New Missouri Crossbow Hunter

[Mb85]

Here in Missouri the use of crossbows just passed!!!! I've been researching crossbows and had come to a conclusion I will be shooting an Excalibur next season. I have going back and forth between a micro,355, and 380. I will be hunting open food plots and in cover. Do I really need the power of a 380? I'm concerned about width or do I want the compactness of a micro? Will I be happy with a slower velocity? I will be hunting in ground blinds as well. I've handled all 3 and can't decide. Any suggestions??

[L. E. Carroll]

I have both a 355 and a 335 Micro.... Where distance may be a bit more and animal a bit larger like the 4x4 Bull Elk I took in Sept. with the 355, I feel the 355 was a logical choice and did the job very nicely at close to 47 yards.

I then took a brand new Micro on a more recent Mule Deer hunt in pretty open country involving sage brush, and both alfafa and wheat fields... I would have felt better with the 355 at the shot distances I encountered on a pretty regular basis.

I stuck with the Micro however, as my intent was to get it bloodied. I did manage to accomplish the task I set for myself with a nice 3x4 Mulie Buck, but found the Micro's size and weight to be of no great advantage for that type of hunt.

If I had to fall back to just one bow It would be my 355 hands down.

Gene

[bloodtrail]

Welcome Mb85
Last year was my first time to try hunting in Missouri. I enjoyed it so I plan to go back and bring my Excal. What ever model you choose it is backed by a damn good warranty.
Good luck

[one shot scott]

Welcome to the forum. So many variables that come with deciding on which excel to buy that its impossible to steer you in a certain direction.

Having said that, not too many have picked up a micro and not been happy. And having said that, I don't own one because I prefer the fps of the 380-405

[8ptbuk]

I hunt food plots and cut over corn fields out of ground blinds, Ladder stands and climbing tree stands with a 380 . I have never thought it was cumbersome or too big ! When it's cocked its really easy to maneuver and the extra trajectory is reassuring when a shot presents itself . The 380 also comes with ALOT of extras done on it, So my vote goes to the 380 ! But any of the choices you mentioned would work fine .

[Mb85]

Thanks guys for the advice! That was quick!! I look at these models everyday and bounce back and forth! I guess when January 5th arrives I'll have even more options!

[vixenmaster]

I own both, the Micro n the 380. Fer jus speed the 380, if'en you want one out to 45 yds thats nice n comfortable the Micro , Nitemare was my choice

[hankenhunter]

Welcome to the forum. Have fun and keep your thumb below the rail.
Hank

[papabear1]

Welcome to the forum Mb85, Glad to see another Missourian on the forum, you can't go wrong a with an EXCAL so I would go with what feels best for you !!!! Dave

[Rufus]

I have the 335 and the 355 I shoot the 335 one day and the 355 the next and I don't know what I like best, just buy one of each .

[Mb85]

Thanks guys for the input!! I've been Bowhunting for 16 years and this new crossbow thing is very interesting and exciting for me! I just don't want to get a model and next week wish I would have gotten a different one.

[va3cgt]

So I notice some descrepencies between the Micro 335 and the 355 for hunting situations. Does the extra 20fps make that big of a difference? Trajectory, flight time ect.

[vixenmaster]

So I notice some descrepencies between the Micro 335 and the 355 for hunting situations. Does the extra 20fps make that big of a difference? Trajectory, flight time ect.

Really only an inch flatter trajectory in favor of the 355 n abit more weight n length. Have no idea about diff in their prices

[bob watkins]

380 and be done

[Mb85]

That's what I'm kinda thinkin Bob, I hope they have some deals on the 380 after the 2016 models role out and get a deal