Bolts & Targets
They go together like bread and butter, mum and dad, day and
night, a crossbow is virtually useless without a bolt to shoot from it. The
archery crossbow and pistol bolts used today are generally made from aluminum with
plastic fletchings because of they are light yet durable. Aluminum bolts are not
indestructible, however they will bend when they strike something hard like a
rock and if bent too sharply will break when an attempt to restore its shape is
made. A slightly bent bolt if not noticed will seriously effect the flight of
the bolt from any crossbow so should be checked after every flight for damage.
Crossbow arrows or bolts come in various different sizes from 14" inches to 20"
inches. Pistols crossbow bolts are generally smaller, 6" but can be 7" and can
be used with all pistol and self cocking crossbows. After every shot it is good
practice to examine each one from head to tail, starting with the head. The
first thing to expect from all bolts including pistol bolts are loose heads as
they are simply threaded into the arrow shaft insert and are subject to becoming
unscrewed on impact of the archery target.
1)
Channel Groove - A Grooved section of the crossbow down the length of the
barrel, allowing the crossbow bolts fletching to ride the crossbows length when
shot.
2) Rear Sight
3) Crossbow Stock
4) Prod - This is the actual crossbow section that stores all of the crossbows
power and releases thus firing the crossbow bolt.
5) Crossbow Nock - A Crossbow nock is a plastic cap that sits on the end of the
prod and provides a smooth protective sleeve for the string and prevents
fraying.
6) Stirrup - This is cocking aid and allows the bowman to hold the crossbow in a
stationary position while using both hands to cock the bow string.
1)
Channel Groove - A Grooved section of the crossbow down the length of the
barrel, allowing the crossbow bolts fletching to ride the crossbows length when
shot.