How to Cock a Crossbow: Basic Principles You Should Follow

Are you having a hard time cocking your crossbow? Does the weight affect how much you pull it back? If your answer to these questions is a yes, then you have to learn so much more about how to cock a crossbow.

Today, we will discuss with you how to cock a crossbow, the device to use to execute this efficiently, and will explain to you some of its core principles. Knowing these guidelines will not only save you time and effort, but they will also impact the firing of the crossbow. Also, it can extend the lifespan of the cables and strings. Plus, knowing these principles will allow you to select the fastest crossbows on the market efficiently.
When you have a rope shooting tool, it will also save you more time and will disregard the hassle in keeping the arrow with you to de-cock the crossbow. Here’s how.

What Does Cocking a Crossbow Mean?

Cocking the crossbow means that you have to prepare the crossbow before you start firing. You need to be aware of the fact that this is entirely different from cocking your arrow and drawing when shooting the bow.
Moreover, you do not have to put the bolt or the arrow in your crossbow before you shoot it. If you already loaded the bolt first and the string slides from your fingers while performing the process, you may injure your foot. So, you must make sure that you pull back the strings entirely. Ensure your safety before you load the bolt of your crossbow.

Basic Principles to Follow When Cocking a Crossbow

For this method, you may need to have a minimum help from a foot claw to shoot your crossbow. In your claw foot, you have to put your foot to keep your crossbow down as you draw the string back. The first thing to do is to point the crossbow to the ground. That way, your foot claw can touch the floor.
Then, place your foot on your foot claw. Ensure that the safety switch of the crossbow is ready for firing. Otherwise, you will be unable to pull the string back entirely. Hold the line using both of your hands. Also, make sure that you grip it fully, and your hands are in a position that won't draw on one side stronger than the other.
Pull the string back using a constant yet effortless motion. Do not suddenly tug the string back. When you yank the line back, it may cause damage to your crossbow. In fact, it can even injure you. Make sure that you enable the safety button of your crossbow during this process. Other crossbows may do this automatically. However, others may require manual execution. Lastly, you have to load your arrow, and you are ready for shooting.
These are the steps you have to follow when it comes to almost all crossbows. If you have a sturdy crossbow, it may be challenging to use your body strength to pull the string back. So, to make everything easier, you have to use some tools to help with the process and to get ready for the shooting.

Cocking Using Your Bare Hands

A benefit when cocking using your hands only is that you can operate the technique quickly. However, there are also disadvantages to this, including it can be harsh on your fingers and you may cock the crossbow unevenly. Also, you may have to dry-fire, and the acidity of your hands may cause damage to the string.
There is no doubt that using your bare hands is the fastest method to use. But, you may also make more mistakes by doing so. When shooting a crossbow, consistency is the key for reliability and precision. When you shoot it into the latch unequally, then there is a huge chance that it can cause dry-firing. In fact, it can damage your limbs severely. You have to remember that you should shift to the ball the entire energy coming from your legs. When dry-firing happens, the energy that is coming from your limbs can make undesired vibrations, leading to tiny cracks that could damage your feet.
An excellent advice if you want to proceed with the technique using your bare hands only is to label the string with two lines beside the flight track. That way, when you are drawing the line, you know that you place the string in the center of the latch. You can also release this when you hear a clicking sound coming from the trigger box. The purpose of shooting the string as even as possible is to ensure that you create the same amount of force on both of your limbs. So, it can result in consistency and accuracy.

Shooting a Crossbow Using a Cocking Rope

Another way to cock the crossbow is a cocking device. The advantages this method brings are that it is cheaper than a cracking tool. Then, it is quiet and comfortable to use. It takes almost 50 percent off the weight. Also, it can create accuracy and consistency when shooting. Dry-fire is also minimal when you use this technique. However, these are the consequences you should remember. First is that you may wrongly adjust the rope cocker. Also, if the retractable systems fail to execute, then you have to replace them.
You may use another helper device in shooting a crossbow. But, one tool that you can use with a crossbow without following the automatic mechanism is a rope. So, when you are struggling in shooting your crossbow, you may try using a cocking rope and see the changes.
The method of using a cocking device is plain and straightforward. First, you have to point the empty bow towards the floor. Then, put your foot in the foot claw. Try hooking the string clamps and ensure that you use even pressure on each side. Draw the line back as you use the handles. Make sure that you follow this until you engage the bow. Place the safety switch in its safe mode. Lastly, load the bow with a bolt.

These are the three easy tips and tricks to boost the accuracy of your crossbow:

#1: Try Shortening Your Cocking Rope

Cocking ropes have a design that adapts to knuckle draggers. For first-time users, they may be too long. When you try to cock your bow with a cocking tool, it may put you in danger, especially in injuring your shoulders and hands. With that, you have to regulate the length of the rope. So, it can match your shooting stroke.

#2: Labelling Your String

A lot of crossbow enthusiasts know how simple it is to have a crossbow string cocked off the center. When you have an unequal rope length, the arrow track can lead to the latching of the string. Once this happens, your arrow may not consistently push the bow.
To make sure that you have angled the bow straight, you have to label every side of the serving when the crossbow is still at rest. Once tilted correctly, check your marks to ensure that the string is equivalent to the distance from the arrow track. If it is not the case, then uncock and re-tilt it again.

#3: Marking the Cocking Rope

Put a line in the center of your shooting device. Line up the middle of the rope to the center of the seam. It will make sure that you begin with the line in the center. Plus, it reduces a crooked shooting.

Every manufacturer may provide a technique in uncocking a crossbow. However, it is universal except for other models. The primary way to un-cock the crossbow is shooting a bolt into the ground. Make sure that it is a safe zone.
Another technique is to utilize a discharge bolt. The piece will make the uncocking of the bow safe and secure. The method is still the same. You still have to shoot it in a safe place. Finally, the most reliable way to follow is by reversing the cracking process.

Wrapping Things Up

Crossbows may come with the draw weight of more than 200 pounds. So, you need to be powerful enough to draw this weight back using your whole-body strength. Also, make sure that you pull the string back evenly. If you pull it more on one side, then the bolt won't shoot straight.
If you must, you can get a cocking rope. It can save you from all of the injuries you may acquire from improper cocking of the crossbow. So, if somebody asks you how you can cock a crossbow efficiently, then you can use any of the principles indicated above. Remember that this will all depend on which method the user is comfortable to use. These various techniques are all easy to perform, and they can all adapt to all your needs.
So, which do you prefer? Do you want to use your bare hands only, or do you want to obtain a cocking device? Let us know your choice and let’s be interactive when discussing this topic!