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A crossbow is a ranged weapon that uses an elastic launching device to fire arrows like projectiles that are called bolts or quarrels. Most crossbows are extremely expensive and cost you quite a bit but in recent years, manufacturers have started making more budget-friendly crossbows. These crossbows are not only of a lower price range but work extremely well. These crossbows are a prime example of the fact that not all expensive items are worth the price and sometimes items that are cheaper may work as well if not better. Check out the list below to find the best crossbows under $300 and save yourself some money.
1. Southland Archery Supply SAS Tactical Crossbow
This tactical crossbow by Southland Archery is a force to be reckoned with. It has a sleek all-black finish on the crossbow along which there is a foregrip. With ultimate sleuth technology, this new crossbow features a 150-pound draw weight that spawns an arrow speed of 325 feet which is absolutely blistering.
Furthermore, this hunting device has a compact length of 33 inches and a power stroke of 14 and 1/2 inches which makes it very impressive for its low price. This Powerstroke gives you more than enough kinetic energy to aim and shoot with precision and strength. This crossbow also features a string stopper to ensure that the crossbow is quiet yet deadly. Thus, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- Gorgeous sleek black finish
- Has a 150-pound draw weight
- Arrow speed of 325 feet
- It is quiet on the field
- Good construction
2. BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow Package with Scope, Quiver, Bolts, Cocking Rope, and Wax
The BearX is a high-quality hunting and warfare device that is designed to rival its more expensive counterparts. It delivers a top-of-the-line speed at 450fps along with a draw weight of 210 pounds which is unheard of at this low of a price range. The total weight of this crossbow is 7.5lb and has a length of 14 inches wide cocked and 18 inches wide uncocked.
Furthermore, the Bear X intense has a fore-end grip which promoted ambidextrous safety, and also has a rear adjustable stock. This cross also has an anti-dry fire inhibitor along with a dual string suppressor system and also a Picatinny style scope mount rail. The 4x 32 multi hair reticle with a functioning eyepiece, 4 bolt quiver, a sling, three carbon bolts with field points, and a cocking rope. Hence, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- Has a top of the line speed at 450 fps
- The draw weight is 210 pounds.
- It has ambidextrous safety with an adjustable safety and a foregrip.
3. Daisy 4003 Youth Crossbow, Black, Regular
This high-quality Crossbow is a great way to introduce new shooters into the field and equip them with a weapon that is more to their size and will allow them to practice without fear. This crossbow is designed to be extremely safe as there is mechanical safety that engages when the crossbow is cocked. The draw weight of this dainty crossbow is around 29 pounds and is perfect for training young shooters. The rear sight of this device is adjustable to allow for windage and elevation. This package also includes 2 bolts and is very well built for the low price. Hence, it is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- It is a perfect design for young shooters
- The draw weight is 29 pounds
- It includes 2 bolts
4. KingsArchery Crossbow Self-Cocking 80 Lbs with Adjustable Sight and Total of 27 Aluminum Arrow Bolt Set
This high-quality crossbow is perfect if you are on a budget but still want a high-quality device for hunting. The Kings Archery Crossbow weighs a grand total of 80 pounds and uses a self cocking system designed by Kings Archery themselves. This crossbow comes with a total of 27 aluminum arrow bolts in the package. This is perfect for someone who is looking to get started but does not have the budget to invest in something high-end crossbow.
The construction of the bow is also high quality as it is made from durable fiberglass that is made to last. This crossbow is also made of a new self cocking system that makes the process of reloading faster and easier. It also comes with an adjustable sight to help assist you with getting a precise aim. Thus, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- It is easy to use as it has a self cocking mechanism
- The bow is durable
- Reloading is easier and faster
- Has a precise aim
5. Viking FX1-45 Recurve Crossbow Package with KO 45 Front Grip, 240 Feet Per Second, 175 Pound Draw, Boneyard Camo
Finding a high-quality hunting device at a low price point can be difficult but it is not impossible and the Viking FX1-45 Recurve Crossbow is proof of that. It shoots an impressive 240 feet per second and has a draw of 175 pounds. This crossbow features a contoured KO 45 front grip that helps provide superior vibration dampening using its Vibramesh pattern that helps disperse shockwaves.
