Posted: 8/16/2015 7:23:39 PM EDT
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Cabelas had these $100 off during their door buster on Saturday, so I picked one up on a whim.
Now, I'm wondering if I should put it together and learn to shoot it (recreation) or take it back and get something serious when/if I get serious. This is it |
Official Arfcom Nickname: Nosebleed
My avatar is here (you're welcome): https://www.google.com/search?q=gemma+atkinson&tbm=isch
My avatar is here (you're welcome): https://www.google.com/search?q=gemma+atkinson&tbm=isch
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I looked at the Raptor when I bought my second crossbow. I ultimately decided to go with the Penetrator, which as far as I can tell is the next option up.
The Penetrator is a good crossbow that's rough around the edges. It is not as smooth to cock as my Covert CX2 despite having a lower draw weight and the shot is a bit more violent. However, it is quite accurate, and it will take deer without a second thought. So I would say that not only is it a fun toy, it's more than capable of taking deer should you be so inclined. Keep in mind that I am making the assumption that the slightly smaller and lighter Raptor has similar characteristics to the Penetrator, which I think is a fair one. |
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Originally Posted By D_J:
Thanks for the feedback - two completely opposite reviews. 
FWIW, I haven't wasted a penny since this has a 90 day return window. Honestly, it depends on how it feels to you and how well you shoot it. The Penetrator was the same price to me as the Fang and the fang felt like a toy. I don't own any PSE crossbows, but I do have a PSE compound and it's an excellent bow. I guess I would say that an entry-level Barnett is probably on the level of a Mossberg rifle, Savage Axis, Remington 77x/78x, or something like that...you get what you pay for. They're known companies and they make some high-end rifles, but their entry-level rifles are entry-level. The same applies here. Crossbows are not made equally by any stretch of the imagination and I think you will find that more expensive crossbows are lighter, smoother, and easier to carry. They will all take deer without a problem. |
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Originally Posted By FS7:
Honestly, it depends on how it feels to you and how well you shoot it. The Penetrator was the same price to me as the Fang and the fang felt like a toy. I don't own any PSE crossbows, but I do have a PSE compound and it's an excellent bow. I guess I would say that an entry-level Barnett is probably on the level of a Mossberg rifle, Savage Axis, Remington 77x/78x, or something like that...you get what you pay for. They're known companies and they make some high-end rifles, but their entry-level rifles are entry-level. The same applies here. Crossbows are not made equally by any stretch of the imagination and I think you will find that more expensive crossbows are lighter, smoother, and easier to carry. They will all take deer without a problem. Originally Posted By FS7:
Originally Posted By D_J:
Thanks for the feedback - two completely opposite reviews.
FWIW, I haven't wasted a penny since this has a 90 day return window. Honestly, it depends on how it feels to you and how well you shoot it. The Penetrator was the same price to me as the Fang and the fang felt like a toy. I don't own any PSE crossbows, but I do have a PSE compound and it's an excellent bow. I guess I would say that an entry-level Barnett is probably on the level of a Mossberg rifle, Savage Axis, Remington 77x/78x, or something like that...you get what you pay for. They're known companies and they make some high-end rifles, but their entry-level rifles are entry-level. The same applies here. Crossbows are not made equally by any stretch of the imagination and I think you will find that more expensive crossbows are lighter, smoother, and easier to carry. They will all take deer without a problem. Fair enough. My only shotgun is a mossberg 500. It works. And it gets shot twice a year. Maybe. I appreciate the feedback. |
Official Arfcom Nickname: Nosebleed
My avatar is here (you're welcome): https://www.google.com/search?q=gemma+atkinson&tbm=isch
My avatar is here (you're welcome): https://www.google.com/search?q=gemma+atkinson&tbm=isch
| Looks like the one I've had for a couple of years. I've been satisfied with it, except for the stock; although I modified it and it's tolerable. I handed it down this year and bought another cheap crossbow (centerpoint sniper 370) with a more adjustable stock. I haven't taken game with either one, but both seem very capable. As noted a quality scope or other sight is desirable. |
