10 Best Cheapest Crossbow of 2026 For Targets and Hunting

1

Sollatek 50 lb Pistol Hunting Archery Crossbow Bow + 5

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• ARS Mark

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  9.7
• Brand
  Sollatek

Key specs2

Target Draw Weight

50 lb

Included Ammunition

5 bolts

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Compact handheld pistol design suits casual backyard target plinking
• 50 lb draw weight offers an easy pull for introductory target practice
• Includes 5 bolts in the box so shooting can begin right after assembly

Cons

• 50 lb draw rating lacks the power required for ethical big game hunting
• Listing omits frame material and bolt length so verify spare arrow specs

2

SAS Prophecy 80 LBS Aluminum Self-Cocking Crossbow with 3 Arrows

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  8.8
• Brand
  SAS

Key specs2

Frame Material

Aluminum

Cocking Method

Self-cocking lever

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Aluminum construction provides a rigid metal frame for frequent shooting
• Integrated self-cocking lever simplifies cocking the 80 lb draw weight
• 80 lb draw weight offers greater target velocity than standard 50 lb bows
• Ships with 3 arrows for instant target practice setup

Cons

• Handheld pistol frame is not built for medium or big game hunting tasks
• Manufacturer does not publish arrow velocity in FPS so check speed ratings

3

Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with 3 Premium

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  8.5
• Brand
  Bear X

Key specs2

Bow Configuration

Self-cocking pistol crossbow

Hardware Inclusions

Package includes the Bear X Desire XL pistol crossbow along with 3 premium bolts.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Self-cocking rear arm enables smooth and consistent string engagement
• XL pistol frame configuration offers comfortable handheld shooting balance
• Packaged with 3 premium bolts for target shooting right out of the box

Cons

• Handheld pistol design is limited to short-range targets and small pests
• Listing leaves out explicit draw weight and FPS numbers so verify bow data

4

Barnett Wildcat CRX Crossbow Bundle, 280 FPS, Black

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  8.4
• Brand
  BARNETT

Key specs2

Rated Arrow Speed

280 FPS

Platform Type

Shoulder-mounted bundle

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Factory rated 280 FPS arrow speed delivers flat trajectories on target ranges
• Shoulder-mounted full-size stock provides steady off-hand aiming stability
• Barnett Wildcat platform supports full outdoor archery and target use

Cons

• Listing does not state draw weight or specific bundle optic components
• 280 FPS rating sits well below high-powered 400+ FPS hunting compound rigs

5

CenterPoint Dagger 405 FPS Crossbow

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  8.4
• Brand
  CenterPoint

Key specs2

Rated Arrow Speed

405 FPS

Bow Profile

Full-size high-velocity crossbow built for standard archery target and hunting setups.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• 405 FPS factory velocity rating delivers rapid arrow flight for long distances
• Full-size compound crossbow profile built for serious target and hunting tasks
• High speed output significantly outperforms entry-level recurve options

Cons

• Heavy limb tension requires proper cocking aids to draw safely and squarely
• Listing details omit arrow count and included optic types so verify contents

6

CenterPoint Hornet 80 lbs Recurve Crossbow

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  8.3
• Brand
  CenterPoint Archery

Key specs2

Limb Architecture

Recurve

Limb Tension

80 lbs

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Recurve limb design eliminates complex cams for simpler field maintenance
• 80 lbs draw weight provides dependable power for backyard target practice
• CenterPoint Archery build provides standard brand support and hardware fit

Cons

• Recurve setup lacks mechanical let-off found on compound crossbow systems
• Product data omits arrow inclusions and sight specs so check package details

7

80lbs Black Self Cocking Hunting Crossbow 225+ FPS + 3pc

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  8.2
• Brand
  Isaazon

Key specs2

Velocity Rating

225+ FPS

Cocking Method

Self-cocking lever

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Self-cocking lever arm gives mechanical advantage when drawing the 80 lb bow
• Listed 225+ FPS velocity provides brisk arrow flight for a pistol-sized setup
• Packaged with 3 target arrows to start shooting as soon as assembled

Cons

• Handheld 80 lb frame lacks the kinetic power required for big game hunting
• Benchmark arrow weight for the 225+ FPS rating is not specified by the seller

8

Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Crossbow Package with Backpack Case

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  8.0
• Brand
  Killer Instinct

Key specs2

Package Contents

• Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Crossbow
• Backpack transport case
• Hunting broadheads

Peak Velocity

405 FPS

Pros & cons42

Pros

• High 405 FPS velocity rating provides flat trajectory and fast arrow travel
• Three-item bundle includes a dedicated backpack case for protected transport
• Bundle provides hunting broadheads directly with the crossbow setup
• Full-size shoulder stock gives robust stability during outdoor shooting

Cons

• Larger frame is significantly heavier to carry than handheld pistol bows
• High draw tension requires careful cocking rope use to prevent uneven latching

