Buying a new crossbow next week

[NovaBoy]

Hi, Ive been a hunter for a few years. Im looking to get into using the crossbow. Im not that good at the standard compound bow. Ive been looking at many threads all over the internet and here. Im wanting something I can get one time and last a life time. At first I was going to get a compound cross bow, but it looks like a lot of work to keep up with. The two bows im torn between are the ibex and the axiom. I can get the axiom for about $40 cheaper.

I was wondering are the scopes the same on both models? Do they have zoom?

Also the only difference in the bows I can see is the camo pattern and different style stocks.

I was dead set on the ibex until I seen they came with the poly rail. but then again I own a glock and I think if it can handle the power of a gun then arrows/bolts should be no problem.

I also read that if I add accessories latter on to dampen the sound and recoil, that I can risk cracking the limbs if the string brakes or If I remove the string for out of season/not being used. Is that true?

Whats your longest target shot with one of these bows?

I was also reading about lines on the rail for the string and draw some on with a white marker. What are they talking about?

Thanks,
Chad

[one shot scott]

You will love the simplicity of an Excalibur!

You need to handle both bows, then you will know what suits you best. Thumb hole or traditional stock. Both bows are excellent.

Typically string stoppers and the like protect the limbs in a dryfire. They also dampen noise. Unstringing the bow in the off season relaxes the limbs.

When some folks add white to the rail of the bow where the string sits when relaxed, its for a reference point. this way if the string stretches over time it's no longer lined up with the mark. If the string stretches too much it may effect the point of impact of the arrow.

For hunting, it's in your best interest (and the Deer's) to keep shots within 40 yards regardless of the make of crossbow you may buy.

[maine hunter]

the axiom is a good bow, love mine. shoots dead on out 40-50 yards. but my deer shots would be out to 30-40. good luck on what you get.

[UPSMAN]

The scopes have a speed ring (which is a zoom as you would use on a rifle scope) that adjusts to the speed of your bow. Once set, you do not adjust the power. Don't know where you live or what kind of deal you are getting on your new bow. If you are buying just the bow and you live in the U.S., I have a new Excal Twilight scope for sale on the trading post. It's Excal's top scope but if you are in a hurry for it I will be on a hunting trip until Dec 4.

[Doe Master]

Welcome to the forum Chad
Both of the SMF scopes are fixed power .
Both models share the same draw length .
The S5 actually gives you alittle insurance to prevent limb damage incase of a dryfire .
As for the longest distance shot . That is touchy .
For target as long as you wish but be willing to lose or destroy arrows . I have shot mine at 100 yards but would NEVER dream of doing that for hunting .
A practical hunting range is 15-40 yards on a deer sized game . The reason I say 15 is because the arrow should make it through the game . Severe down angles make for alot of bone at times .
The best thing you really could do is to try out the bows . I`m a traditional stock person . At 6`2" the thumbhole feels too short .

[Old-New-Guy]

Good thread ... I'm new too. Answered some questions on scopes I had ..