Falling bolts

sakman · Post by **sakman** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:54 pm

I just got an Exocet and it shoots great.

I have one problem with it in that the bolts are not held tight against the rail. I took the xbow out in the field for a test run and I had to keep it pointed upright to prevent the bolt from falling off.

How do you keep bolts from falling out? I was reading that a lot of guys hunt from treestands so this can't be normal.

Do I need to bend the spring (bolt retainer)? If so, is there a preferred method?

Thanks!

scottr · Post by **scottr** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:21 pm

I usually cock the bow when I get into the woods but I only put the bolt in when i am at my stand or ground blind, I always remove it when carrying the bow around, from vehicle to stand....yes the bolt will move off the rail if you are carrying it around with the bolt in.

sakman · Post by **sakman** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:27 pm

Does the bolt stay on the rail when you're ready to shoot down from a treestand?

If I tilt the xbow down, the bolt falls off. There is no real tension from the spring/retainer.

I'm ready to bend the spring to add tension but I don't want to mess anything up.

Thanks!

Ben S. · Post by **Ben S.** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:29 pm

That shouldn't happen. I walk through the woods with a bolt in and never have that problem. You are going to have to adjust the holding arm (sorry I don't know what it is called). I'm not sure off hand how to because I never had that problem but I know someone will tell you how to soon.

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:30 pm

Best way to remedy your problem , take the scope off if you have one , remove the spring and carefully bend it so the spring is 1/4 " from the rail, put the 2 screws back in and check that your shaft is held, then put your scope back on.

shurite44 · Post by **shurite44** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:33 pm

I think I would send it back to have it repaired. An Excalibur xbow should not do this. I had a barnett that did this and it drove me batty. My exomag holds the bolt in properly.

awshucks · Post by **awshucks** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:47 pm

shurite44 wrote:I think I would send it back to have it repaired. An Excalibur xbow should not do this. I had a barnett that did this and it drove me batty. My exomag holds the bolt in properly.

It's a five minute job, like Digger said, probably due to user error somewhere along the line. I know I've snagged mine on brush, ect and had to adjust it. Not a biggie.

ecoaster · Post by **ecoaster** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:47 pm

It should hold the bolt snug to the rail even when pointed down. I can turn mine upside down and the bolt is still held in place.

GREY OWL · Post by **GREY OWL** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 11:15 pm

ecoaster wrote:It should hold the bolt snug to the rail even when pointed down. I can turn mine upside down and the bolt is still held in place.

Mine too, ecoaster.

Grey Owl

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 8:01 pm

Mine Too.
It has never fallen off

sakman · Post by **sakman** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 8:25 pm

Thank you all for the replies.

The xbow is brand new and the bolt retaining spring has always been loose.

I'll remove the spring and bend it as Digger mentioned.

Thanks!

Normous · Post by **Normous** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:03 pm

Simply removing and slightly bending the spring should do the trick. Bolts should be held snug at all angles.

gad · Post by **gad** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 3:41 pm

When I am waiting for a shot I always check the bolt before rise the xbow on my shoulders, I pull the bolt back agains the string. A friend got a semi-dryfire shot, cause the bolt was a little off the string. In this case, the bolt falls in the front of the xbow within 5 yards, and the plastic nock of the bolt broken.

So, even if you adjust the spring that holds the bolt down, check it before you get ready to shoot.