8 Best Crossbow for Home Defense Reviews (Top of the Year)
Having a good weapon near your hand all the time is important to keep you and your beloved one protected. Though most people like to have a firearm for home defense, a crossbow can be a good option as well. It offers easy shooting with less sound to defend yourself without alerting the assailant.
Apart from that, its reusable ammunition allows you to practice shooting without wasting an arrow to save money. However, to get all those benefits, you need the best crossbow for home defense that will assure reliability, flexibility, and most importantly, durability. Stick to the end of this content to find out the best home defense crossbow for you.
Are Crossbows Good for Home Defense?
Crossbows are not only good for hunting but also home defense, but in certain situations and conditions and to certain people. It requires practice to be a master of it and use it. If you are a housewife or someone with zero knowledge of crossbows, this is not a weapon for you. Without being good at archery, you cannot shoot fast. It indicates that crossbows are good for the situation where you will get enough time to prepare your crossbow to shoot.
Moreover, crossbows do not make much sound like firearms that may alert the invader to add additional advantage. Even it has the capability to kill the assailant as well. Finally, it is always better to have something than nothing for home defense. So yes, crossbows are surely good for your home defense along with hunting.
How Did We Make This Review?
We have gone through a good number of contents on the internet to recognize what makes a crossbow cost. Then we have shortlisted the most popular and best-selling crossbows based on our research. We have also considered the review of these products before making the final selection. So, we can rely on the products mentioned in the article.
30 Sec Quick Summary – Best Crossbow For Home Defense
- Most Powerful – CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package
“Impressive 370 FPS speed with high-accuracy and impressive design”
- Best Overall – Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package
“Overall optimized crossbow for a decent and accurate performance at any condition”
- Best Design – Jaguar CR-013 Series Crossbow Kit
“Looks like a rifle with the mechanism of a crossbow, easy to aim for accurate shoots”
- Excellent Durability – KingsArchery Crossbow Pistol Self Cocking 80 LBS Adjustable Sights
“High-quality fiberglass construction for ease of use and extreme durability”
“Self-cocking feature for easy and faster shoots”.
- Best Entry Level Crossbow – Snake Eye Tactical Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow
“Easy to use features with optimizations for novice users”
- Best High-end Crossbow – Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Mossy Oak Bottomland Crossbow
“High-end and powerful crossbow with Step-Through Riser (STR) technology for ease of use and accuracy”
- Best Well-optimized Crossbow – TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow Package
“Auto-engaging safety features, durable constructions with optimizations for power and accuracy”
Table of Content:
Are you in a hurry? Or would you love to read a specific section in this content? Then check this table of content out below.
Comparison Chart:
We have created a comparison chart with some good home defense crossbows. Check this out to make a better decision.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Most Powerful
|
CenterPoint AXCS185CK Sniper 370 Crossbow Package |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best Overall
|
Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best Design
|
Jaguar CR-013BK Crossbow Kit |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Excellent Durability
|
KingsArchery Crossbow Self-Cocking 80 LBS |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Easy to Use
|
Southland Archery Supply Prophecy 80 Pound |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best Entry Level Crossbow
|
80lbs Self Cocking Cobra Crossbow |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best High-end Crossbow
|
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Mossy Oak Bottomland Crossbow |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best Well-optimized Crossbow
|
Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow |
Dimensions: Not listed Weight: 6 pounds Brand: TenPoint Crossbow Technologies Speed: 360 FPS Arrow length: Variable Energy: Not listed |
Check Price On Amazon |
8 Best Crossbow for Home Defense Reviews 2021
You can find almost all type of crossbows vary in size, shape, style, and others. Therefore, finding the best crossbow for home defense that will suit your demand can be daunting. So here are some suggestions for some high-quality crossbows for home defense.
1. Most Powerful – CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package
CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package is a great crossbow for self-defense that can be your weapon of choice. It can be the best crossbow for home defense with its 370 FPS faster speed and great accuracy. You have a 185-pound draw weight that provides you enough power to hit the assailant or to take down an animal during hunting yet delivers a smooth loading. With its 18-inch axle-to-axle draw, you can get a comfortable shooting experience.
The stock and foregrip are fully adjustable so that you can make it perfectly fit your shoulder. With its quad limbs along with the precision-machined cams system, you get an accurate shooting every time. You have the integrated string suppressors that ensure a quiet and vibration-free shot.
