SWITCHING TO CROSSBOW

After pulling back my antiquated 60 pound pull Mathews Drenalin solo cam bow a time or two, I decided it was time to either stop bowhunting or start using a crossbow because of a decline in my strength.  It was about all I could do to break over the cam bow and that was the deciding factor for considering a crossbow.

I am sure if I practiced enough pulling the Mathews Drenalin bow back, my shoulder strength would return, but I think I made the right choice.

CROSSBOW HUNTING IN NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY

Crossbows became legal to hunt with on August 1, 2010 here in North Carolina.  Prior to that date, to hunt with a crossbow during archery season, you had to obtain a special permit requiring a Physician to state you were unable/physically challenged to use regular archery equipment.  I remember those (can't remember specific names for certain) circa early 1980s, that were not physically challenged, but to lazy to practice with a regular bow and arrow and therefore obtained a "handicap permit" to purchase a crossbow to circumvent the regulations.  I also remember one individual, now deceased that would shoot a deer with a high powered rifle during archery season and stick an arrow through the bullet hole.  One individual was also fined for using a high power rifle during squirrel season to hunt deer early, of which the Game Warden didn't buy his outright lie. 

Some of us have to learn the hard way to observe game rules and regulations and it will reduce the size of your wallet very fast if doing so.  I am referring to a personal incident from 1969 and as the ole country boys would say, "Got broke from sucking eggs"........grin if you must!

BACK TO THE CROSSBOW

Cocking a crossbow with the standard rope cocking device, you use your lower back and both arms straightening up and then pulling upward with both arms, whereas the ball of your foot is inside the stirrup at the end of the crossbow which is much easier than pulling a cam bow back in my humble opinion.  However, a truly physically challenged person would have much difficulty with a standard rope cocking device before the advent of the mechanical wench and lever type cocking devices.

STRYKER STRIKES AGAIN

My friend John Gaddy who lives in Polkton, NC stopped hunting altogether the past few years and recently sold his four wheeler and I knew he still had one crossbow left which was a Stryker Solution LS circa 2014.  I contacted John and he gave me a good deal on the entire package which retailed for about 1K when he purchased the crossbow. 

Big John Gaddy strikes again on 10-17-14 with his Striker Solution LS Crossbow.  Below is a 8 point buck that weighed 221 pounds sporting a rack with 17 inside spread.  Several asked the deer processor was his scales right and he said they were correct.  The buck traveled a good 200 yards before expiring with a shoulder wound of which Big John was trying to make a heart shot, but sometimes it just doesn't happen the way we want it.  John had to recruit some help from Jody Brown and ole Jody bird dogged the buck down which left no blood trail due to the location of the wound.  This buck was harvested at an undisclosed location here in Anson County, NC.......grin if you must!  

John has killed several good bucks with the Stryker Solution LS crossbow and hopefully I can put some venison in the freezer before too much longer using the crossbow!

I went and looked at the crossbow and it was in mint condition and the deal was sealed with the exchange of some greenbacks.  I shot the crossbow and it was much louder than I am use to with a regular parallel limb cam bow, but the accuracy was there.

The crossbow speed was rated at 390 feet per second at a 155 pound draw weight using a 392 grain arrow/broadhead combination, of which I am not really that concerned about arrow aka bolt speed having killed many deer with both recurve, round wheel compound and cam bows.  Speed doesn't kill, it is proper broadhead placement to have venison on the table and in the freezer.......grin if you must!

TARGET FOR THE CROSSBOW

Yesterday, 08-21-2020, I went to Dunham's in Rockingham, NC and purchased a Morrell's Yellow Jacket crossbow target for field points and a tube of Excalibur rail lube. 

This morning, 08-22-2020, I shot three test bolts at about 19 to 20 yards with the 125 grain field points since I plan to use the existing Thunderhead 125 grain 3 blade replaceable blade broadheads I have.  John had one quiver with five (5) of the Rage type retractable two blade broadheads and a package of three (3) Montec G fixed blade broadheads all being 100 grains and three quivers total with some field points.  There was also a couple practice Rage type broadheads with some loose replaceable blade broadhead, of which I don't plan to use.

The arrow retention spring type lever that applies downward pressure to the arrow aka bolt wasn't touching the bolt and adjusted it where it was making contact with the bolt which helps keep the bolt aka arrow against the crossbow string and slotted rails.

The trigger group has an anti-dry fire feature which is a big safety feature to prevent damage to your crossbow.  The crossbow will not fire without an arrow loaded.

I planned to use my benchrest and Sinclair forward rest, however the rest top was to high.

With the top portion of the Sinclair rest removed, I could use it with the crossbow.

My 20 yard target is down hill, otherwise the forward rest would work.

As stated above, I removed the upper portion of the Sinclair shooting rest from the shooting bench since it would not go low enough to use with the crossbow and rested the front of the crossbow on my hand.  I plan to build a simple wood top to fit the crossbow forearm piece and Sinclair shooting rest which I can adjust up or down as needed, whereas the entire one piece base will rotate to the right or left as needed, plus up and down.  Visit my benchrest page.

IMPRESSED WITH THE CROSSBOW ACCURACY

The first bolt was a little high and to the left, but definitely would take a deer's heart out.

I moved the POA of the scope a little to the right and shot a couple more test bolts.  John had the crossbow sighted in a 30 yards using 100 grain field points and/or broadheads.  The heavier field point brought the point of impact down about right for 20 yards, even though a little high.

The trigger pull is pretty good, but I have been use to the CZ 452 American .22 caliber target rifle's trigger pull which is between 12 ounces to 1 pound of trigger pull.

SHORTENED LENGTH OF THE COCKING ROPE

I was having a little difficulty cocking the crossbow with the standard rope cocking device and figured out it was too long.  The length of the rope was shortened 7.5 inches and will give it a test run when the heavier crossbow bolts arrive next week.

You can see how much extra rope was shortened up.

With the rope shortened, the hooks will rest on the crossbow string with some tension on the string and a good place to store the rope cocking device too after the crossbow has been decocked and/or fired.  The rear of the rope cocking device is anchored into a slot that is in the stock pad.  The rope cocking device with the pulleys, reduces the effort to cock the crossbow by fifty (50) percent!  Ten-X recommends that the hooks are facing up on the bow string.

I will cut off the excess rope not needed after I field test it.

I ordered a six pack of heavier crossbow bolts; Carbon Express Piledriver 20 inches in length with the half moon nocks which also comes with the universal nock.  With the 125 grain broadhead, the total weight of the bolt should weight about 467 grains.  I will test them with the 125 grain Thunderhead broadheads and hopefully they will fly as good as the Stryker carbon shafts with the 125 grain field point.

NOTE:  A couple days ago, I got my portable hunting blind in position and now it is a waiting game to see when the deer start coming to the broadcast corn and sweet feed.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-22-2020.   

HOME MADE FRONT REST SUPPORT

I made a simple wood front rest support for the crossbow fore grip area which fit onto the Sinclair rest and still have the necessary adjustments such as elevation and windage.  The one piece base for the rear bag and front Sinclair rest also has adjustments for windage and elevation as needed.

I have some heavier spined crossbow bolts arriving and will field test the forward rest and shoot a couple practice Thunderhead 125 grain 3 blade replaceable broadheads to ascertain how they fly.  The hand rest aka forearm piece on the cross bow is not flat, therefore added a couple heavy felt type strips to each side of the U shaped channel the fore end piece rests in to increased the stability. 

In all probability, the Lord willing of course, I will make a simple support to rest the crossbow fore end piece on while in the shooting blind.  I want to remove as many variables as possible to "hunt smarter, not harder."

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-24-2020.

CAMERA TRIPOD REST

I took one of my point and shoot digital camera tripods to the hunting blind to ascertain if it would be suitable for a rest for the crossbow and it might work.

I used the existing camera mount adapter which is detachable from the tripod which has a 1/4 x 20 tpi screw and made a place to fit the adapter to rest the crossbow fore end.  I already had a piece of scrap aka unallocated walnut and cut it six (6) inches in length, drilled and tapped a 1/4 x 20 tpi hole.  I then sanded a radius in the center to match the curvature of the crossbow fore end.

The above tripod is designed for the smaller digital cameras, but worth a try.

I tested the tripod rest out with the crossbow and it was far too noisy/squeaky with too much inherent movement and went to plan B.  Some times we win, sometimes we lose!

FIXED RIGID REST

I screwed a couple scrap pieces of pine 1 x 4 to the elevated seating platform and attached a cross member (1 x 4) to each upright member.  It was reinforced with another scrap piece of 1 x 4 and it was very stable.  I will later go back and put some camo paint on the front toward the feeding area.  The hanger for my Mathews Drenalin Solo Cam bow was perfect for the crossbow also.

NOTE:  I later went back and spray painted the shooting rest and bow hanger flat black!

As Hannibal Smith said on the A Team TV show, "I love it when a plan comes together".....grin if you must!  I have to remember, "Watch out for the blind X-frame cross members."

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-25-2020 and 08-26-2020.

WAITING ON HEAVIER CROSSBOW BOLTS

Still waiting on the crossbow heavier bolts and the tracking provided stated the shipment would be late.  The business is located in Bowdon, GA and per the tracking was shipped on the 22nd.  The shipping was free, but the early Pony Express was faster than our current USPS mail.  Yes, pun is intended, since Bowdon, GA to Wadesboro, NC via I-85N is 363.7 miles!

I also ordered a dozen NAP 125 grain bullet points for 11/32 diameter bolts on the 25th and they arrived on the 27th which was excellent.

