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I know I'm damn good with a rifle, but I don't know about a crossbow. The method of firing is similar to a rifle for short ranges but it's ultimately a different cup of coffee.
"Allah may guide their bullets, but Jesus helps those who aim down the sights."
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I borrowed a small one from a friend for a few weeks - Probably considered a hand crossbow, easy to reset by hand and it was fairly lightweight, although it did have a stirrup so you coule stand on it and reset it faster if you wished.
Shot straight, but the bolts are small and maybe only went about twenty meters before arching a lot - so you had to figure otu how much elevatin to give it at longer ranges - and accuracy went out the window once I did that...
It was also a lot of fun, and I regret having to return it.
edited 10th Mar '11 2:32:16 PM by pvtnum11
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The Shadows Devour You.
Its not just bolts crossbows fire as well; I imagine firing an iron ball from a crossbow would be very different to firing a bolt.
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I used to have a smaller one, it was fun to use. One of your fundamentals with any type of bow however is compensating for elevation, just like you do with a firearm at more extreme ranges. I'm ok with a crossbow, but I have much more fun with a bow.
It's easy, mmkay?
What did a crossbow ever do to you? 
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I've shot regular bows before, which is a lot damn harder then crossbows. I imagine a total novice could manage to at least hit a large nearby stationary target, accuracy would be low. Provided they've ever held anything resembling a ranged weapon before. A total novice at bow would not be able to even hit the target they are aiming at, maybe not even fire the bow correctly.
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Crossbows can fire bullets (round shot) as well as bolts. You have to remember crossbows actually have a little bit of kick to them. They are fairly easy to aim and have reasonable accuracy.
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I have. it's fun but I prefer a regular bow, it just doesn't seem to feel right.
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The Shadows Devour You.
Big advantage of the crossbow in medieval times is that it was easier to learn to use. You need years to develop the upper body strength and steady hand required to use a long bow, and even a short bow, I'd imagine, would take work. A crossbow you can learn to use very quickly.
The term "Great Man" is disturbingly interchangeable with "mass murderer" in history books.
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I that's sort of why I prefer a normal bow, the cross just seems sorta lazy
edited 11th Mar '11 1:46:30 PM by joeyjojo
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How hard is it to use a crossbow? How accurate would your aim be on the first try?
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