It offers a durable and lightweight compact design with its aluminum and composite construction. You have field safety along with the anti-dry fire trigger that makes it even more safe and convenient to use. It features three arrows, a 4×32 mm scope with a fixed dovetail mount, and other basic equipment so that you can practice and make your shooting more accurate.
CenterPoint Sniper Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 36.50 x 21.50 x 8.25 Inches
- Weight:7.9 pounds
- Brand: CenterPoint
- Speed: Up to 370 FPS
- Arrow length:20 inches
- Energy: 110 foe
- Velocity: 315 feet per second
- Draw weight:185 pounds
- Power stroke: 12 inches
- Scope: 4x32mm, included
CenterPoint Sniper Features:
- The crossbow offers a 185-pound draw weight to produce 370 FPS high speed to shoot the assailant from a long distance.
- The stock and foregrip are customizable that allows you to fit the crossbow with your shoulder easily.
- You have the quad limbs as well as a 4×32 mm scope that ensures an accurate shooting every time you shoot.
- Its integrated string suppressors ensure vibration-free silent firing where its anti-dry fire prevents damages.
- The crossbow is made of aluminum and composite to ensure maximum durability and easy portability.
2. Best Overall – Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package
Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package is another two-handed crossbow to choose for home defense and as a hunting tool. It comes with 315 FPS velocity so that you can easily use this compound crossbow for deer hunting as well as home defense. You have a 150-pound draw weight that makes it easier to load yet powerful to shoot. also, this top-rated compound crossbow comes with a pistol grip.
Besides, it features a 12 inches power stroke that generates enough power to crush the bone of the attacker or the deer. Along with speed and power, you can ensure accuracy with its premium red dot sight and Quad limbs. It is equipped with a 3.5 lb trigger pull that prevents accidental shoot and allows you to easily pull the smooth trigger with the comfortable grip.
You have a sleek, military-style stock for accurate position. Also, you get a divided foregrip that ensures a perfect and comfortable hand placement. With its quick-detach quiver, you can reload the crossbow faster. Carrying the crossbow is easier with this one since it weighs only 7.7 pounds. Moreover, you will get high energy wheels, a cable system, and a synthetic string that make it a complete package.
Barnett Jackal Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 36.50 x 21.50 x 8.25 Inches
- Weight:7.9 pounds
- Brand: Barnett
- Speed: Up to 315 FPS
- Arrow length: 20 inches
- Energy: 95-foot pounds
- Draw weight: 150 pounds
- Power stroke: 12 inches
- Scope: Single Red Dot, included
Barnett Jackal Features:
- The crossbow comes with a 150-pound draw weight that can shoot at 315 feet per second to hit the target.
- You get a 12 inches power stroke with energy wheels and synthetic string for a bone-crushing strike every time.
- The premium red dot sight with quad limbs allows you to heat the target with higher accuracy.
- It has a 3. 5 lb. trigger pull for smooth shooting where its 7.7 pounds overall weight allows you easy carrying.
- You can enjoy comfortable shooting with its sleek, military-style stock and divided foregrip.
3. Best Design – Jaguar CR-013 Series Crossbow Kit
Jaguar CR-013 Series Crossbow Kit comes into the market to provide comfort, accuracy, and higher speed to ensure home defense. You get a 175-pound draw weight that can deliver you a speed of 245 FPS so that you can hit the assailant from a long distance. With its 12-inch power stroke, you will get a bone-crushing power to damage the attacker.
You have the slotted cast-magnesium barrel that allows you to track the bolt flight accurately. It has a Weaver-style rail where you will get a single dot 30mm red dot scope for accurate shooting. Also, you have a 7-level brightness adjustment so that you can shoot even in low light.
With its six-bolt detachable quiver, you can easily reload the crossbow. You have four 16-inch aluminum crossbow bolts with 150-gr points so that you can practice and learn shooting to ensure self-defense. Besides, safety glasses are there as well that ensure maximum safety. A shoulder sling makes it easier to carry the crossbow if you want to go outdoor shooting or target practice.