I have received notices before from Charlotte, NC USPS hub of delayed shipments with the packages being torn open in shipment and resealed.  I try and stay positive most of the time, but it is hard to do when dealing with incompetence.  Visit this page to get my drift. 

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-27-2020.

REPLACED STRING SUPPRESSORS AKA STRING STOPS

Yesterday 08-29-2020, I was checking the tightness of all the bolts on the Stryker Solutions LS crossbow and noticed that one of the string suppressors aka string stops was badly worn and about cut 1/2 through from the string, not visible in the pix until you pull on the suppressor.

I am surprised that the string suppressor holders are not bent and/or broken due to the tremendous shock/energy generated at the end of the crossbow string travel and coming to a stop.

I went on line and checked out different YouTube videos about the Stryker Solution LS string suppressors and most said that the original ones that came with the crossbow was "junk" and looked for an alternative.  Several stated that the Mathews vertical bow string suppressors would work on the Stryker, but it was difficult to get them into the holder due to them being much larger (fatter) and they were certainly correct.

I took a practically brand new set of string suppressors off my Mathews Drenalin Solo cam bow to make the switch.

One of the Mathews suppressors is longer than the other, but will work just fine nevertheless.

Compared to the original string suppressor that came with the crossbow, these Mathews string suppressors look like they are on steroids.....grin if you must!

Also, the small screws that hold the string suppressor housing in place to the rail is a # 10 torx screw versus an Allen head bolt.  Luckily, I had a set of torx tools for a 1/4 inch drive ratchet.

I went on line and ordered a replacement set of Mathews string suppressors for my Mathews bow.

STILL WAITING ON CROSSBOW BOLTS

The crossbow bolts I ordered on the 21st and shipped on the 22nd are still at the USPS Regional Destination Facility MID CAROLINA-CHARLOTTE NC DISTRIBUTION CENTER August 28, 2020, 9:39 pm.

NOTE:  Crossbow bolts arrived on 08-31-2020.

As soon as those crossbow bolts arrive, I will check how they fly with the 125 grain Thunderhead 3 blade broadheads.  The heavier shaft with the 125 grain broadhead and the beefier string suppressors should quiet the crossbow down a good amount.  I also have a set of Bowjax crossbow split limb suppressors on order.  YouTube video test showed the Bowjax suppressors were far superior to the Limb Saver limb savers to dampen limb vibrations.  I want to try adding a damping system to the foot stirrup to remove some of the noise and vibration and might try the old Limb Savers attached to the sides of the stirrup with plastic tie straps.

All of the above things mentioned will slow the crossbow speed down, of which I am not that concerned with since I shoot mostly 20 yards or less from my hunting platform and ground blind.

Above pix of the Carbon Express Piledriver arrow with a 125 grain field point.

After this hunting season, I will replace the crossbow cables and string.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 08-30-2020 and 08-31-2020.

REPLACED STRYKER 3 X 32 SCOPE

Since I will be hunting mostly from a blind, I decided to replace the existing scope on the crossbow with one with a rheostat lighted reticle which gives you the option of either green or red.  The scope I ordered was sold by Excalibur Crossbow model Tact Zone and has a 30MM tube versus the standard 1 inch diameter tube on most of the crossbow scopes and variable power from 2.5 to 6X.  It has a speed dial to calibrate your arrow speed aka bolt POI (point of impact) from 30 yards to 60 yards with the 20 yard setting remaining constant.

I later torqued the metric socket head cap Allen screws to fifteen (15) inch pounds.  My torque tool, The Fat Wrench made by Wheeler didn't come with the metric Allen sockets and had to round a set up.

RETICLE IMAGE FROM INTERNET

I shot the crossbow a number of times and the Thunderhead 125 grain 3 blade broadheads didn't want to fly as accurate as the field points and tested out a couple of the practice Rage 2 blade 100 grain practice broadheads and they flew pretty good, therefore will be using the hunting 100 grain Rage broadheads for hunting since I have five (5) of them in one of the quivers that came with the crossbow package from John Gaddy.

I sacrificed a Rage 2 blade expandable 2 inch cut 100 grain broadhead and it flew excellent and will use them to hunt with.

BOW PRESS & TRIVIA

Back in the mid 1980s when we had the City Lake Archery Club active here in Wadesboro, NC, I helped do archery equipment set ups for our club members and earned the nickname Bow Doctor.  Later, Mike Howell, now deceased opened an archery shop at his home here in Wadesboro, NC and did repairs, sold bows and accessories.  Jim Skipper of Indian Trail who owned Skips Archery Shop, now deceased helped Mike get started and taught him how to make custom strings, etc.  Jim Skipper and myself did a lot of "horse trading" over the decades.

I made a couple custom bow presses back then and still have the last one I made, however that style of bow press will not work with the parallel limb bows of today and extreme short axle to axle bows and definitely not a crossbow.

I used a simple cable and screw type hand held press to work on the above Drenalin bow.

I thought about how I could modify the above obsolete design bow press for a crossbow, but it would be more trouble and expense than what it would be worth and that style of press could easily damage crossbow limbs by not exerting pressure at the limb tips and not being supported adequately, therefore found an excellent crossbow press on line made in Georgia by Last Chance Archery.

The closest archery dealers aka repair shops are located in China Grove and Charlotte, NC and definitely would not drive through Charlotte, NC to a bow shop, but as a last resort.

LIMB SADDLE BEARINGS AKA SHIMS

I have a set of cables and string on order from 60X Custom Strings, but will wait until after hunting season before I change them out.  Also, there is a saddle bearing made from v10 Delrin aka "shim" on the top right and left limb that one end is broken that apparently helps keep the shim in place and will replace them at the same time.  The limb "shim" system is the only complaints about this model bow via the archery crossbow threads and might be the Achilles' heel on this model crossbow.  I am waiting on a set of saddle bearings item code 15322 aka shims and saddle pivots item code 15321 from the manufacturer.

In the above pix, the saddle bearing aka shim has the left curved end broken off allowing the saddle bearing to work its way out between the riser saddle and saddle pivot.  All the saddle bearings are the same length and as stated, due to the tab broken off on the left end of the upper limb saddle bearing aka shim has worked its way almost entirely from between the riser concave pivot and saddle pivot giving the illusion that it is longer.  The saddle bearing aka shim also has a vertical half moon portion on one side that abuts the saddle pivot side which has the same type of half moon portion.

NOTE:  On 09-11-2020, the top saddle bearings aka shims finally worked their way out.  The only reason I can think of them using the saddle bearings aka shims is to reduce friction.  Bethany Harrold of Pure Archery Group, Customer Service Representative for Bowtech and other archery companies, etc., has ordered a set of pivots and saddle bearings for me.

The crossbow wasn't shooting arrows as consistent as it had before the shims aka saddle bearings started moving out from off the top of the pivots.  After they came out, I adjusted the scope and the bolts were grouping pretty good at 20 yards.

The above parts in the center of the pix between the limbs are called pivots and saddle bearings. 

Once I take the limbs off the crossbow riser, I will have a much better understanding what is taking place.  The cams are slightly out of time and will be adjusted (if needed) when I replace the pivots and bearings, cables and string at the end of this hunting season.  See crossbow maintenance below.

Just maybe, I can make it without some major mechanical set-back!

INSTALLED BOWJAX LIMB DAMPENERS

I replaced the Limb Savers with a pair of Bowjax limb dampeners and used the Limb Savers on the foot stirrup to help control vibrations there.

I changed the orientation of the flexible "legs" to be parallel with the limbs per manufacturer.

The Bowjax limb dampeners are held in place by a single small bolt and used tie down straps to secure the Limb Savers to the foot stirrup.

I will replace the saddle bearings, saddle pivots, the cables and string after our archery season.  I will probably install a pair of string silencers too.  See Crossbow Maintenance section below.

TLC MAINTENANCE NEEDED

This crossbow is definitely in need of some TLC maintenance since it still has the original cables and string and most manufacturers recommend you change them out every three (3) years or sooner depending on the number of shots fired and/or any cable/string fraying.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-04-2020.

EZ GREEN CROSSBOW PRESS

I received the Last Chance Archery Crossbow Press this morning and gave it a field test.

I have plenty of Easton 2315 arrows for the Drenalin bow which is no doubt now retired!

Some serious thought went into the design of the EZ Green series of bow presses and Last Chance Archery has several US Patents for the same; e.g., 7,597,094 & 7,644,708 & 8,517,362.

I have just enough room to work on my crossbow for changing cables, strings, etc.

This definitely is an excellent crossbow press and applies pressure to the limb tips where it is needed.  I mounted the press to my arrow making workbench with the provided hex head lag bolts and flat washers.  The crossbow press is adjustable from 11 to 32 inches.

VERTICAL CROSSBOW SAFETY SUPPORT

I added a vertical upright safety support to affix an adjustable strap and/or rope to attach to the crossbow stock for safety purposes, whereas Murphy's Law never sleeps! 

To easily access the axles with the roller for the cable, the crossbow will work best in this position.

In case I get "butter fingers" while using the press; e.g., putting the crossbow into the press and removing it, the upright safety support will keep the crossbow from hitting the floor.  I thought about the Clint Eastwood movie, Hang em High........grin if you must!

This press will remain idle until after archery season unless I get the plastic limb components in soon, since I probably will not hunt until the deer start using my feeding station regular and/or the weather gets much cooler which normally happens around the 1st of October.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-09-2020.