The crossbow is also equipped with an ergonomic KO 510 foregrip that fits mil-spec Picatinny rails and also features a removable thumb guard along with ambidextrous auto safety. The package includes 2 4 x 16 bolts with field points, a two-point shoulder sling, a rope cocking device, a quick detach quiver along a large boot style foot stirrup. Thus, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- It shoots at an impressive 240 feet per second
- The draw weight is 175 pound
- It provides superior vibration dampening
- There is ambidextrous auto safety
- Comes with a lot of equipment to help you get started.
6. SA Sports Gremlin Miniature Pistol Crossbow with Red Dot Sight, 80lb Draw, Includes 3 Bolts, Foot Stirrup
The SA Sports Gremlin is a high-quality crossbow that is designed to allow you to have the full experience of the crossbow but without any of the hassles of an actual one. It is designed to allow you to practice your accuracy as it comes with an easy to use red dot sight. This makes the crossbow seem more formidable and hence a lot more fun to use.
It includes a foot stirrup and a locking mechanism that allows you to easily prepare the crossbow and launch the miniature bolts at a blistering speed of up to 150 feet per second. Furthermore, this crossbow is designed to use bolts that are made from aluminum and are 7 inches long as these allow the bow to perform its best. You can also use plastic darts with this device. In conclusion, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- It is easy to use
- Comes with a red dot sight
- The crossbow can easily be prepared for launching the bolts
- Includes 3 Aluminum 7 inch bolts
7. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package
The Centre Point Sniper 370 crossbow is a high-quality crossbow that is very formidable at its price range. It can shoot at a blinding speed of 370fps and has an 18-inch axle to axle when fully drawn. This crossbow also has a 185-pound draw weight which is a treat at its low price point. In addition, this hunting device has a fully adjustable stock and foregrip which means that it can allow you to customize it to fit your shoulders and you can carry it with confidence. Furthermore, it also has quad limbs with a precision machined cams system that allows power and accuracy in your shot. The integrated string suppressors that are included in this crossbow allow a quiet, vibration-free shot that is perfect for anyone trying to be stealthy.
This crossbow is designed to be durable, lightweight as it is made of aluminum and composite. This also makes it easy to carry and maneuverable in the field. Safety and anti-dry fire triggers also allow for ambidextrous support so both left and right-handed people can make use of it. Thus, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- High performance with a 370 fps and 185-pound draw weight
- Delivers power and accuracy
- Allows for the shot to be quiet and vibration-free
- It is durable and lightweight
- Easy to carry around and maneuverable
- Includes 3 20 inch carbon arrows
8. Arrow Precision Inferno Wildfire II Precision Recurve Crossbow (225-Pounds)
The Arrow Precision Inferno Wildlife II Precision Recurve Crossbow is extremely powerful and is perfect for those who are on a budget. This crossbow has a 225-pound draw along with a blistering speed of up to 345 feet per second. It has a premium 4 x 32 multi reticle scope along with a noise reduction system that I very welcome for when you are trying to be stealthy and quiet. This crossbow is lightweight and evenly balanced with a soft touch stock and a CNC machined aluminum rail and rise with special allow limbs. It measures a total length of 39.5 inches and 36.2 inches wide when cocked along with a 16.5-inch power stroke. Thus, it is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- Extremely powerful as it has a 225-pound draw along with a speed of 325 fps
- It comes with a lot of accessories including bolts to help you get started.