Jaguar CR-013 Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 33 x 10 x 3.3 inches;
- Weight:45 Pounds
- Brand: Jaguar
- Speed: Up to 245 FPS
- Arrow length: Not listed
- Energy: Not listed
- Draw weight:175 pounds
- Power stroke:12 inches
- Scope: Single Red Dot, included
Jaguar CR-013 Features:
- This ergonomic design crossbow comes with a 12-inch power stroke that generates up to 245 FPS arrow speed.
- Its 175-pound draw weight allows you to load the crossbow without any hassle yet generates great power to kill the target.
- The weaver-style rail is equipped with a single dot 30mm red dot scope so that you don’t miss the target.
- You can practice at home since this one comes with 16-inch aluminum crossbow bolts with 150-gr points.
- The safety glasses assure safety while shooting where its shoulder sling makes the transportation easier than ever.
4. Excellent Durability – KingsArchery Crossbow Pistol Self Cocking 80 LBS Adjustable Sights
KingsArchery Crossbow Pistol with Self Cocking mechanism is an amazing crossbow pistol you can have for your self-defense. It comes with an 80 lb draw weight that allows you to do easy self-cocking. This self-clocking system allows you to easily reload the crossbow and make a fast shot which is extremely important for self-defense. Surely, you won’t get much time to reload when it comes to defending yourself.
With this powerful crossbow, you can get up to 100 feet per second speed to shoot long distances. Also, you will have a total of 27 aluminum and PVC arrow bolts that you can use to practice and achieve higher accuracy. Moreover, you have adjustable sights as well that will help you target the assailant perfectly.
The pistol crossbow self-defense is constructed with durable fiberglass to overcome any defense situation. As well, the sleek design of this defense bow makes it lightweight enough to carry with one hand. As a consequence, you can get a long durability and great portability with this one. You will have safety features as well so that you can have safety during the shooting.
KingsArchery Crossbow Technical Details:
- Dimension:5 x 27.5 x 18 inches
- Weight: Not listed
- Brand: Kings Archery
- Speed: Up to 165 FPS
- Arrow length: Not listed
- Energy: Not listed
- Draw weight:80 pounds
- Power stroke: Not listed
- Scope: Long-range scope, included
KingsArchery Crossbow Features:
- The crossbow offers 80 lb draw weight that can shoot arrows at up to 100 feet per second speed.
- You have the self-clocking system that ensures the fast reloading that you need for self-defense.
- The 27 aluminum and PVC arrow bolts let you practice at home to achieve mastery in self-defense.
- It offers adjustable sights that allow you to adjust the target setup so that you never miss a shot.
- Its durable fiberglass construction ensures the highest durability and portability for more convenience.
5. Easy to Use – Southland Archery Supply Prophecy 80 Pound Self-cocking Pistol Crossbow
If you want to shoot fast to defend yourself, you should consider the Southland Archery Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow. this is one of the best recurve crossbows we have on this list. This one comes with a self-cocking design that is easy to cock to reduce the loading time and hit the target. With its 80 lbs draw weight, it can shoot arrows at up to 165 feet per second speed that which is good for regular target practice.
You have a 6-4/5” Power Stroke, which is less than a traditional crossbow, however, it fires in a very short time. It offers a 7/8″ mounting rail that ensures a better stable shooting than other traditional crossbows. This rail is suitable for scope mounting, red dot scope, and a flashlight to make the pistol crossbow even better.
Even you will have a pre-drilled hole that allows you to add more things to it. With its aluminum body, you can get higher durability and portability. You will get wood-feel aluminum stock as well for better fitting in the shoulder. Also, it features adjustable rear sight as well to get a better shot with the highest accuracy every time.
Southland Archery Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 39 x 7.72 x 2.2 Inches
- Weight:2.35 pounds
- Brand: Southland Archery Supply
- Speed: 165 FPS
- Arrow length:Not listed
- Energy: Not listed
- Draw weight: 80 pounds
- Power stroke: 6 – 4/5” inches
- Scope: Red dot scope, included
Southland Archery Features:
- The crossbow offers a self-cocking design to reduce the loading time and ensure a fast shooting for home defense.
- It comes with 80 lbs draw weight to generate 165 feet per second speed for long-range
- You have a shorter power stroke for fast firing where its mountain rail allows you to mount more things on it.
- The aluminum construction makes the crossbow pistol lighter for easy carrying and durable for longevity.
- You have aluminum stock for comfortable positioning and an adjustable rear sight for accurate shooting.