CROSSBOW MAINTENANCE

I received a set of saddle bearings and saddle pivots from Bowtech via UPS today at no charge, even though the crossbow warranty has expired and I am not the original owner of said crossbow. 

It has been a long time since I have taken a bow completely down to the bare bones and this is the first crossbow that I have taken the limbs off and changed the cables and string.

With the Last Chance Archery EZ Green Crossbow Press, it was a breeze to compress the crossbow although it was a little nerve racking to see the limbs compressed and then completely relaxed and straight as an arrow so to speak once I took all the pressure off the limbs.  I was more anxious when I compressed the limbs from the totally relaxed position (straight as an arrow) with the cables and string removed.  I had to back the press out a good bit to get the crossbow back in the press vertical fingers........grin if you must. 

Crossbow completely relaxed below.

The crossbow reminds me of a Northrop Grumman B-2 aka Stealth Bomber wings!

I removed one of the E clips from the axle and pressed the axle out far enough from to expose the round bushing that held one end of the cable in place on the cam.

If you were just replacing the cables and string, this is far as you need to go with pressing the crossbow limbs.

My musical instrument ShopFox Parrot Vise from Grizzly worked great for positioning the crossbow to take the limbs from the riser and keep the saddle bearings and pivots in place on the crossbow riser.  I used a # 45 torx with 3/8 inch drive ratchet to remove the limb bolts.

After taking the limbs off the riser of which the limbs fit the riser limb pocket like a glove and indexed where each split limb would not move.  With the Bowjax limb dampeners in place on the split limbs, the limbs did not move around and made it easy to keep everything in the correct position.

This is a pix of the original saddle bearings and saddle pivots in place.  The top limb on each side of the crossbow had the saddle bearings missing and only a part of the black nylon tab showing on the right limb which is the bottom limb.  The upper limb saddle bearing black half moon tab is missing from the riser limb pocket as evidenced by the pix. 

The above are the saddle pivots and saddle bearings removed from the limbs and crossbow riser.  The saddle pivots are made from MDS nylon and the saddle bearings made from v10 Delrin that makes contact with the limb pocket concave portion.  As stated earlier, this is the area that gives the most trouble with this model of bow.  The saddle pivots probably didn't need changing, but changed them anyway!  Two of the saddle bearings above are missing the concave portion which worked its way out of the crossbow riser concave pocket.

There apparently is a tremendous amount of shock/energy transfer to the saddle bearings and saddle pivots when the crossbow bolt is released due to the "hatchet" style cams used.  

Once I removed the saddle pivots and saddle bearings from one limb pocket one at a time, I cleaned the pocket and applied some heavy blue bearing grease to the riser limb concave pockets and both sides of the v10 Delrin saddle bearings.  There was no grease applied to the flat portion of the MDS nylon saddle pivot that makes contact with each split limb.

SADDLE BEARING

Below is a close up pix of the v10 Delrin convex saddle bearing which makes contact with the concave cavity in the crossbow riser.  The overhanging tabs on the end of the saddle bearing helps keep the saddle bearing in position in the limb concave riser pocket. 

Many crossbow technicians think the saddle bearing material composition is too brittle, while others contribute their breakage to the crossbow limb bolts backed out about 1/4 turn from the riser.  The crossbow limb bolts were definitely not maxed out against the riser when I checked all the bolts on the crossbow. 

. 

Below are some pixs to help explain the procedure:

The riser has a concave radius which matches the saddle bearing and saddle pivot radius.

The v10 Delrin saddle bearing goes on first and then the saddle pivot with the flat side abutting the limb.

With the saddle pivots and saddle bearings in place, the limbs are ready to attach to the riser limb pockets.

As evidenced by the above pix, the Delrin (black) saddle bearing half moon tab is not at a right angle to the base of the saddle bearing as is the half moon tab on the nylon saddle pivot.  This is no doubt a product of the mold that produced the saddle bearing when it was taken from the mold and cooled down....that is just my humble opinion.  Anyway, this is a problem with this model bow!

The limbs installed with new saddle pivots and saddle bearings.

INSTALLED NEW CABLES AND STRING

I am glad I took several pictures of the cables and string orientation on the cams since they are totally reversed as far as their orientation in reference to a regular cam bow limb, but works exactly the same.

The above pix is the string side of the cam which faces upward on the crossbow.

CABLE SLIDE

I had more trouble with the cable slide than any other thing.  The cable slide fell down inside the hollow rail at the front of the crossbow and had to take the crossbow from the press and coax it out letting gravity do its job.

I used a single stand from an old bow string about the size of dental floss and tied the cable slide in position prior to installing the cables and string and then removed the string strand afterward.

The original string had stretched quite a bit and the cables as well.  The axle to axle measurement was right on the money at 19 3/16 - inches with the new cables and string and the original ones had stretched to 19 1/2 inches axle to axle.  The cam timing looked pretty good and don't think I will have to do anything to the cables; e.g., twist to shorten.

The cams do have timing marks stamped onto them and will take a close-up pix of them later.

I will give the crossbow a test run in the morning to check the bolt point of aim.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-17-2020.

DEAD SILENT CRANK

Shooting the crossbow is plenty of fun and with that said, you still exert a lot of energy cocking the crossbow with the provided rope cocking device.  It doesn't take too long; speaking for myself to really feel the lower back getting worked out pretty good.  The next day or two, my lower back cries out from the "work out" cocking the crossbow.

I went on line and viewed many mechanical cocking devices available and decided on one made by Killer Instinct called the Dead Silent Crank and placed an order for one via EBay.

The crank comes with a butt stock plate since the crank has a tenon on the end that fits into a mortise in the butt stock plate, whereas the crank can be attached and removed very quickly and is quiet in operation which is a plus.

I received the dead silent crank this afternoon, 09-17-2020 and retrofitted it to the stock of the crossbow.  The crossbow butt plate mounting holes are 3.5 inches center to center and the dead silent crank butt stock plate are 3.25 inches.  Also, the dead silent crank butt plate had a curvature to it and did some serious grinding with the belt sander to get it in the ball park.  The design of the Stryker stock wasn't feasible to try and drill new location holes for the 3.250 center to center hole spacing on the Dead Silent Crank butt plate.

Not the prettiest job, but the retrofit is workable!

The Dead Silent Crank will get a good work out tomorrow, our Lord willing of course.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter 09-17-2020.  

DEAD SILENT CRANK USED TO DECOCK THE CROSSBOW

I am mainly using the Dead Silent Crank for decocking the crossbow and it works great!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 11-11-2020.

DSC IS A SAFETY HAZARD

On December 3, 2020 the above DSC string hook/roller disengaged from the crossbow string while letting the crossbow string relax with the curved plastic metal string hooks striking me in the chest leaving a bright red spot, but no bruise.  It was painful to say the least.

On December 4, 2020 while letting the crossbow string relax, the string broke on the left plastic and metal string hook/roller with said hook/roller striking me near the center of my forehead leaving a swollen knot.  If the string hook/roller had hit myself in the eye, I could have easily lost that eye due to the force and energy of the string hook/roller.

I emailed Killer Instinct via their contact page form, but have not heard anything from them.

I plan to get my PortaBand saw and cut it into several pieces.

My gut instinct told me that the red braided string was too small and Murphy's Law never sleeps.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 12-08-2020.

DSC PROBLEM SOLVED

I solved the problem with the above Killer Instinct DSC by cutting it up with my Milwaukee PortaBand saw and will be accident free in the future from that pile of junk!  Killer Instinct is a good name for the DSC and hope their imported crossbows fare much better!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 12-10-2020.

TEST FIRED CROSSBOW

I shot two bolts at about 19 to 20 yards and they were almost touching.  The POI was 2 inches low and about 1 inch to the right.  I adjusted the scope and shot one more arrow.  It was close enough for hunting.

I inspected the crossbow and everything looked ok and ready for hunting.  The Dead Silent Crank worked good, and did take some effort to use, but not as much with the regular rope cocking device.

I later adjusted the scope POA for the bolt to hit the black bullseye.  I checked the POI at 30 yards with the Excalibur Crossbow model Tact Zone speed dial set at 380 fps and the arrow elevation was right on and a little to the right of the small black bullseye.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-18-2020 and 09-22-2020.

INSTALLED LIMB SAVER STRING LEECHES

I installed a pair of Limb Saver string leeches, of which I had to relax the crossbow string in the EZ Green Crossbow Press which was a breeze.  The string leeches go between the center of the string.

I fired three test bolts and one of the string leeches came out and removed the other one. 

I ordered a set of Bowjax string suppressors that the crossbow string will go through the center of the string suppressor and you will have to remove your crossbow string in order to thread the crossbow string through the center of said string suppressor. 

As evidenced by this web page, I am having a tremendous amount of fun "tinkering" with this crossbow!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-19-2020.

STRING SUPPRESSOR STOPS

There are much better string suppressor stops available than the original ones that came with the crossbow and decided to go with a set manufactured by Parker that will fit this crossbow with some modifications.  The Parker system is incorporated in several different crossbow manufacturers including Excalibur and others, of which the system is a much beefier string suppressor stop.

I have a set on order and will adapt them to the Stryker Solution LS riser which requires a 1/4 inch thickness spacer to raise the stops where the string will center the stops and grind/cut the forward rectangular suppressor holder to match the curvature of the crossbow riser. 

I viewed a crossbow thread about a modification using the Parker string suppressor stops, therefore the modification was much easier than going about it "cold turkey." 