9

Last Punch 150 Lbs Wood Crossbow with 2 Arrows Hunting

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  7.3
• Brand
  Last Punch

Key specs2

Stock Construction

Wood

Limb Tension

150 lbs

Pros & cons32

Pros

• 150 Lbs draw weight produces substantial limb force for hunting and targets
• Classic wood stock provides rigid shoulder support and traditional styling
• Includes 2 starter arrows to verify baseline shooting and alignment

Cons

• 150 lb manual draw weight demands physical effort without a cocking aid
• Listing omits FPS velocity ratings and included sight hardware specifications

10

Tactical Crusader Hand Held Hunting Archery 50LB Pistol Crossbow Gun,

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  7.1
• Brand
  Tactical Crusader

Key specs2

Grip Style

Handheld pistol grip

Intended Target Use

Suited for casual backyard target practice and introductory archery shooting.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Handheld pistol format enables easy maneuverability and quick target aiming
• 50LB draw weight allows manageable manual cocking for beginner target practice
• Included darts allow immediate plinking sessions without separate ammo orders

Cons

• 50 lb draw weight is strictly for target shooting and cannot take big game
• Dart colors vary and exact shaft measurements are omitted from the listing

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can an inexpensive crossbow ethically take down a deer?

Yes, but only if you select a full-size shoulder-mounted model built for hunting rather than a mini pistol bow. Full-frame options like the Last Punch 150 Lbs Wood Crossbow, Barnett Wildcat CRX rated at 280 FPS, or high-output platforms like the CenterPoint Dagger 405 FPS Crossbow produce the velocity and arrow weight required for big game. In contrast, 50 lb and 80 lbs pistol bows lack the power and broadhead compatibility needed for game animals. When exploring reliable crossbows for hunting, verify that your selected model meets state game laws for minimum draw weight and limb width before entering the field.

What is the difference between an 80 lb pistol bow and a full-size crossbow?

The main differences are frame size, effective shooting distance, and intended purpose. An 80 lbs pistol frame like the SAS Prophecy 80 LBS Aluminum Self-Cocking Crossbow or the CenterPoint Hornet 80 lbs Recurve Crossbow is a handheld target tool designed for short-range backyard shooting with compact darts. Full-size designs like the Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Crossbow Package feature shoulder stocks, elongated flight rails, and heavy limbs that cast full-length hunting arrows at significantly higher speeds. Pistol setups offer compact handling for backyard practice, whereas full-size frames provide the structural rigidity needed for hunting broadheads.

Is a self-cocking pistol crossbow safe for target practice?

Yes, self-cocking pistol models are safe for backyard target practice when operated according to manufacturer safety guidelines. Platforms such as the Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow and SAS Prophecy 80 LBS use an integrated lever arm that pivots behind the grip, pulling the string smoothly into the latch without placing your fingers directly on the drawn rail. Lighter 50 lb designs like the Tactical Crusader Hand Held Hunting Archery 50LB Pistol Crossbow and Sollatek 50 lb Pistol Crossbow also keep cocking effort manageable. Always confirm that the safety latch engages properly and never release the string without an arrow loaded on the flight rail.

What arrow speed do you need for hunting versus target shooting?

Target shooting can be done at lower speeds, whereas big game hunting requires higher velocities for flat arrow flight and ethical penetration. Backyard target setups such as an 80lbs Black Self Cocking Hunting Crossbow delivering 225+ FPS offer plenty of speed for paper targets and foam blocks. Hunting platforms need greater velocity, which you find on models like the Barnett Wildcat CRX at 280 FPS or the CenterPoint Dagger 405 FPS Crossbow. If you plan to carry an outfitted crossbow package into a hunting blind, confirm that your arrow velocity matches the broadhead profile you intend to shoot.

How do you cock a budget crossbow safely without straining?

Safe cocking comes down to using the mechanical leverage designed for that specific frame style. Pistol bows like the Bear X Desire XL utilize a built-in pivoting lever arm, allowing you to cock the bow in one fluid motion without straining your back. For full-size hunting models like the Last Punch 150 Lbs Wood Crossbow or 405 FPS rigs, drawing by hand without assistance can cause uneven limb loading and string derailment. Always confirm whether the bow supports a rope cocking aid or integrated cocking harness, and inspect the string serving regularly to maintain smooth, even draws.

What arrows or bolts work with budget crossbow setups?

You must use arrows that strictly match the length, weight, and nock specifications stated in the product manual. Compact models like the Sollatek 50 lb Pistol bow or the SAS Prophecy 80 LBS Aluminum bow require short pistol bolts, which are built strictly for light target rails. Full-sized rigs like the Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Crossbow Package require full-length arrows equipped to handle heavy launch forces and hunting broadheads. Loading an incorrect arrow or shooting an underweight bolt can cause equipment failure and permanently warp the bow limbs.