6. Best Entry Level Crossbow – Snake Eye Tactical Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow
The Snake Eye Tactical Cobra System Pistol Tactical Crossbow is manufactured Last Punch, a well-known name in the industry. This one-handed crossbow model is immensely praised by the users for its incredible accuracy. It can shoot around 18 yards accurately and score a powerful hit to beat down the offender.
The Self-Cocking crossbow has a firing speed of 165 FPS and the draw weight is 80 lbs. It’s equipped with solid metal and fiberglass material construction. So, you can be assured of a long-term performance at full strength. The speedy cocking mechanism of the weapon makes it extremely easy and helps to enhance the accuracy.
You will get 15 packs of arrows with the crossbow which are not that high-quality, but adequate enough to make the job done. If you are not okay with these, you can always replace them with the better ones available in the market. If you have no prior experience with the recurve bow, we will recommend you the Snake Eye crossbow for its ease of use and effectiveness.
Snake Eye Tactical Cobra Technical Details:
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Weight: Not listed
- Brand: Last Punch
- Speed: 165 FPS
- Arrow length: Not listed
- Energy: Not listed
- Draw weight: 80 pounds
- Power stroke: 6.8” inches
- Scope: Not included
Snake Eye Tactical Cobra Features:
- The crossbow arrives with full-body solid metal and fiberglass construction.
- Accurate shooting up to 18 yards with 165 FPS speed and 80 LB draw weight.
- Easy and safe loading with the self-choking mechanism and optimized design.
- Easy and minimal assembly; don’t require instructions or helping hands.
- It arrives with 15 arrows made of metal, suitable for target practicing.
7. Best High-end Crossbow – Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Mossy Oak Bottomland Crossbow
The Barnett crossbows are mostly used by professional crossbow enthusiasts for their top-notch accuracy and effectiveness in tough hunting situations. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Mossy Oak Bottomland Crossbow is a best-selling product and one of the expensive crossbows on this list. However, this top-rated crossbow is a flagship modern crossbow made to accompany the hunter, it can be also an excellent choice for home defense.
The crossbow is equipped with STR technology which makes it lightweight and compact without compromising the crossbow power. You can produce a maximum speed of up to 375 FPS with 15-7/16-inch power stroke and 185-pound draw weight with the weapon with powerful limbs which assures accurate shots. That means you can also shoot at long distances accurately to knock down the target.
One thing we loved about the scope is its safety features. There is an automatic safety mechanism to make sure that the nock touches the string accurately. Besides, it has an anti-dry fire mechanism along with a Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer to prevent accidental crossbow shooting. If you are searching for an expensive two-handed crossbow, you can put your trust in this.
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 875″ L x 20.125” W
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Brand: Barnett
- Speed: 375 FPS
- Arrow length: 7 22”
- Energy: 118.6
- Draw weight: 165 pounds
- Power stroke: 15-7”
- Scope: 4x32mm Multi-reticle scope
Barnett Whitetail Hunter Features:
- Safety features like nock sensors and anti-dry fire to prevent accidents.
- Step-Through Riser (STR) technology to reduce length for ease of use.
- 375 FPS with 15-7/16-inch power stroke and 185-pound draw weight.
- Arrives with multi-reticle scope, knocking device, quiver, adaptor, etc.
- Include 5 packs of 22” head-hunter arrows for superior performance.
8. Best Well-optimized Crossbow – TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow Package
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 Crossbow is another high-end and compound design powerful crossbow that can you can use for home security. As per the manufacturer, it’s the first-ever entry-level crossbow with a built-in cocking device for effortless and accurate cocking. It includes all the accessories that you will require for shooting.
The crossbow can shoot at up to 360 FPS speed with a draw weight of 175 pounds. It equips a T4 trigger which is considered an old model but still offers an excellent trigger experience. The trigger is automated by auto-engaging safety features and a built-in dry fire inhibitor to ensure your safety.
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge crossbow is made in America with high-grade composite materials. It weighs only 6 pounds, enabling you to easily hold it for a long time. The crossbow also arrives with multi-line compact and fully-coated 3x scopes to make your every shoots count. With all its amazing features this lightweight design crossbow is fit for any survival situation.