Parker is no longer in business and I had to search EBay to find a set that would fit the Stryker Solution LS crossbow riser.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-21-2020.

PARKER STRING SUPPRESSOR STOPS

I received the Parker string suppressor stops on 09-26-2020 in the afternoon and was anxious to retrofit them to the crossbow riser.

I did not do a complete pictorial essay of the modifications, but will describe what took place.

MODIFICATION IN PROGRESS

Below is a pix of the modification in progress with the brackets that holds the suppressor stops in place rough ground/filed to fit the crossbow riser.

The 5/16 x 18 tpi bolts aka button head screws are at least 1/4 inch too short and will purchase a pair when the auto parts stores are open either Sunday afternoon or Monday.

The spacers were made from a piece of scrap aka unallocated aluminum flat stock .193 +- inches in thickness and used the band saw, drill press and belt sander to fabricate them.  The string suppressor stop on the left is about the right length and the one on the right is the original length that comes with the system.  The cutouts aka holes in the crossbow riser were not round and the inside diameter slightly under the required 5/16 inch diameter and were drilled/reamed a few thousands of an inch to accommodate the bolts provided.

I will final fit the string suppressor stop blocks and the spacers where the stops are perpendicular to the crossbow string, dissemble and spray a coat of matte black on the spacers and the area where material was removed from the string suppressor stop aluminum block holders.

Above pix before flat black sprayed on the spacers.  I have the string suppressor stops abutting the crossbow string with some tension and will give it a test after final assembly with the correct length bolts.  The string suppressor composite composition rods are also abutting the crossbow riser and secured in place with two set screws on each of the aluminum block holders.

These beefed up string suppressor stops has to reduce the vibration and sound level much better than the original string suppressor stops that originally came with the bow, whereas the "acid test" will be when I shoot the crossbow.

Web paged updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-27-2020.

FINISHED  STRING SUPPRESSOR INSTALL

I could not locate identical button head screws locally to replace the existing screws and opted to use 5/16 x 18 tpi x 1.5 inches flanged hex head bolts and cut their length to 1.25 inches +-.  Also my blue Loctite is very old and purchased a fresh tube.

The aluminum spacers and modified holders were spray painted yesterday with matte black Aluma-Hyde II sold by Brownells and this morning coated the raw ends of the shortened flanged hex head bolts using a Q-tip saturated with the spray paint.

FIELD TESTED THE CROSSBOW

I shot two bolts at about 19 yards + - and pulled the first arrow and shot it again and it went into the same hole on the bag target.

As far as the sound level reduction, I really can't say for sure, but there definitely is a reduction in the felt crossbow vibration.  As stated earlier, I have been use to shooting a Mathews Drenalin parallel limb solo cam bow which is super quiet with no hand shock!

I adjusted the scope one (1) click POI to the right.

I shortened the length of the suppressor composite rods a little while still maintaining good tension on the crossbow string and the string traveled a good 3/8 inch past the crossbow string at rest, therefore compressing the suppressors aka dampening devices.  As far as the effect on the bolt speed where the power stroke is reduced some, I don't have a clue, but I am not really concerned about losing x amount of feet per second in bolt speed!

I have the length of the suppressors adjusted where they are touching the suppressor stops with some tension and will do some recon as to what most recommend as touching or not touching the string.  I later found that everyone has their own opinion with no conclusive evidence to back up their opinion, therefore will leave them adjusted as is.

I am very well pleased with the modification and install and hopefully the deer will start visiting my feeding station before too much longer with some fresh venison in the freezer.

100 GRAIN VERSUS 150 GRAIN FIELD POINT

At some time in the future, our Lord willing of course, I plan to hunt with a 150 grain Rage 2 blade TRYPAN hypodermic 2 inch expandable broadhead, however I have several years supply of 100 grain Rage 2 blade expandable broadheads on hand.

I wanted to see what the difference in the bolt drop at 19 yards would be comparing the 100 grain field point against the 150 grain field point.  The 150 grain field point drops approximately 1.250 inches lower than the 100 grain field point.

Where I plan to currently crossbow hunt from my shooting blind, twenty (20) yard shots will be the norm.

I believe the crossbow did sound a tad quieter with the 150 grain field point and the accuracy is still dead on so to speak.  I need to add a decibel meter to my hobby inventory!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-28-2020. 

CROSSBOW SPEED

I wanted to ascertain what the crossbow speed is with the additional stuff I have added to it; e.g., Bowjax limb dampers and added another set I placed on the outside of the mounting blocks, of which I ordered a set for a solid limb versus a split limb, my bad.  I also placed the original LimbSavers that came with the crossbow on the outside of the foot stirrup.  I added the Parker String Suppressor Stops which shortened the string travel a little effecting the power stroke, but probably less than 1/4 inch.

The Stryker Solution LS is rated at 390 feet per second, 155 lb. draw weight using a 392 grain bolt with includes 100 grain field point, however I am using a heavier crossbow bolt, Carbon Express Piledriver that weights 457 grains with a 100 grain field point and rated at 442 grains per the package with 100 grain field point.

I only shot one bolt through the meter with the results below.  If I was serious about the bolt velocity, I would have shot several bolts across the meter to get an average reading:

As stated earlier, I shot a test bolt at 30 yards and the elevation was dead on, of which I had the speed dial on the Excalibur Tact Zone scope set at 380 feet per second; a good lucky guess.

Crossbow bolt speed is not an issue with me due to my hunting conditions and look forward to my first deer harvest with this crossbow.  It has already proven to be an excellent crossbow, whereas my friend John Gaddy has harvested several good bucks over 200 pounds.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-29-2020.

PADDED SHOOTING RAIL IN BLIND

I was wanting to obtain a scrap piece of carpet to place on top of the shooting rail in the ground blind platform and luck was in my favor.  I was visiting the same friend recently that sold me the crossbow and I observed some good looking carpet someone had thrown beside the road not too far from his home.

On the return trip, I stopped and cut a piece from the carpet that had very little wear on it and installed it on the shooting rail.

This will definitely get you in the mood to crossbow hunt for deer!

I tested the rail out with the carpet and it is super quiet and the optimum height too.  

I did see some deer activity on the trail camera around 3:15 A.M. on 09-29-2020 and hopefully the deer will start visiting the broadcast corn and sweet feed regularly and will be time to sit in the blind.

TARGET AT 41 YARDS

There is one place where deer have crossed between 40 and 41 yards and wanted to see how the crossbow bolt held up at that distance and further test the calibration of the Excalibur Tact Zone scope.  I shot one arrow at a foam layer target and it did not stop the bolt and couldn't really tell where the point of impact was, although I knew from the sound and target movement, it was a hit.  I replaced the foam layer target with the Yellow Jacket target, however the target was not positioned perpendicular to my shooting position, my bad.  I made a make shift shooting rest using the foam target sitting on top of my planer and not super steady, but it worked fine.

I held at the top of the lower right bullseye top black ring and that is where the bolt impacted about 1 inch to the right.  That would take a deer's transmission out with no problem!  The Excalibur Tact Zone illuminated scope speed setting is very accurate for sure.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-30-2020.

AUDIO RECORDINGS

I set my TASCAM DR-05 audio recorder about 3 feet from the crossbow and shot a bolt at a 19 yard Yellow Jacket target.  You can hear the crossbow discharge and the bolt impacting the target.  The audio editing software program screen shot shows what you are hearing.  To me, the crossbow is very loud and the crossbow is actually inside the basement garage a foot, therefore the sound hasn't had time to dissipate, if that is the right word to use.  I am sure it would record a little different if outside.  Just for curiosity, I plan to later do a check with a decibel meter shooting the crossbow outside and observe the results.  My video recorders have long since bit the dust and maybe in the future will purchase a camera to mount on the crossbow for some additional fun.

Click on the below icon(s) for the audio file in .mp3 format and screen shots in .png format:

RECORDER PLACEMENT AT 1 YARD

    Click on thumbnail pix for a larger screen view.

RECORDER PLACEMENT AT 19 YARDS

I shot another test bolt with the recorder placement right behind the target butt and then isolated the sound only coming from the crossbow and then isolated the sound impact of the bolt at the target butt documented below since there was just enough delay to separate the two sounds:

CROSSBOW SOUND AT 19 YARDS

     Click on thumbnail pix for a larger screen view.

BOLT STRIKING TARGET AT 19 YARDS

    Click on thumbnail pix for a larger screen view.

After hearing the crossbow sound from 19 yards, I don't think I am too concerned about the noise of the crossbow versus the sound generated at the crossbow!  I was amazed at how loud the bolt impacted the target butt with the recorder near the target butt!

Sound travels approximately 1100 feet per second at sea level and there are a few variables, etc., and with the crossbow bolt traveling at 380 feet per second, a spooked, fully alert deer could move enough (jump the string) to cause a problem, but at 20 yards or less, I don't think it is much of an issue if the deer is not fully alert and not looking in your direction.  Yes, I have had an alert deer or two jump the string using a round wheel compound bow even at 17 yards from a very noisy Bear Brown Bear model bow and learned over the decades when to take a shot and not to take a shot with an arrow; e.g., reading the deer's body language.

CROSSBOW WORKSTATION FIXTURE

I was playing around with the crossbow and wanted to decock it instead of shooting an arrow into the target or shooting a decocking arrow into the ground and used my bench rest, however the rear elevated sandbag was a little in the way of the handle of the Dead Silent Crank.

I tested out my Tipton gun vise, but it was too long for the crossbow.

I decided to make a simple workstation that would suffice for decocking the crossbow and could be used for other things on the crossbow as well.

