GTG!
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Posted: 9/15/2021 9:43:03 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ReverendMaynard: On the lower end/entry level, Barnett is a solid choice. I have the Whitetail Hunter II and like it. In the sub $400 range it's probably the best option. Ever consider an air rifle for the ground hogs? Hmmm....Great idea! 
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Posted: 9/15/2021 9:52:44 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: CO2 air rifle would be a lot easier on your wrist. You in town? My city won't allow shooting w/ an air rifle, but a 125 lb draw crossbow is GTG! I am out in the country where anything goes. I will look at air rifles too. Thanks for your reply! |
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Posted: 9/18/2021 11:05:01 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ReverendMaynard: On the lower end/entry level, Barnett is a solid choice. I have the Whitetail Hunter II and like it. In the sub $400 range it's probably the best option. Ever consider an air rifle for the ground hogs? @ReverendMaynard - I am still considering getting a crossbow and have looked on the Barnett website. They have a Whitetail Hunter STR. This is not what you suggested, but I do not see what you suggested offered on the site. I do really like that it is only 6.6 lbs because of the wrist injury! Any suggestions on website for how it works/best practices info? |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2021 11:17:53 PM EDT
[#12]
Originally Posted By Lhands: Situation: Female, right handed with right wrist injury, & Yes I watched "The Legend of William Tell" as a kid. I have a bunch of groundhogs making homes all around my house and barn (I think this needs stealth and quiet because they are VERY observant and skittish). I am not a weakling & my arm strength is pretty good for a girl, but the wrist injury limits my ability to do some things. There are lots of stones around the property, so I don't want to ricochet a bullet through my house shooting at the varmints. Not looking to spend thousands. Any suggestions for brand, size, etc. is appreciated. Crossbows are easier to shoot than compounds, and they are quieter than suppressed rifles and don't need any paperwork. I bought a few Barnetts from the Walmart clearance thread for next to nothing. The current one has about a 10 deer count and still going strong. Meat in the freezer. No complaints. |
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Posted: 9/19/2021 12:01:00 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By EEnginerd: Crossbows are easier to shoot than compounds, and they are quieter than suppressed rifles and don't need any paperwork. I bought a few Barnetts from the Walmart clearance thread for next to nothing. The current one has about a 10 deer count and still going strong. Meat in the freezer. No complaints. Thanks for your input. You are the 2nd to mention Barnett. I am looking at them. I will have to see if there are any sales... |
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Posted: 9/19/2021 12:25:03 AM EDT
[#14]
I came across a double bolted crossbow the other day - quite expensive, but the 1st crossbow I've ever seen that offered two shots before recocking.
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Posted: 9/19/2021 9:29:02 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: I came across a double bolted crossbow the other day - quite expensive, but the 1st crossbow I've ever seen that offered two shots before recocking. Yes, I think one of the Ten Point, top of the line, had that capability. LOL, not having ever shot one before, are you saying -nicely- that I may need 2 shots to get these critters? |
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Posted: 9/19/2021 1:05:25 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lhands: @ReverendMaynard - I am still considering getting a crossbow and have looked on the Barnett website. They have a Whitetail Hunter STR. This is not what you suggested, but I do not see what you suggested offered on the site. I do really like that it is only 6.6 lbs because of the wrist injury! Any suggestions on website for how it works/best practices info? I bought mine on Amazon. The STR appears to be a newer version for about $60 less. A hand cranking cocker device can be added to both which you might consider. Using a rope cocker may be difficult with a bad wrist. The scope kind of sucks as I upgraded mine after one deer season. There are plenty of you tube videos showing unboxing and use of just about every model. |
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Posted: 9/19/2021 1:10:00 PM EDT
[#17]
The WT Hunter II is 6.0 pounds. You can also add dampeners which will make crossbows even a little quieter.