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Technical Details:
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Brand: TenPoint Crossbow Technologies
- Speed: 360 FPS
- Arrow length: Variable
- Energy: Not listed
- Draw weight: 175 pounds
- Power stroke: 5”
- Scope: 3x fully-coated multi-line scope
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Features:
- First-ever entry-level crossbow with built-in cocking system.
- Safe and easy cocking with built-in ACUdraw 50 cocking devices.
- 360 FPS shooting speed with 13.5” power stroke and 175 lbs draw weight.
- Auto-engaging safety features and built-in dry fire inhibitors to ensure safety.
- High-grade composite materials to ensure lightweight and durability.
- Multi-line compact and fully-coated 3x scopes for precise shots.
How Can You Reduce the Noise of a Crossbow?
Using the crossbows for hunting or as a defense weapon excessive noise can ruin the situation. That is why it is important to reduce noise in this type of weapon. Do you know how to do that? Well, then follow these tips.
Tight everything:
The first thing you need to do to reduce the noise is tightening everything. You know, there are a lot of fasteners out there in the crossbow that creates vibration. To tighten those, simply take a wrench and tighten all those fasteners. Also, check some bolts as well that may get loosen and make noise. Tighten all those to reduce noise.
Try heavy:
Maybe you know that arrows consume high energy during the shooting. This energy consumption results in noise when shooting and alerts the assailant or the target. When you use heavier arrows, it will take more energy from the crossbow and smoothly hit the target without making noise. On the other hand, when you use lightweight arrows, it leaves more energy on the crossbow and creates more noise. So try to use heavier arrows all the time.
More practice:
Noise is created by you more than the crossbow. What I mean is that when you shoot, you become unconscious about the surroundings, and sounds are created from there. If you are an expert in this field, you can easily avoid those contacts and reduce noise a lot. So practice more and more to achieve mastery and reduce more noise.
Add rubber:
Another great way to reduce the noise of your crossbow while shooting is to add rubber. Limbs, bolt-retention spring, and the barrel can create vibration when these are made of steel, aluminum, or even plastic. In that case, adding a rubber silencer can reduce the noise a lot. So, make sure you have added a rubber silencer and get a noise-free shooting every time.
Why Should You Buy a Crossbow for Home Defense?
There are a lot of reasons why you should buy a crossbow for the home defense. Do you want to know those? If so, then check these out.
- The crossbow can kill or injure the assailant easily that you need most to ensure home defense.
- Since it creates less noise than firearms, you can easily shoot silently without alerting the assailant.
- Unlike firearms, crossbows are extremely easy to learn and make it suitable for everyone.
- You will have reusable ammunition that allows you to practice at home without wasting the arrows like bullets for firearms.
- they come at an affordable price unlike firearms to protect your home that makes it a perfect option for home defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Then check the questions below to find your answer that you may have in your mind.
How far can you shoot with a crossbow?
A modern and powerful crossbow can easily shoot 500 yards at a good speed. However, you cannot shoot your target from that distance. A maximum distance for the perfect shooting is 80 yards.
Is a crossbow more powerful than a gun?
Not exactly. A powerful crossbow can shoot at a maximum of 500 feet per second speed where a general firearm can shoot at 2300 feet per second speed. So obviously, a gun is more powerful than the crossbow.
Is it OK to leave a crossbow cocked overnight?
It is not wise to leave a crossbow cocked overnight since this can badly damage others accidentally. However, if there is a high chance of invasion and there is no risk of accident, you can leave that way to shoot the invader fast.
How long will the string of your Crossbow last?
If the quality of the crossbow string is good enough, it can last up to 4-5 years for you. On the other hand, if the quality is not good, it may not last more than one day.
Do Special Forces use crossbows?
Yes, in some countries, crossbows are used by the Special Forces. However, in most countries, it is not permitted or not common to use the crossbow in the Special Forces.
Wrapping It Up
You should keep your home safe all the time since the number of intrusions is increasing day by day. For that, a crossbow can play a vital role in its ability to kill the invader. So make sure you have got the best crossbow for home defense so that you can silently attack the invader without alerting home.
We have portrayed some good crossbows for home defense. However, if you are not yet sure about choosing the best one, I will suggest you go for the CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow. It offers 370 FPS high speed with a 185-pound draw weight that can even kill the assailant. You have the scope to shoot accurately and comfortable design for comfortable shooting as well. So overall, this CenterPoint Sniper can be a suitable crossbow for your home defense.