- It is lightweight and evenly balanced
9. KingsArchery Crossbow Self-Cocking 80 LBS with Adjustable Sights and a Total of 63 Aluminum Arrow Bolt Set Warranty
The King’s Archery Crossbow is a high-quality hunting device that is also very easy on the pocket. It weighs 80 pounds and uses a self cocking system and is thus easy to use. It comes with a total of 63 aluminum arrows so as to allow you to start using it as soon as you receive it and not waste money on buying separate arrows or bolts. The bow of this device is constructed from durable fiberglass which makes it last for a long time. The self cocking system is impressive as it makes it easier and faster to reload the crossbow. This crossbow also comes with adjustable sights that help assist you with practicing the precision that is needed when operating a crossbow. In conclusion, this crossbow is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- Weights 80 pounds
- Comes with a total of 63 aluminum arrows
- The new cocking system makes the reloading process easier
- Helps in precision due to the adjustable sights
This brings us to the last find in our list of best crossbows under $300.
10. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package (Quiver, 3-20-Inch Arrows and Premium Red Dot Sight)
The Barnet Jackal Crossbow is a crossbow that offers a lot more at its price as compared to its competitors which cost a lot more. It has a speed of 315 feet per second which is perfect for a crossbow of this size. It includes a smooth 3.5lb trigger pull and the draw weight of this crossbow is 150 pounds. It has a sleek and military-style stock with high energy wheels along with a synthetic string a cable system. Furthermore, it comes in a complete package that includes quick-detach quivers, blots, and a premium quality red dot sight. All of which allow you to get out into the open to use it as soon as possible. Hence, this is one of the best crossbows under $300.
Features:
- It has a speed of 315 fps and a draw weight of 150 pounds
- The design is sleek
- It comes with a lot of accessories
- Both left and right-handed people can use it
Conclusion on the best crossbows under $300.
Crossbows can be very expensive but they need not be as shown by the inexpensive crossbows in this list. As long as it does what it is supposed to, a crossbow can be of any price range and allow you to hunt with precision. Check out the list above to find the best crossbows under $300 to save yourself some cash and end up with a good crossbow.
Our Verdict on the best crossbows under $300.
Best crossbow under $300 on amazon overall: Southland Archery Supply SAS Tactical Crossbow
Buyers Guide
- Why crossbows are better than a bow
A crossbow is a ranged weapon that uses an elastic launching device, quite similar to the one used in a bow. It supports arrow-like projectiles called bolts or quarrels. When using a bow, one must maintain a bow’s draw manually by pitching the bowstring with fingers and pull it back while a crossbow does this manually. The many other reasons why a crossbow is better than a bow are:
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Crossbows are Preloaded
Unlike a compound bow, a crossbow is preloaded before you even know that you have a shot to make. This reduces the extra time you would need with a compound bow. When you have sight of your shot, all you have to do is shoot. The crossbow string is drawn back using a cocking device sometimes and is locked into position with a safety catch in place. A crossbow only requires you do is slide the safety off, aim, and pull the trigger. Hence removing a whole step and a chance to make an error.
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Easy Aiming
In modern times, crossbows have evolved and now manufacturers are attaching crossbow scopes on them fo wase of aim. A compound bow relies on multiple adjusting which can make aiming slightly more difficult. Specialized crossbows have a lower power piece that contains several reticles for varying distances. The attached scopes allow you to aim extremely well when dealing with distances longer than 30 yards.
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Easier on the body
A compound bow demands great upper body strength and arm strength from the users because they have to draw their bow and maintain that draw for some period of time to get a good aim. These compound bows are difficult to use for those who have shoulder problems or arthritis. In these cases, a crossbow is perfect because the user need not use their shoulder that much. It is easier to cock.
- How to choose a good crossbow
Crossbows are an expensive piece of equipment hence when buying one, it is important to do a thorough check of the one you intend on buying. However, when one is on a budget, finding a cheap crossbow that is also of high quality can be a difficult task but if one knows where to make the compromise, the task can be much much easier. A few factors to consider are:
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Size:
Crossbows come in various shapes and sizes however to make sure that your first crossbow is a good purchase, the size of the crossbow is essential. It is important to note that the size of a crossbow gets smaller and narrower thus one of the latest models is a good bet. However, if you are a beginner, the size of a crossbow is very essential.