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Posted: 9/19/2021 4:42:17 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lhands: Yes, I think one of the Ten Point, top of the line, had that capability. LOL, not having ever shot one before, are you saying -nicely- that I may need 2 shots to get these critters? Not at all. We have no limits on hogs in Texas, and up to 7 deer a season if you hunt in the right counties. Would be a shame to pass up a nice doe just so you can get the bigger buck. There's also a CO2 powered cocking/decocking line, which are quite a bit less expensive now than when they came out. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2021 7:56:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ReverendMaynard: I bought mine on Amazon. The STR appears to be a newer version for about $60 less. A hand cranking cocker device can be added to both which you might consider. Using a rope cocker may be difficult with a bad wrist. The scope kind of sucks as I upgraded mine after one deer season. There are plenty of you tube videos showing unboxing and use of just about every model. In my opinion, it wouldn't be rough on a wrist because there's no twisting. You're pulling the cocker straight back like a bent over row. But I guess that depends on how jacked the wrist is. @ReverendMaynard What scope did you go with? |
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Posted: 9/19/2021 8:08:59 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By EEnginerd: In my opinion, it wouldn't be rough on a wrist because there's no twisting. You're pulling the cocker straight back like a bent over row. But I guess that depends on how jacked the wrist is. @ReverendMaynard What scope did you go with? UTG. Just sighted it in yesterday. Like it so far. |
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Posted: 9/20/2021 8:02:29 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: Not at all. We have no limits on hogs in Texas, and up to 7 deer a season if you hunt in the right counties. Would be a shame to pass up a nice doe just so you can get the bigger buck. There's also a CO2 powered cocking/decocking line, which are quite a bit less expensive now than when they came out. I did see something about a powered cocking/de-cocking device. I think I read something about the sound and possibly scaring the ground hogs since they are so skittish. I am sure it would be much easier for me though... Unlimited deer on the farm when they are decimating your crops. |
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Posted: 9/20/2021 8:06:41 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ReverendMaynard: I bought mine on Amazon. The STR appears to be a newer version for about $60 less. A hand cranking cocker device can be added to both which you might consider. Using a rope cocker may be difficult with a bad wrist. The scope kind of sucks as I upgraded mine after one deer season. There are plenty of you tube videos showing unboxing and use of just about every model. I did see the hand crank and was considering that. Will have to look at YouTube to see how they work. {Seems like the crank would get in the way, but I assume you remove it after each time.} |
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Posted: 9/20/2021 10:13:24 PM EDT
[#23]
If they're eating your crops, you need a ballista.
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Posted: 9/20/2021 10:24:19 PM EDT
[#24]
Centerpoint Sniper Elite for $299, plus crank if you don't want to draw by hand for an extra $80. Centerpoint gets great reviews, with some great features for the money. Mine has been super accurate. A little front heavy but again most budget crossbows for the money will be, or be shooting slower.
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/21/2021 8:40:09 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lhands: Looking at it on their site. Do you have the Pro View or Multi-line scope? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lhands: Originally Posted By bigborehound: Ten points Wicked Ridge line has a lower price point than the rest of the line. I have a Wicked Ridge RDX 400 Looking at it on their site. Do you have the Pro View or Multi-line scope? I have the multi line. It's okay, I've been looking to replace it, though. |
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Posted: 9/22/2021 11:57:42 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ShamusMcOI: Centerpoint Sniper Elite for $299, plus crank if you don't want to draw by hand for an extra $80. Centerpoint gets great reviews, with some great features for the money. Mine has been super accurate. A little front heavy but again most budget crossbows for the money will be, or be shooting slower. Interesting! Little heavier than the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR, but less expensive. |
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Posted: 10/6/2021 8:31:05 AM EDT
[#27]
@Lhands, ever make a decision?
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Posted: 10/7/2021 8:44:28 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ReverendMaynard: @Lhands, ever make a decision? @ReverendMaynard Been busy helping a friend with a bum knee, but plan to visit a store near by this weekend so I can handle a crossbow or 3. The Groundhogs moved on because I kept drowning out their holes. However, I do plan to buy and learn to use a crossbow. Plenty of deer and rabbits around to try my luck at! Good to have another type of weapon too... I will let you know my choice!  |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/13/2021 3:58:53 PM EDT
[#29]
I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. I've not come across any crossbows under $500 that looked like they would last long or could be hunted with. Hopefully, you find out otherwise as I'd love to add one to my arsenal...I mean collection.
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Posted: 10/13/2021 9:15:23 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Brandi: I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. I've not come across any crossbows under $500 that looked like they would last long or could be hunted with. Hopefully, you find out otherwise as I'd love to add one to my arsenal...I mean collection. Have you seen or handled any of the Barnett’s? Mine’s taken three deer the last two years and shows no reason it won’t last for many years to come. A poster above said his has taken about ten deer. There’s absolutely no reason you can’t hunt with a sub $500 crossbow. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/20/2021 9:20:54 PM EDT
[#31]
Barnett has really upped their game since last time I looked (which was several years ago). They have some pretty modern crossbows at decent prices.
Out of curiosity, which one do you shoot? |
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Posted: 10/21/2021 8:39:22 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Brandi: Barnett has really upped their game since last time I looked (which was several years ago). They have some pretty modern crossbows at decent prices. Out of curiosity, which one do you shoot? The Whitetail Hunter II which apparently has been discontinued. Bought it before deer season last year on Amazon on sale for $375. Just took my fourth deer with it this past weekend. Seems that the WH STR is the newer version at $420. It has integrated the foot stirrup directly into the riser. It shoots a 22" bolt at 375 ft/s versus the 20" at 350ft/s of the WH II. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/22/2021 1:47:43 AM EDT
[#33]
Thanks
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Posted: 10/26/2021 11:23:30 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lhands: I did see something about a powered cocking/de-cocking device. I think I read something about the sound and possibly scaring the ground hogs since they are so skittish. I am sure it would be much easier for me though... Unlimited deer on the farm when they are decimating your crops. I have the Hand crank on my Ten Point Viper 400 and my wife loves it. We had a Wicked Ridge with the Accudraw 50 before and she would have problems with it. Not to mention it was a bit noisy. |
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