I used scrap aka unallocated pieces of pine wood and thin walnut to fabricate the simple fixture just for this particular crossbow.  As stated earlier, I used my ShopFox musical instrument vise, but had a hankering to do this fixture. 

A few splashes of color on the ole Stryker Solution LS.

Fits like a glove.

I will test the fixture out decocking the crossbow, of which I know it will work excellent since I have already decocked the crossbow using my benchrest shooting rest with the aid of the Dead Silent Crank.  This fixture will allow you to safely put tension on the crossbow string and release the trigger of which you have to have a bolt in place, otherwise the dry fire safety mechanism will not allow you to decock the crossbow.  This procedure is a two handed operation for sure.  I definitely will have the decocking arrow loaded, even though I plan not to have it go airborne......grin if you must! 

I know, it would be much simpler to just fire the decocking bolt into the ground,  but this is my usual MO (modus operandi), but the crossbow fixture is multi-purpose.....another grin is in order.

Another reason is, that I do not know how long the v10 Delrin saddle bearings will hold out, since most threads have the top saddle (black) bearings going out first.  I have probably shot this crossbow more since I had owned it than the original owner John Gaddy, of which the top saddle bearings were nearly out of the crossbow riser then! 

Retired folks do have time for some fun........grin if you must!

NOTE:  The fixture works great decocking the crossbow with the aid of the Dead Silent Crank!  The crossbow is tighter than two coats of paint held in the fixture.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-01-2020,10-02-2020 and 10-08-2020.

DEER ACTIVITY

The past three (3) days, the trail camera has a couple different bucks coming in at dark and one around 8:26 this morning.

On 10-06-2020, while changing out the SD card, I noticed that the camera lens had some type of spider web substance on the lens and removed it with my Tee Shirt.  I remember sometime back that I left the camera door open for a few hours during the day when I removed the SD card, therefore whatever got on the camera lens had all the images as if there was a heavy fog in the area.  I now have spare SD cards dedicated just for this camera and it should not be a recurring problem.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-06-2020. 

Since I meat hunt, both those bucks are shooters as well as any does that venture into crossbow range................grin if you must!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-03-2020.

SOUND METER

I set a Triplett SoniChek MC sound meter near my crossbow and recorded the sound level when the bolt was released.  Prior to the test, I added another set of BowJax Magnum Limb Dampeners to the limbs...there are three(3) sets of the limb dampeners on the limbs, of which is an overkill for sure.

The main reason for the extra BowJax Limb Dampeners is to hopefully extend the life of the Delrin pivot bearings which are known to fail in the Bowtech Stryker Solution LS crossbow and don't entertain the thoughts of having to change them out on a yearly basis!

Just for curiosity, I will later send a bolt or two through the Shooting Chrony meter to see how much if any, the speed was reduced.  I am not really concerned by x amount of speed lost since my shots will be less than thirty (30) yards with the average around twenty (20) yards from my hunting blind.

I changed the power of the Excalibur Tact Zone scope setting down to about 3X hoping that I would get a little better low light capability with the scope and wanted the wider field of view at 20 yards too.  I had it set up around 5X and the field of view at 20 yards was narrower than I like.  I don't think the Excalibur Tact Zone scope is clear and sharp as the Stryker 3 x 32 that came with the crossbow, however the lighted reticle is definitely a plus in low light shooting situations.

Whew, that was some serious rambling getting a little side tracked for sure and back to the checking the sound of the crossbow.

I believe the accuracy is listed as +3.5 db at 1000 Hz., but don't have a clue as to accuracy across the frequency spectrum.  I only recorded the sound level of one bolt released.  The sound meter reminds me of a bottle of liquid shoe polish with the sound screen looking like the applicator....grin if you must!

Above is pix of the set-up.  Just enough room to walk around equipment to equipment!

Like I said earlier, an overkill on the BowJax string dampeners......grin if you must.

What surprised me was the point of impact of the bolts at 19 yards when I added the last BowJax string dampeners next to the limb riser pockets.  The first bolt shot was the higher one in the target and the second one was the last one I shot.  Maybe things had to settle down, because the crossbow was spot on elevation wise before the last BowJax string dampeners were installed.  I don't think it is my shooting error because the crossbow is rock steady in my benchrest.

I plan to do some further tests with the Triplett sound meter since the reading from the crossbow shot seemed very low in my humble opinion.  I whistled near the sound meter and it registered 65.7 db which appears to be correct from what I have read concerning various sound levels that have been documented.  I have to run both our emergency generators and will check their sound volume.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-09-2020.

TESTING OUT THE SOUND METER

I test run our emergency generators on 10-10-2020 and the larger one sound level was 104 db.  I will check the sound level of the crossbow again with the Triplett meter more out front of the crossbow and about the same height for another comparison check.

TESTING CROSSBOW VOLUME AGAIN

I released two (2) 150 grain field tip bolts at a 19 yard target butt and recorded the sound volume as follows:

The first arrow released with the sound volume above and bolt impact pix below:

Yesterday, I released a couple 100 grain field point bolts that were impacting the target high.  The first one was higher than the second bolt release with pixs a couple pixs above.

The second bolt released with the results below:

The second bolt was lower than the first depicted below:

The sound volume of the crossbow released three times average was 60 db.  Nevertheless, it sounds loud to me and still not convinced of the accuracy of the sound meter.

I have three (3) Rage TRYPAN Hypodermic 150 grain 2+ inch cut broadheads and want to use them, since I will be taking 20 to 30 yard shots from my ground blind with 20 yards being the normal yardage.

Using the Carbon Express Piledriver bolt, the total weight is 525 grains which included the LAUNCHPAD  crossbow lighted nock and 150 grain Rage broadhead for some serious penetration.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-10-2020.

RELEASED A FEW MORE BOLTS

I released several crossbow bolts this morning and the first two were in the black center bullseye.  The 3rd and 4th bolt impacted about two inches to the right.  I don't have a clue why they would be moving that much.  I checked all the screws, etc., and nothing was loose.  It could be the Excalibur scope, but my guess would be the upper limb Delrin (black) saddle bearings are about to break the tab that is facing toward the riser since there was an equal amount of gap between each end of the Delrin black saddle bearing when I installed new ones, whereas now the Delrin saddle bearing on both right and left upper limb are "tighter than two coats of paint" against the riser with some exposed gap between the Delrin saddle bearings facing the cams.

Some crossbow threads allude that it might be the method you are using to cock the crossbow with uneven pressure applied to the rope cocking device, however I make certain that the rope cocking device hooks are against the rail when I am pulling the crossbow string.  I used the Dead Silent Crank which apparently pulls equal with the same results for bolt # 4.

I will mark the crossbow string from each distance from the rail when at rest and compare the distance once the crossbow is cocked and ascertain if there is a discrepancy in my cocking method! 

I will release a few more bolts to ascertain if the POI is the same as when I last "fired" the crossbow.  The bolt POI movement would easily harvest a deer, but I am expecting more consistency than what I am getting from this crossbow!

UPDATE:  I waited an hour or two and released another bolt and the point of impact (POI) was in the center of the small black bullseye.  It appears after several "shots", the point of impact POI is moving to the right and upwards a little.  I am not going to worry about it until after hunting season is over and then try and figure out what is causing the POI to move after a couple of bolts are released. 

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-12-2020.

UPDATE:  I released another test bolt this morning and the POI was in the small black bullseye.  I am planning on hunting on the 15th and maybe the deer will cooperate a little.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-13-2020.

STRYKER CROSSBOWS BITING THE DUST

I recently emailed Bethany Harrold of Pure Archery Group, Customer Service Representative for Bowtech and other archery companies, etc., about the problem with the v10 Delrin saddle bearings and apparently the Stryker Crossbow division will be a thing of the past once their current inventory is depleted.  I wish I had saved the email for the exact details, but this is the nutshell version of the email, if I perceived the email correctly!

This decision was no doubt based on the fact that Bowtech purchased Excalibur crossbows which has an outstanding reputation in the crossbow market!

I will try and obtain another set of the v10 Delrin saddle bearings to keep on hand since this is the main problem with the Stryker Solution LS crossbow.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-17-2020.

FIRST DEER WITH CROSSBOW

There was no way to get a very good photo since there was mixed sunlight in the back yard at the hanging tree.  

Above spike buck harvested on 10-17-2020 at about 1:56 PM.  Short story here:  http://portercalls.com/hunting_2020.htm

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-17-2020.

ORDERED SPARE SADDLE BEARINGS FROM BOWTECH

I placed an order with Bethany Harrold of Pure Archery Group, Customer Service Representative for Bowtech and other archery companies, etc. today via the landline for eight (8) of the v10 Delrin saddle bearings which should keep the Stryker Solution LS crossbow running until it is time to hang it up or it blows up!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-20-2020.

NOTE:  I received the two sets of v10 Delrin saddle bearings on October 27, 2020.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-28-2020.

HUNTING SEASON 2020 ENDED EARLY

I was fortunate enough to harvest four (4) deer with the crossbow this season and still had two (2) doe tags left, however our freezers in the basement was about topped off and decided to end the hunting season early on 12-09-2020.

I continue to give God, the Praise, Honor and Glory in all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and thankful for each and every day that He allows!

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 12-10-2020.

RE-INVENTING THE WHEEL

Since using my first crossbow during the 2020 hunting season, I started looking at some of the threads about crossbows and it appears that crossbows have the same old problem with regular archery manufacturers promoting the speed of their crossbows, of which sells crossbows.