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Weight:
The weight of the crossbow is influenced by many factors and there are a large variety of crossbows available at different weights. Crossbows can be around 6 pounds if you are looking for a lightweight one. Furthermore, it is important to check the design as well as some designs exert more pressure and hence needs more weight to counteract that. The weight also plays into the overall performance hence finding the right combination is the most important when looking to invest in a crossbow.
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Arrow speeds:
Modern crossbows allow you to fire the bolts at various speeds like at 265 or 400fps. A crossbow with a higher speed is also very useful as it allows you to shoot at an object much much farther away with more accuracy. This allows you to make a good shot without having to put in much effort hence, it is useful to choose a crossbow that has a higher arrow speed.
- Best crossbow under $300.
Finding crossbows at a low price of $300 and that too one of high quality is a difficult task. However, if you know exactly what you are looking for, this process can be a lot smoother. The following are the top picks for the best crossbows under $300:
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Southland Archery Supply SAS Crusher 150lbs Tactical Crossbow 4×32 Scope Package
This high-quality tactical crossbow has a gorgeous sleek black finish which makes it a gorgeous device to look at. It has a 150-pound draw weight along with an arrow speed of 325 feet per second which is impressive for a crossbow at that price point. The Southland Archery Supply SAS Crusher Tactical Crossbow is also designed to aim and shoot with precision and strength and along with that, it is quiet on the field which is perfect for when you want to approach the target with stealth. Furthermore, it has good construction which makes it the best crossbow under$300
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BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow Package with Scope, Quiver, Bolts, Cocking Rope, and Wax
In the second place, we have the Bear X Intense Ready to Shoot CrossBow. This hunting device has a top of the line speed at 450 feet per second which is impressive because of how cheap the crossbow is. The draw weight of this crossbow is 210 pounds and the crossbow itself weighs 7.5 pounds and has a length of 14 inches wide cocked and 18 inches wide uncocked. Furthermore, the Bear X intense has a fore-end grip which promoted ambidextrous safety, and also has a rear adjustable stock. This cross also has an anti-dry fire inhibitor along with a dual string suppressor system and also a Picatinny style scope mount rail.
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Daisy 4003 Youth Crossbow, Black, Regular
In third place, we have the daisy 4003 Youth crossbow. This high-quality crossbow is a perfect design for young shooters who are just starting. It can help teach them how to get a precise shot and allow them to love the sport. The draw weight of this crossbow is 29 pounds which is perfect for the young users it was intended for. The rear sight of this device is adjustable to allow for windage and elevation. This package also includes 2 bolts and is very well built for the low price
- Crossbow types
Complete research into an item you intend on buying is a good way of doing things. One must be completely sure that the thing they are buying is worth the price and a good fit for them. When one is buying crossbows they should look into the different features and the different kinds of crossbows. They should assure themselves of the fact that the crossbow they end up choosing will serve them well for the years to come. A few different types of crossbows are:
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Recurve Crossbow:
These crossbows are the most traditional kind of crossbows that use a string and hence, has the most simple design. These models are easier to carry as they are light and portable. Them being lightweight is an advantage to them because it allows for more acceleration for the projectile and hence in turn lessens the hand shock. This means that it is better for people who may not have the strength to work with a heavy-duty crossbow.
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Compound crossbow:
A compound crossbow is a more modern variant and has a more compact frame when compared to other crossbows. These crossbows are famously stiffer and have shorter limbs that allow them to be more energy-efficient than other types of crossbows. They are also capable of firing arrows at a much higher velocity as compared to other kinds of crossbows like the recurve ones. The mechanism they employ allows for greater tension in the limb which automatically translates into faster arrow velocity.
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Reverse Crossbow:
The reverse crossbows are designed a bit differently. The limbs of these models are in the opposite direction as those of a recurve or a compound crossbow. It makes less noise and also shoots arrows at a higher speed which is a deal for those who are trying to be stealthy. These crossbows have an excellent balance and the accuracy they provide is unmatched. If you want smoother shooting, this crossbow is the way to go.