7 Best Crossbow For Squirrel Hunting of 2026 To Take Clean Overhead Shots

Oct 21, 2026 6:28 PM

Why haul an eight-pound deer rig into the timber just to harvest small game? Full-sized hunting setups deliver excessive kinetic energy, shredding valuable meat and burying expensive carbon bolts fifty feet up in hardwood branches. Meanwhile, cheap novelty pistol bows lack the tight grouping and adjustable sights required to reliably strike a golf-ball-sized vital zone. Straining to steady heavy limbs tilted skyward produces rapid shoulder fatigue, leading to pulled shots, lost arrows, and empty game vests.

Carrying a dedicated crossbow for squirrel hunting changes the dynamic by pairing featherlight balance and micro-adjustable sights for quick, natural overhead aiming. The right platform relies on moderate arrow speeds between 225 and 300 feet per second to anchor quarry humanely without tearing up edible quarters. Compact limbs maneuver easily through thick brush, while smooth self-cocking levers keep your movements quiet when stalking watchful quarry through high canopies. Compare the standout models below to find the sweet spot of agile handling, sensible power, and pinpoint accuracy for your timber stalks.

80lbs Green Black 225+ FPS Self Cocking Pistol Crossbow +

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9.2
Brand
Isaazon

Key specs2

Cocking Mechanism

Self-cocking pivoting lever

Arrow Speed Rating

225+ FPS

Pros & cons42

Pros

Self-cocking lever action allows quick resetting while scanning tree limbs
225+ FPS velocity delivers adequate speed for small game without pulverizing meat
80-pound draw weight offers manageable resistance for repeated timber cocking
Dedicated hunting grip provides positive control when aiming upward into the canopy

Cons

Includes only three arrows, requiring extra bolt purchases for long sessions
Listing does not specify sight style or optic rail dimensions for precision zeroing

SAS Wrath 80 Pound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow Hunting Target Shooting

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9.0
Brand
SAS

Key specs2

Frame Material

Metal construction

Included Archery Gear

15 crossbow bolts
Extra replacement string
Storage and travel bag

Pros & cons42

Pros

Metal frame construction adds rugged stability compared to plastic pistol platforms
Generous package includes 15 bolts, an extra string, and a dedicated carry bag
Self-cocking design simplifies string engagement during mobile timber stalking
80-pound draw weight provides balanced power for target practice and small game

Cons

Manufacturer does not publish an official FPS rating for arrow trajectory calculations
Metal frame adds carrying weight that archers must verify before long overhead holds

RAVIN R8 Hunting Crossbow Black

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8.9
Brand
RAVIN

Key specs1

Platform Class

Full-sized hunting crossbow designed for standard archery game rather than compact pistol agility.

Pros & cons33

Pros

Full-size hunting platform engineered for arrow stability and tight groups
Sleek black hunting frame suited for stationary ground blinds or tree stand setups
Heavy-duty archery platform built for rigorous outdoor hunting conditions

Cons

Heavy full-sized chassis creates muscle fatigue during prolonged upward overhead aiming
Excessive big-game kinetic output risks blowing through small game meat and breaking bolts
Listing omits included accessories, requiring verification of optic and quiver packages

BALLISTA BAT Compound Mini Crossbow - Small Crossbow for Hunting,

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8.6
Brand
BALLISTA

Key specs2

Physical Bow Weight

2.46 lbs bare weight

Limb System & Draw

130 lbs compound design at 300 FPS

Pros & cons42

Pros

Ultra-light 2.46-pound physical weight prevents muscle fatigue during high canopy aiming
300 FPS output provides flat arrow trajectory for small vital zones at squirrel ranges
130-pound compound limb system generates strong propulsion in a compact mini frame
Multi-role setup supports small game hunting, target shooting, and bowfishing

Cons

Higher 130-pound draw weight requires more cocking effort than 80-pound pistol alternatives
Compact compound cable and cam system requires careful ongoing string inspection

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

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8.5
Brand
Bear X

Key specs2

Cocking Mechanism

Self-cocking pivoting lever

Stock & Grip Configuration

Desire XL extended footprint provides extra grip surface over standard mini pistol frames.