With archery experience going back to the late 1970s, I have watched the progress of archery equipment and it would be scary to know how many different bows I have owned since getting into archery.  I still have four (4) cam/round wheel compound bows and 2 are wall hangers for sure!  I believe I had thirteen (13) recurve bows and 1 long bow at one time also, of which I sold the entire lot to a hunter/collector in SC.

Before hunting with a bow of any type, I purchased a used recurve target bow complete with arrows and the whole ten yards of equipment, however I wasn't truly aware of the importance of the dominant eye and the bow was for a right handed shooter.  I shot it pretty good instinctive style even with a dominant left eye and later sold the entire outfit to who I can't remember.

With that said, my first compound bow was a Bear round wheel bow with hanger brackets for the round wheel/cams which was very noisy and slow and later purchased a Bear Brown Bear model round wheel compound bow which was fast, but noisy.  The riser was not center shot and sent the bow back to Bear and they replaced it with one that was center shot; e.g., riser was cut thinner.  I do believe I was probably the first to design an off-set cable guard to isolate the two cables on the Bear Brown Bear model bow which reduced the noise of the bow.  I harvested my first deer with that bow, a few more deer and a Bobcat before switching to PSE equipment.

I remember I had PSE custom build a left hand bow using their Mach6 rise with a set of Mach5 carbon limbs since they did not make a Mach5 in left hand model and the price tag on it way back then was 1K dollars.

My point being, seems like ever time there was some new development in bow technology, I did an upgrade in equipment which can get very expensive.  See my Murphy's Law short story.

Looking back, the big factor was the lure of increased arrow speed and I had my share of limb cracking, bow noise, vibration, hand shock and everything that goes along with increased arrow speed.

All of what I just wrote equally applies to the crossbow.  Manufacturers are pushing the limit to increase the bolt speed which is the major culprit for crossbow limb failures in my humble opinion.  With the increased speed, individuals will no doubt take much longer shots resulting in crippling game animals and there are many irresponsible hunters using all types of weapons with their primary goal of bagging a game animals with whatever means and action is necessary.

NEWTON'S THIRD LAW

Sir Isaac Newton first presented his three laws of motion in the "Principia Mathematica Philosophiae Naturalis" in 1686.  His third law states that for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This definitely applies to the crossbow and shooting too light weight of a bolt is probably the major cause of crossbow limb failures over time, other than just poor manufacturing technology.  Manufacturers are recommending too light weight of bolt in order to increase bolt speed in my humble opinion.

ARCHERY MANUFACTURERS ORGANIZATION

Fred Bear set the standard in the archery industry for arrow hunting weight (AMO) being a factor of 9:1; e.g., a 60 pound pull bow at 28 inches should have an arrow weight of 540 grains.  I realize that might not be realistic for crossbows due to the draw weight, but it should wake up some folks!

As I have stated many, many times over the years and practice what I preach, "It is arrow placement that brings home the venison, not arrow speed."

INTERNATIONAL BOWHUNTERS ORGANIZATION

The IBO standard is 5 grains of arrow weight for each pound of bow pull, therefore a 60 lb. draw weight bow would use a 300 grain arrow.  I have seen videos of hunters using 70 pound pull cam bows with such a light arrow and about 2/3s of the arrow would be sticking out of the deer as it ran off, especially if the arrow contacted a shoulder and/or bone.  Arrow speed, but no penetration in my humble opinion.

CURRENT CROSSBOW PRICES

With all the new technology, the perceived crossbow leaders apparently has added platinum to their rail and riser assemblies since the price is totally unreal and crazy!  There definitely is nothing wrong in purchasing the "best" if you can afford it, but you can get a 400 fps crossbow for less than 500 bucks that is fairly reliable and paying 3K dollars or more for a crossbow that will shoot a bolt 500 fps is insane in my humble opinion! 

To reiterate, "It is arrow/bolt placement that brings home the venison, not arrow/bolt speed."

STUPACRATS

If our Lord tarries long enough and the current 2021 "Stupacrats" in Washington, DC consisting of both Demoncrats and Republicans continue to erode our democracy, America might end up speaking Chinese and having to shoot a slingshot or throw rocks for hunting and self-defense.

Open this .PDF file if you think China is asleep!

Read my quote of the decade short story and America's Moral Decay.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 01-16-2021 and 01-22-2021.

LIQUIDATION OF CAM BOWS AND ACCESSORIES

On April 19, 2021, I broke my right arm radius bone about one (1) inch from the wrist which required 2 plates and 8 screws to secure the crushed bone while it healed and another recent surgery to remove the top plate and screws to allow the wrist to bend.

Therefore, I decided to sell all my archery equipment and accessories except that which pertained to the crossbow.  An acquaintance of several decades was contacted and he agreed to purchase said equipment, accessories and supplies.

Below are pixs of my crossbow corner at the present time:

I relocated the crossbow press which freed up the workbench area and now more user friendly.

A fixture was made just for the Bowtech Stryker Solutions LS Crossbow before I broke my right arm which has a boat winch and can cock and decock the crossbow as desired.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 07-30-2021.

SADDLE BEARINGS BREAKING AGAIN

On 10-21-2022, I noticed that one of the black Delrin saddle bearings (bottom right limb) was coming out of the limb pocket, whereas one end of the saddle bearings tab was completely broken off which allows the saddle bearing to move out of the limb pocket.  I replaced four (4) sets of Delrin saddle bearings on 09-17-2020 which lasted a little over two years.  As stated earlier, those Delrin saddle bearings breaking is the Achilles' heel for this bow model.  I checked the crossbow further and noticed that the top left limb Delrin saddle bearing was broken also.

The broken end of the black Delrin saddle bearing is laying on the riser above!

The other saddle bearings are about to break as well, whereas one side of the saddle bearing will work its way against the bow riser and then shear aka break off and there is no way for the saddle bearing to remain in place.

I will use this crossbow as a back-up as I have a TenPoint Titan De-Cock crossbow with the ACUdraw crank on order.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-22-2022.

This crossbow was going to replace a 2014 Bowtech Solutions LS model crossbow (shown below) which has issues with the Delrin bearings, but is still shootable and have harvested two (2) deer with this crossbow so far this hunting season.

Another reason for choosing this crossbow (TenPoint Titan De-Cock ACUdraw crank), I needed a simple means to cock and de-cock the crossbow and not having to shoot a bolt in order to de-cock the crossbow.  The Titan M1 crossbow platform had very good reviews and hoping the same for this model TenPoint crossbow Titan De-Cock ACUdraw crank, however "the jury is still out" as will be manifested in this short story!

On 10-28-2022, I placed a TenPoint (SDS) String Damping System on the stock to help prevent excessive noise and vibration.  I also installed a pair of BowJax limb vibration dampeners on the limbs prior to shooting and sighting the scope in.

ACUDRAW LOCKING UP RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE

I noticed right off that the ACUdraw crank system was giving trouble by locking up (binding) before I got the U shaped string claw attached to the crossbow string and it was difficult to get the claw to release after the crossbow was cocked.  I shot maybe a dozen (12) crossbow bolts within a few days and finally the ACUdraw mechanism locked up and I could not release the U-Shaped claw from the crossbow string with the crossbow cocked without a lot of trouble and effort.  Finally, the ACUdraw crank retraction power spring broke.  Also, the two stage trigger pull became a single stage trigger pull and you were pulling against the wall all the time and the trigger pull poundage to me was excessive.  However, I am use to a very light trigger pull on all my firearms and the Bowtech crossbow I have been using has a light trigger pull, maybe 3.5 pounds and less than 2 lbs. on my CZ 452 American .22 caliber rifle.

Also, the cams were not in time, but didn't seem to affect the accuracy.

TENPOINT CUSTOMER SERVICE LACKING

I contacted TenPoint via the contact form on their website and they later advised that I take the crossbow to one of their authorized service center dealers after I had already made the trip three (3) days earlier.  I had earlier tried to contact them via email, but did not get a response.  Also, I tried their 330-628-9245 land line and got no where with their convoluted automated telephone service and never did get to speak to a live person; e.g. customer service.  I was placed on hold for an extremely long time and finally gave up!

It might be easier to locate someone in the Federal Witness Protection Program than contact a customer service representative at TenPoint Crossbow Technologies in my humble opinion!

COPY AND PASTE FROM TENPOINT LIVE CHAT

William Porter
Fri, 11/11/22 7:32 am

Even your own repair facilities do not have a diagram of the mechanism.

I went to one of your repair shops and they charged me 40 bucks for a main spring that should be under warranty.  I shot the Titan about 12 times and the spring failed.

Also, you folks do not answer emails either.

Your service sucks.

Here is what I did to a 1000 dollar top of the line PSE bow,  circa 1994

Description: https://portercalls.com/images/PSEMach6WarrantyRepair2.jpg

NOTE:  See my Murphy's Law short story which details why the above bow ended up in 13 pieces and deposited in the landfill in 2008.

Looks like your Titan might be a candidate.

Have a blessed day.

later,

Bill Porter

Below is a conversation with TenPoint after I received my bow back from their authorized service center dealer in China Grove, NC

Michelle
Thu, 11/10/22 9:16 pm

If you mean schematics, no. That is proprietary information.  If you need yours repaired, please go to a service center as recommended in our previous chat.

William M Porter
Thu, 11/10/22 12:45 pm

Zip Code: 28170
Message: Do you have a diagram for the Titan De-Cock ACUdraw crank?

