A common question people have after getting out of jail is if they can get a crossbow to continue bowhunting. The law restrains felons from owning firearms after a felony is committed, so is a crossbow considered a firearm in the eyes of the law?
Owning and buying a crossbow is allowed even for someone who has a record. So if you are wondering if a felon can own a crossbow the answer is yes. Someone who has been convicted of a felony charge can, in fact, go out and buy a crossbow regardless of their past record.
Okay so now that you know that a felon can own a crossbow, there may be some other questions that you might have. Let’s address some of these questions now.
Are Crossbows Considered a Firearm?
This is a pretty common question that comes up often when people are researching crossbows so that they are best prepared based on their local laws.
While we can’t give a definitive answer for every single country in the world, or even state level because it’s a gray area.
The reason that there can’t be a definitive answer is that while it doesn’t match the definition of a firearm, crossbows can hold the same power as firearms.
A lot of us think that firearms mean guns, but Merriam-Webster Dictionary actually defines it as…
firearm
noun
fire·arm | \ ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm
Definition of firearm
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder —usually used of small arms
As you know, a crossbow doesn’t use gunpowder, so that would end the debate right there and answer the question. A crossbow is a weapon, but with Merriam-Webster’s definition, it would not be classified as a firearm.
What should you know before buying a crossbow?
Before you invest in a good crossbow you might want to be sure of what you’re looking for first. Sure, they have those bargain models, but those cheap crossbows might not be what you’re looking for. They are not built as well as you may need it to be. If you want to learn about individual state laws for crossbow ownership here is the source.
When looking at different crossbow packages you want to see what you’re getting with each package that you’re looking at. Be sure that it isn’t only the crossbow that you’re buying but that it comes with a few arrows, a cocking device, and a quiver and even a scope sight.
How much does a crossbow cost?
Your correct crossbow will probably set you back anywhere between $800 and $1,500. When you do pay this price you should have everything you’re going to need to be included.
Through the years media has taught us many lessons. Some of those lessons that have been provided are beneficial ones that could shed some light on what the future holds for us and what we should do in the event that a major catastrophe should take place. One of those lessons just happens to be how to defend ourselves in the event that we need it.
Recommended: Is a Crossbow Good for Prepping?
One of those ways that would be beneficial in the event of something taking place is to know the logistics and rules at hand when it comes to using a crossbow correctly and what we should know in the event that we need to quickly grab one in order to set right what has happened to make us need it. Here are a couple of important things one should know prior to picking up a crossbow and using it.
Who can purchase a crossbow?
That is perhaps the most simple question when it comes to buying a crossbow anyone has the ability to do so. While yes, the crossbow is a weapon, it does not hold the same difficulties to buy as would buying a handgun. Not to mention, as far as safety goes, the crossbow is looked at as being safer to own than it would be in possession of a firearm.
Not for the weak
A crossbow is not the easiest of the weapons to use or shoot. In fact, most crossbows have a draw weight of between 150 to 175 pounds for hunting bows, the maximum allowable weight (at least in states such as Ohio) has a limited draw weight of 200 pounds. Though there are others that will run you between 75 and 125 pounds. You must be sure of what the limit is when it comes to your states and you must abide by those rules, carefully staying within the balance of what your state says as far as draw weight goes.
Scope out your area
A helpful part of using a crossbow will come in f you use a scope sight. While some crossbows come with open sights, you will find yourself benefitting from those that have a scope sight that helps you to project exactly where your shooting and where your arrow is going to go. By picking a crossbow with a scope sight, you are better able to judge by dots and crosshairs exactly where your arrow will carry and land when you get the hang of shooting it. It is always beneficial to have a scope sight when it comes to aim and reliability. These scope sights can show you the predicted aims from 20 yards to 50 yards on most crossbows.
Arrows Matter
Don’t use cheap arrows. While the temptation to use arrows that don’t cost much might be there, it is not beneficial for you to do so. By making sure that the arrows that you intend to use on quality, you know that they are going to do the trick of what you need and they aren’t going to falter on you.
With cheap arrows, you have no guarantee of where the arrows were made and if they are actually going to hold up in the event of hunting. By using arrows that are recommended, on the other hand, you know that you are getting the quality out of your arrows for what you intend on using them for. Don’t cut yourself short with arrows that don’t work just because the price is what you would pay for peanuts.
Like riding a bike
Another very important aspect of a crossbow is knowing how to use it and how to use it well. With such a unique item such as a crossbow, it is very important to practice and make sure that you know the inside and outside of such an item.
When hunting, you do not have the time to take a moment, you have to know your crossbow and know exactly how to aim and shoot without any hesitations in order to get the most out of the crossbow and to really know what you’re doing successfully. Having possession of a crossbow is simply not enough if you ever intend on using it.
Be sure when you are practicing that you are in an open field where you can get to know your device without having to worry about injuring anyone who might be around you at any given moment. It is important to get to know the crossbow and be sure of yourself so that there is no panicking when you are on your own in front of the hunt.
Things keep in mind
When you are just beginning to use your crossbow always be careful of the things around you. Be sure that you are practicing in a safe space. Not only should it be a safe space but you should always be sure that you are watching your hands.
Don’t play around with the crossbow, always take it seriously or else you run the risk of accidentally shattering a finger or slicing into your finger or thumb bone. It is very easy to do if you are not paying attention to what you are doing. Always make sure that you are practicing the safe way without risking any injury to yourself or anyone around you.
A crossbow can be a great means of protection and a wonderful hunting tool but it is always important to keep all aspects in mind when it comes to picking up your first crossbow or owning a hunting weapon of any kind. Be sure that you know all about the hunting item and how to use it. Not only that, but make sure that you are gaining a weapon that is in good condition or is not as expensive as some of them offer.
Buying a crossbow that is only going to fall apart on you rather than providing you with the things you need is not going to do you any good.
Be ready for all of your hunting endeavors without having to worry about your crossbow or even how you’re supposed to use it. This is your opportunity to own a weapon that is going to protect you at all costs. The crossbow is a great tool to own as long as you know how to wheel it.