Pros & cons32

Pros

Extended XL pistol frame enhances shooting stability and forearm control
Self-cocking mechanism enables smooth string engagement between shots
Includes three premium bolts to start shooting right out of the box

Cons

Manufacturer omits draw weight and FPS ratings from the primary specification list
Package includes only three bolts, leaving zero buffer for shafts lost in tall trees

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

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8.2
Brand
Isaazon

Key specs1

Arrow Speed Rating

225+ FPS

Pros & cons42

Pros

225+ FPS velocity produces enough zip for small game vitals without destroying meat
Self-cocking lever speeds up string resetting while tracking squirrels through branches
80-pound draw weight offers manageable cocking resistance for extended shooting sessions
Low-profile black finish minimizes reflection when moving through sunny timber

Cons

Bare three-arrow bundle means archers must immediately source spare bolts for hunting
Sight adjustment mechanisms and rail mounting specs are unlisted and require verification

Excalibur Mag MAX Accurate High-Output CeaseFire Archery Hunting Crossbow -

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8.2
Brand
Excalibur

Key specs2

Included Archery Gear

Scope and mounting rings
Three Quill arrows with 100gr field points
Four-arrow quiver

Dry Fire Protection

CeaseFire anti-dry fire technology

Pros & cons42

Pros

Complete package includes scope, rings, quiver, and three Quill arrows with field points
CeaseFire technology prevents dry fires to safeguard limbs during field operation
100-grain field points and matched Quill arrows deliver dependable flight consistency
Country camo finish blends into natural timber backdrops during woodland stalks

Cons

Full-size archery dimensions make overhead branches difficult to navigate in dense brush
High-output hunting force risks destroying squirrel meat and losing arrows in tree trunks

Last update on 2026-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can an 80-pound or 130-pound pistol crossbow take squirrels cleanly?

Yes, models rated at 80 pounds or 130 pounds generate sufficient power for small game at close timber distances. Compact designs rated between 225+ FPS and 300 FPS deliver targeted energy to drop squirrels cleanly without pulverizing edible meat. Always verify that your specific state wildlife guidelines allow small-game hunting with these draw weights before heading afield.

Will a full-size big-game crossbow destroy small-game meat?

Full-size deer rigs often generate far too much speed and kinetic energy for tiny targets. Firing high-output bows with 100Gr field points into timber can easily shred small game carcasses, pass through the animal, and shatter shafts against limbs or rocks. Learning about the different types of crossbows can help you choose an agile alternative that preserves meat and prevents broken gear.

What sight setup works best for tiny vital zones?

A dedicated optic or an adjustable sighting system with precise windage and elevation controls is necessary to zero in on a squirrel-sized target. Models equipped with a scope and scope rings provide a clear sight picture, while pistol models rely on adjustable rear sights or accessory rails. Check your bow frame to confirm whether it uses a standard dovetail or Picatinny rail before selecting a sighting device.

How does crossbow weight affect overhead shooting in timber?

Physical weight determines how long you can sustain an upward aim without arm shake. Ultra-light mini platforms weighing as little as 2.46 lbs allow you to balance the bow comfortably while tracking canopy movement. Heavier platforms create front-end fatigue quickly, which makes holding steady on small targets high in the trees significantly harder.

Why choose a self-cocking model for squirrel stalking?

Self-cocking mechanisms utilize an integrated pivot lever that re-engages the string without requiring external draw ropes or foot stirrups. This design lets you cock the limb smoothly from a seated or crouched position among brush. Pairing your setup with essential crossbow accessories like rail lube and spare strings helps maintain consistent cocking action throughout a long hunt.

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WRITTEN BY

John Timmons

I'm an airgun enthusiast and I love nothing more than spending my time outdoors shooting targets. I'm always on the lookout for new airgun gear, and I love sharing my knowledge with others.