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

NOTE:  I did an internet search at the US Patent Office on 11-12-2022 and found U. S. Patent 11,428,499 B2 pertaining to the de-cock trigger group which was patented this year (08-30-2022) assignee Hunter's Specialty Manufacturing, Inc, D/B/A TenPoint Crossbow Technologies.  So much for proprietary information per TenPoint Michelle!

YOUTUBE VIDEO by BRYAN ZABITSKI - SERVICE & REPAIR MANAGER TenPoint

HOW TO REPLACE THE ACUdraw POWER SPRING TenPoint CROSSBOWS  The video is fairly generic to other models of the ACUdraw as to how the retention power spring operates and the replacement of said spring.

TENPOINT AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER DEALERS

As eluded to earlier, I contacted one of TenPoint's authorized service center dealers in China Grove, NC and drove there on November 7, 2022 which was a 60 mile drive one way and it took about 1.5 hours to make the trip.  The repairman, can't remember his name (maybe the owner) took the ACUdraw mechanism apart and stated that he had never worked on that particular model and did not have a spring for it, whereas he would fill out a warranty repair and order one from TenPoint.

Later that same day, the authorized service center dealer called and stated they found a spring for the crossbow and had it repaired and the bill was $ 100.00.  I drove to the repair center on the 10th and was waiting at their business which opened at 10:00 AM.

We tested the crossbow, cocked it and de-cocked it and it did lock up (bind) one time while retracting the claw from the crossbow string and then worked fine.  I asked the owner if he charged me for the retention power spring and stated it wasn't covered under the warranty.  I paid the 107 dollars which included tax and left him a 3 dollar tip.  I was charged 40 dollars for the spring, 60 dollars labor charge and 7 dollars tax.  I looked up the cost of the spring on line and it was a little less than 15 dollars!  I think I got "took to the cleaners" on that for sure.

I asked them about the two-stage trigger pull not working and they did not address that issue, but said "crossbows normally have a heavier trigger pull", of which I understand.

It makes me wonder if they placed the original retraction power spring back onto the spool hub since the end of the spring was broken at the hub. It would be easy to bend the end of the spring a few degrees, drill a hole in the end of it and reuse the retraction power spring.

I contacted Wyvern Creations via email and left them information about the trouble I was having with the crossbow and he said "I forwarded this up the ladder at TenPoint to make sure it does not get buried.  Hopefully someone will contact you."

I am very well pleased with the customer service from Wyvern Creations, but extremely displeased with TenPoint's apparent no customer service as far as I am concerned.  I have read numerous threads on the crossbow nation website aka (blog) and I am definitely not alone in my assessment of the quality of their customer service!

I ordered an Excalibur Tact-100 scope from Wyvern Creations to replace the TenPoint Pro-View 3 scope that came with this crossbow. 

NOTE: On 11-11-2022, I filled out the contact form on TenPoint's website and requested a RA number to send the crossbow back to the factory.  It is still locking up intermittently, even though I am following the instruction manual and pulling the claw out slowly as per the recommendation of Wyvern Creations and TenPoint.

So far, I have driven approximately 240 miles taking about 6 hours (two round trips total) to China Grove, NC and the crossbow is still not functioning properly 100 percent of the time and not to mention spending 107 dollars for said repairs and vehicle gas!

NOTE: On 11-12-2022, I placed the crossbow in a home made cocking and de-cocking station and test fired the crossbow several times to check the trigger pull poundage with a digital meter.  As fate would have it, the crossbow cocking mechanism did not lock or hang up while strapped down in the fixture, but worked as it should.

I used a Lyman digital trigger pull gauge to ascertain what the trigger pull was and the readings of the trigger pull was as follows: 7 lbs. 10 ozs., and 7 lbs. 7 ozs. for a average of 7 lbs. 8.5 ozs. which is a heavy trigger pull for me.  Also, the two stage trigger pull is not present, but you are simply "pulling against the wall" and there is a little creep detected in the trigger pull.  I don't know for sure if the trigger pull poundage reading I got was accurate since I could not pull the trigger rearward in a straight line pull due to the cocking mechanism in the way of the trigger pull gauge body.  I will probably experiment with another means to get a straight back trigger pull using the digital trigger pull poundage meter.

UPDATE:  On 11-14-2022, I used a looped string to attach to the trigger and got a straight line pull at the rear of the crossbow stock/butt plate to the Lyman digital trigger pull gauge and the reading was 5 lbs. 11 oz., however the two-stage trigger pull is only a single stage trigger pull.

SET UP USED TO CHECK THE TRIGGER PULL

Our only grand daughter Miss Lily Danielle Gonzales was visiting today and doesn't let her PAW PAW get to far away from her.  I definitely had to keep both eyes on her for safety reasons.

I am using a home made cocking and decocking station I made just for the Bowtech Stryker Solutions LS crossbow since I broke my right arm in April 2021 and needing some assistance to help cock the crossbow.  I am now able to cock the Stryker crossbow manually!  I modified the above home made cocking and decocking station to fit the TenPoint Titan crossbow also.

This contraption has a small "boat winch" with nylon web strap at the other end and modified a separate TenPoint sled to fit the Bowtech rails aka flight deck to draw the limbs to full draw and can also de-cock the crossbow.  I like to use the phrase, "Fred Flintstone technology with George Jetson results," grin if you must!  That phrase will tell you how old I am!

WAITING ON A RESPONSE AND RA NUMBER FROM TENPOINT

I will no doubt wait until after this hunting season to send the Titan crossbow back to TenPoint since my Bowtech Stryker Solutions LS crossbow is still operational and harvesting deer.  However, Murphy's Law never sleeps and as the original BSA (Boy Scouts of America) motto, "Be Prepared", I definitely need a back-up plan!

Changed my mind.  I have a friend that is providing a loaner (Barnett Whitetail Hunter II) as another back-up until I get the Titan crossbow back and shot a few crossbow bolts on 11-17-2022 and zeroed it in.  Initially, it was shooting 5 inches to the left and 2 inches low at 20 yards +-.

Web page published by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 11-12-2022 and updated on 11-17-2022.

RESPONSE FROM TENPOINT

Michelle
Sun, 11/13/22 3:48 pm

Please see below on getting an RA to send your bow in:

Click https://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/contact/ and we will email an RA number to you along with the information you need to send the bow in.  In the comments field please detail:
1. What you think is broken on your bow.
2. How it broke (if you know)
3. The best phone number to contact you & best times to call

William M Porter
Fri, 11/11/22 3:15 pm

Zip Code: 28170
Message: I had Grafton Archery, LLC in China Grove, NC replace a broken retraction spring, however the crossbow is still locking up.  I have read your manual numerous times and following said procedures.
Please send a RA.

I filled out the on line form on 11-14-2022 at approximately 9:45 AM and also advised them of the trigger problem being a single stage versus a two stage trigger pull and that Grafton Archery did not address this issue.

RECEIVED RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER

On 11-14-2022 at about 5:26 PM, I received an authorization number 682885 from Nikki Ivey.  I packed the crossbow in the TenPoint original shipping box minus the SDS (string damping system) and the Bowjax limb dampers and went on line to UPS and arranged a pick-up of the package the following day.  The shipping and insurance coverage cost me $ 50.40; e.g., $ 18.35 for 1K insurance and $ 32.05 shipping.  This crossbow definitely is costing me some serious "saw bucks."  

UPS picked up the package on 11-15-2022 at 3:39 PM and it was delivered to TenPoint on 11-17-2022 at 12:26 PM.

Hopefully, TenPoint will find what the intermittent problem is with the ACUdraw crank and fix the D1 trigger mechanism.

LIVE CHAT LINK

I filled out a live chat form on 11-21-2022 at 8:45 AM and requested that the link to this short story be forwarded to their repair service manager: 14190609+XV5G8@tickets.livechatinc.com

CROSSBOW BACK FROM TENPOINT

I received the crossbow back from TenPoint this morning morning (12-02-2022); remounted the scope and got the crossbow onto the stock, installed the BowJax limb dampeners and the SDS.

When I met the FedEx delivery driver and took possession of the shipping box, I noticed a rattle coming from the shipping box and as I unpacked the crossbow assembly, observed that the scope was loose in the large box and not secured or protected.  The rear scope lens cover (plastic lens) was also broken in half.

I shot a few arrows aka bolts and the scope was still zeroed.  However, the u shaped string claw was still locking up intermittently (will not retract) without fumbling with the crank collar to get it to unlock and the trigger pull is still horrible.  If there is a two-stage trigger pull, I definitely cannot detect it, since there is no slack on the trigger, but "tight as two coats of paint."

It would "appear" that TenPoint changed the trigger group out since it now has a different SN label on it, however as stated above, it doesn't exhibit a two-stage trigger pull and the trigger pull poundage is excessive to me.  TenPoint did make a couple posts on the Crossbow Nation blog concerning my problems with this crossbow, but I am following the printed instructions to the letter!

TENPOINT CROSSBOW REPAIR SERVICE LACKING AS WELL

TenPoint Crossbow repair services did absolutely nothing to effect repairs on this crossbow as will come to light several paragraphs down!

MESSAGE FROM TENPOINT VIA CROSSBOW NATIONS

Make sure you are back winding enough to open the brake system up.

Make sure you are holding the button on the left side when you do the last backwind.  It sounds like you are just not getting the silver collar backed out enough.

FINALLY

In conclusion, I made a huge mistake purchasing this crossbow and guess I will have to live with it until I get totally disgruntled and then bring out the Milwaukee PortaBand saw and vent my disgust, anguish and dissatisfaction as I did years ago with a PSE Mach6 cam bow when I reached my threshold tolerance level. 

