What Should You do When Cocking a Crossbow?

Crossbows are becoming an increasingly popular choice for hunting and target shooting, thanks to their accuracy and ease of use. But one crucial step in using a crossbow is cocking it, which requires a certain amount of skill and knowledge.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what you should do when cocking a crossbow, including choosing the right type of cocking device, preparing yourself and your equipment, and following the correct technique.

I’ve already made an article about “ What is the Recommended Way to Uncock a Crossbow? “, which I recommend you read.

By following these tips, you can ensure a successful and safe hunt or shooting session. If this sounds interesting enough to you keep on reading!

Table of Contents

Choose The Right Type Of Cocking Device For Your Crossbow

The first step in cocking a crossbow is to choose the right type of cocking device for your crossbow. There are two main types of cocking devices: rope cocking devices and crank cocking devices.

Rope Cocking Devices

Rope cocking devices, also known as rope slings, use a system of pulleys and ropes to evenly distribute the force required to cock the crossbow. They are typically attached to the crossbow’s stirrup and allow the user to easily and smoothly cock the bowstring.

Rope cocking devices are often less expensive and more portable than crank cocking devices, making them a popular choice for many crossbow hunters and shooters.

Crank Cocking Devices

Crank cocking devices, also known as crank cocks, use a hand-cranked winch system to cock the crossbow. They are typically mounted on the stock of the crossbow and allow the user to easily and quickly cock the bowstring with minimal effort.

Crank cocking devices are often more expensive and less portable than rope cocking devices, but they can provide a faster and more consistent cocking experience.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Both rope cocking devices and crank cocking devices have their own benefits and drawbacks. Rope cocking devices are typically less expensive and more portable, making them a good choice for hunters who need to transport their crossbow long distances.

However, they can be difficult to use for people with limited upper body strength, and they may not provide as consistent of a cocking experience as a crank cocking device. Crank cocking devices, on the other hand, are typically more expensive and less portable, but they can provide a faster and more consistent cocking experience.

They are also easier to use for people with limited upper body strength, making them a good choice for older or disabled hunters. However, they can be more difficult to install and may require special tools or modifications to the crossbow.

Ultimately, the choice between a rope cocking device and a crank cocking device will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your crossbow. It’s important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type of cocking device before making a decision.

Prepare Your Crossbow And Yourself For The Cocking Process

After choosing the right type of cocking device for your crossbow, the next step is to prepare yourself and your equipment for the cocking process. This includes making sure that your crossbow is properly assembled and in good working order, and ensuring that you are in a safe, stable position before cocking the crossbow.

Preparing Your Crossbow

Before attempting to cock your crossbow, it’s important to make sure that it is properly assembled and in good working order. This includes checking that all of the bolts and screws are securely tightened, and that the limbs, string, and cables are in good condition.

It’s also a good idea to lubricate the string and cables with a quality wax or silicone-based lubricant to help prevent wear and tear. If you are using a rope cocking device, you will also need to attach it to the stirrup of the crossbow and adjust the length of the ropes to fit your body size.

For crank cocking devices, you will need to mount the device on the stock of the crossbow and attach the crank handle.

Preparing Yourself

Once your crossbow is properly assembled and in good working order, you need to make sure that you are in a safe, stable position before attempting to cock the crossbow. This means standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body balanced and centered.

You should also make sure that there is nothing in your way that could interfere with the cocking process, such as low branches or other obstacles. If you are using a rope cocking device, you will need to position yourself so that you can easily reach the stirrup with both hands.

For crank cocking devices, you will need to position yourself so that you can comfortably reach the crank handle with one hand. In either case, it’s important to maintain a stable, balanced position throughout the cocking process to avoid injury.

Cocking the Crossbow Correctly

Cocking a crossbow correctly is essential for ensuring that you can shoot safely and accurately. There are two main types of cocking devices for crossbows: rope cocking devices and crank cocking devices. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose the right type for your crossbow and body size.

Basic Technique for Cocking a Crossbow with a Rope Cocking Device

Rope cocking devices are a popular option for many crossbow hunters and shooters because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

The basic technique for using a rope cocking device involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body balanced and centered. You should then grab the ropes with both hands, using a firm but relaxed grip, and pull them back until the bowstring is fully cocked.

It’s important to maintain a steady, controlled pace throughout the cocking process to avoid injury. You should also make sure that the ropes are adjusted to the right length for your body size, so that you can comfortably reach the stirrup and pull back the bowstring.

Basic Technique for Cocking a Crossbow with a Crank Cocking Device

Crank cocking devices are another popular option for crossbow shooters because they can make the cocking process easier and more comfortable. The basic technique for using a crank cocking device involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body balanced and centered.

You should then grab the crank handle with one hand and use it to slowly and evenly crank the bowstring back until it is fully cocked. It’s important to avoid over-cranking the bowstring, as this can cause damage to the crossbow and potentially cause injury.

You should also make sure that the crank handle is adjusted to the right length for your body size, so that you can comfortably reach it and crank the bowstring back.

Importance of Maintaining a Steady, Controlled Pace and Avoiding Over-Cranking the Bowstring

Maintaining a steady, controlled pace and avoiding over-cranking the bowstring are important for several reasons.

First, over-cranking the bowstring can cause damage to the crossbow, which can affect its accuracy and performance. This can be especially problematic if the crossbow is over-cranked repeatedly, as this can weaken the bowstring and cause it to break.

Second, over-cranking the bowstring can cause injury to the shooter. The force needed to fully cock a crossbow can be significant, and if the bowstring is over-cranked, it can snap back suddenly and cause injury.

Additionally, maintaining a steady, controlled pace is important because it allows the shooter to properly align the crossbow and prepare for the shot. This can help improve accuracy and increase the chances of making a successful shot.

It’s also important to adjust the length of the ropes or crank handle to the right size for your body. This ensures that you can comfortably reach the stirrup and pull back the bowstring or crank the bowstring back without straining or over-extending. This can help prevent injury and improve the overall experience of shooting a crossbow.

Overall, properly cocking a crossbow is essential for ensuring that you can shoot safely and accurately. Whether you use a rope cocking device or a crank cocking device, it’s important to maintain a steady, controlled pace and avoid over-cranking the bowstring.

It’s also important to adjust the length of the ropes or crank handle to the right size for your body. By following these guidelines, you can improve your crossbow shooting experience and increase your chances of making successful shots.

Last Minute Thoughts!

In this article, we went through some of the most important things that every archer needs to learn when dealing with crossbows.

After making it this far, you should have a sound idea about what should you do when cocking a crossbow? We hope you find this article helpful and interesting at the same time. There were so many variables to cover but eventually, our goal was to help you guide about everything possible.

If you have learned something new and found this guide interesting please share it with your friends and family.

Thank You So Much

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What Should You do When Cocking a Crossbow?