I would have been better off purchasing a 400 dollar Barnett Whitetail Hunter II crossbow as a back-up (of which I can easily cock using a rope cocking device) and use my home made cocking and de-cocking station if needed, since the Bowtech Stryker Solutions LS is still harvesting deer even with a couple broken Delrin saddle bearings that are slowing working their way from the riser concave limb pocket positioned underneath the saddle pivots.

I definitely got off on the wrong foot with TenPoint since I sent them a link to this short story which documents this Titan de-cock ACUdraw crank saga.

Normally, I use better psychology for getting a problem fixed as follows:  1) Build them up, 2) Lower the boom and 3) Exit gracefully, however this time, it was just my nature (modus operandi) to vent my frustrations in print, knowing beforehand it was a big mistake! 

Web page updated  by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 11-15-2022, 11-17-2022, 11-21-2022 and 12-02-2022.

WYVERN CREATIONS, LLC.

David Wilkins, owner of Wyvern Creations, LLC offered to get my crossbow set-up after hearing all the troubles I had with it from the start.  David emailed me a FedEx shipping label and I got the crossbow back to him on 01-06-2023 and told him I wasn't in a hurry since deer hunting season was over and too cold here to practice with a crossbow.

David emailed me on 01-19-2023 with an update and quote David, "The strap was not only twisted but looped more on the left than the right so ya, it pulled un-evenly.  I also adjusted the brake…that design has a very aggressive brake so anything other than a slow pull will cause it to lock up and require that you re-loosen it.  We had a training seminar at the show and this came up."

David sent me an email on 01-23-2023 with an update and quote David, "Hi, OK, the crank works fine and the tune is all back where it should be, but the trigger has something going on with it.  Its too heavy and its not a two stage like it should be so I'm going to get TenPoint involved in that part as we can't do that work here….I'll keep you posted!"

NOTE:  As evidenced above, David Wilkins found exactly the problems I had described to TenPoint!

David Wilkins emailed me an update on 02-09-2023 and quote David, "OH…by the way, your bow is on its way back to you.  They replaced the trigger and did some shimming on the crank over and above what I did so you should be set."

David Wilkins sent me an email today and quote David, "Hi It even says on the receipt to ship it to you and it just showed up here….I'll get it out tomorrow for you."

RECEIVED THE CROSSBOW 02-17-2023

I received the crossbow today (02-17-2023) and gave it a test run.  The trigger was still heavy with a little creep, but I can certainly live with that.  I noticed the trigger group assembly had a different SN decal on it.

I am having difficulty getting the horseshoe sled to fully retract (decock mode) when the string has all the tension removed, however it could be my fault; e.g., operator error..........grin if you must!

It is a good ways off to our annual archery season and have plenty of time to get acclimated to the crossbow and a very special THANK YOU  to David Wilkins for his time and expense to get the crossbow repaired!

Web paged updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 01-26-2023, 02-09-2023, 02-13-2023 and 02-17-2023.

CHECKING TENPOINT TITAN DE-COCK ACUDRAW CROSSBOW

I got caught up on my yard and home projects for the time being and wanted to shoot the TenPoint Titan De-Cock ACUdraw crossbow to check the point of aim.  I recently replaced the scope that came with the crossbow with a TenPoint Rangemaster Pro Illuminated Scope and zeroed it in using my wood planer as a benchrest, of which wasn't the most stable shooting rest.

Today, I made a make shift rear holder just for the TenPoint Titan, whereas I had a wood home made front holder adapted to my portable shooting bench which has a Sinclair benchrest shooting rest attached to it.

I didn't want to take the portable shooting benchrest outside, but used it positioned inside my basement woodworking shop.  Even though this bench rest is portable, it is super heavy duty, heavy and designed and built for accuracy!  I removed the rear elevation adjustment knob which was to long for use with this crossbow and will make a much shorter one just for the crossbow.

The above crossbow has been back to the TenPoint factory twice and the trigger is very hard poundage wise.  It is advertised as a two-stage trigger pull, but I can't detect any two-stage trigger stage at all.

I later used the windage adjustment to bring the point of impact closer to the bulls eye.  I shouldn't have any trouble with deer at 20 yards.  The speed ring on this scope gets you in the ball park at 30 yards and beyond and it was close enough at 30 yards to harvest deer.

I will probably get me a rest more applicable to crossbows only, but what I currently have is working.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-18-2023.

USING THE BOG FIELDPOD MAGNUM HUNTING REST

I ordered a Bog Fieldpod Magnum Hunting Rest a few days ago on Amazon and it was delivered on the afternoon of 09-22-2023 and gave it a field test.  Right off the bat, the front fork lock knob was froze up and would not turn at all.  I wanted to use the rest, therefore I elected not to send it back to Amazon for a replacement.  I put a couple Channel lock pliers on each end of the knob and recessed bolt and broke the knob off and still could not get it to budge.  I got my Milwaukee 4.5 inch angle head grinder out that had a thin width cut-off friction wheel on it and cut the bolt in half to remove both ends from the aluminum side tubes and the plastic insert between them.

I rounded up a length of 1/4 x 20 tpi threaded rod that I had on hand and cut it off to the length needed and used one of the curved plastic spacers on the rest and made another curved one using a 1/4 inch washer.  The curved portion keeps from flattening out the thin wall aluminum tubing and prevents the rod from turning.  I then used a couple 1/4 x 20 tpi lock nuts and guesstimated at the height of the front fork (forend) and tightened the lock nuts until the front fork stayed into position.

I filled out an online form requesting replacement parts.  After looking at the part that would not turn, it was evident that rust had frozen up the threaded ferrule that was molded into the plastic star shaped knob.  In the mean time, I ordered a pack of 1/4 x 20 tpi plastic knobs on EBay and can use the knobs for other applications for my woodworking projects.

As luck would have it, the next day I found a couple 1/4 x 20 tpi threaded knobs in my router table accessories and needed only one of them.

I cut off the excess 1/4 x 20 tpi threaded rod and the unit works fine.  I put some serious scratches into the tubing finish with the channel lock pliers, but I can live with that.

After getting the rest temporally fixed, I set the rest and tripod and measured off 20 and 30 yards with my surveyors tape.  I earlier stepped the 20 yards distance off and I was a good 2 or 3 yards off.  I guess my senior citizen stride is not as long as it use to be, grin if you must!

The tripod was definitely not level, but with the adjustment of the rest, it was not a problem.  The next time I use this rest, I will move the rest parallel bar slide rearward to where the crossbow weight is properly centered and not forward heavy. 

I zeroed the scope at 20 yards with only a minor change in windage and elevation and was in the small bull's eye.  I then moved the target back to 30 yards and shot one arrow and it was close enough for Government work as evidenced by the pix below:

The Yellow Jacket target butt is not perpendicular to the shooting position.

Thirty (30) yards looks far with the camera zoomed out.  The speed dial was set for 355 feet per second and close enough.  Most crossbow manufacturers have the speed of their crossbows over rated and then will test using light crossbow bolts, of which I do not use.  I haven't run this crossbow bolts shot through my Shooting Crony yet, but might do so in the future, but speed is not that important to me since I harvest deer at shorter ranges.

I will be using the Executioner Black Eagle crossbow bolts and they weight 442 grains with a 100 grain broadhead, maybe a few grains more since I am using lighted nocks. 

In conclusion, this is a good rest for the money and stable enough, however my custom made portable benchrest shooting rest with the Sinclair bench rest front rest is rock solid steady, but again it is very heavy even though portable. The BOG Fieldpod Magnum hunting rest weights less than 18 lbs. and is very portable, but will use it mainly to sight in my crossbows..

The TenPoint Titan Decock ACUdraw crossbow is performing pretty good at the moment.  I have not had any issues cocking the crossbow as far as the break system locking up, but when placing the claw on the string, it seems the coil spring is "tight as two coats of paint" but can live with that.  I haven't used the decock feature since I have been releasing crossbow bolts into the target.

I will give an update when I start using the decock feature during hunting season.

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 09-24-2023 and 09-29-2023.

TITAN DE-COCK ACUDRAW CRANK UPDATE

The crossbow U-Shaped claw aka sled will not retract per the manufacturer's instruction manual.  Once the string tension is let off the string and the sled is relaxed on the string, the claw will not retract on its own.  I have to manually turn the turn the silver crank collar counterclockwise to make the strap to go back into the housing.  About half way or more, the spring will begin to pull the strap on its own which is not what it is supposed to do.

Per the manufacturer's instructions; when using the de-cock feature, the string is let down (no tension) you hold the gear stop button down, remove the crank handle from the crank collar and continue to hold the gear stop button down and backwind (turn the crank collar counter-clockwise) until it stops.  Release the claw from the crossbow string and return it to the storage position, however it will not do so!  It appears the break release mechanism is not working properly.

I would like to harvest a few deer with this crossbow for the freezer before I make a YouTube video showing the TenPoint Titan Crossbow Versus my Milwaukee PortaBand Saw and I can guarantee the winner, even though I am the big looser also!

In conclusion, I made a huge mistake purchasing this crossbow!  

Web page updated by Bill aka Mickey Porter on 10-14-2023.

LEAVING ON A SPIRITUAL NOTE

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please take this moment to accept him by Faith into your Life, whereby Salvation will be attained.   

Ephesians 2:8 - 2:9 8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Open this link about faith in the King James Bible.