Sometimes hunting small game doesn’t call for the explosive power of a real firearm. But you might also not want to invest in a heavy crossbow, which can be overkill for both target practice and getting rid of vermin on your property.
Crossbow pistols are a great middle-ground that offers serious stopping power and ease-of-use so that both beginners and experienced shooters can enjoy themselves or become proficient.
Not all crossbow pistols are made the same, however. The best crossbow pistol for you might be something totally different for another person. It’s imperative that you find one with enough draw power to do what you need, as well as the right features or accessories.
Check out our list with the best crossbow pistol reviews to find one for yourself. No matter what your need is, the best crossbow pistol is sure to be among them.
15 Best Pistol Crossbows
1. SAS
SAS
Features
- 80 lbs draw weight
- Arrows travel up to 160 FPS
- Self Cocking Design
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable sight
This crossbow is a great place to start if you’re finding out about these weapons the first time.
Key Features
- Self-cocking design
- Adjustable sight
- 80 lb draw weight
This crossbow is easy to use and manage. Because of the self-cocking system, it’s a great choice if you’re just starting out learning how to use these types of weapons. It’s also a good pick for beginners because it comes with 27 bolts and an extra string.
So losing bolts or an initial string isn’t a big deal as you can just replace both pieces. The adjustable sight is a nice bonus, as it lets you tailor your accuracy and get better over time.
Pros
- Arrows trouble quickly
- Very easy to set up
- Textured grip to prevent slipping
Cons
- Bolts aren’t very tough
Overall, it’s a user-friendly crossbow that can pack quite a punch or be used for target practice all the same.
2. Prophecy
Prophecy
3 used from $60.00
Features
- Compact Body and Self-cocking Design: easy to cock and simple to use but it should not be confused as a toy.
- Powerful Crossbow: 80 lbs draw weight and Arrows travel up to 165 FPS
- Unlike full sized bows, with short 6-4/5'' Power Stroke, crossbow bolts can be fired in a very short period of time.
- Cobra Limb System: best pistol limb system, which is strong and powerful
- Picatinny 7/8" Mounting Rail: More stable than other pistol crossbows with dovetail 3/8 base rail. Compatible with lots of accessories, such as scope, red dot scope, laser sights, and flashlight. There is pre-drilled hole for extra weaver mounting rail on the body for foregrip.
This crossbow is very easy to use and maintains a powerful stroke despite its affordable asking price.
Key Features
- Cobra system limb
- 80-lb draw weight
- Comes with 2 bolts
- Wood-feel aluminum stock
- Adjustable sight
This crossbow is another great beginner’s weapon due to its easy setup and the cobra limb system. This system helps maintain the balance of the weapon and self-cock. It can release crossbow bolts at speeds up to 165 ft./s, making it an excellent crossbow for hunting small creatures or practicing your target shooting.
While the stock isn’t true wood, it definitely feels a lot more comfortable than other pistol crossbows. The bead on the sight boosts your accuracy passively you would expect.
Although it doesn’t cost much, it still brings 80 pounds of draw weight to bear on each bolt and can project the shot quite far. The performance is something you would expect from a more expensive pistol crossbow.
Pros
- Nice textured grip
- Easy to set up
- Bead sight allows for good accuracy
Cons
- Need to replace bolts sooner rather than later
We think this is another good choice if you haven’t used pistol crossbows before or if re-cocking the weapon after each shot sounds tedious.
3. Last Punch
Features
- SELF-COCKING FEATURE, SIMPLE AND SAFE WHILE ENSURING PRECISE STRING ALIGNMENT
- ALUMINUM ALLOY CONSTRUCTION
- HIGHT-TECH FIBERGLASS PROD
- "AUTO" SAFETY THAT ENGAGES WHEN COCKING
- TRACK STYLE FOR GREATER CONTROL AND ACCURACY
Boasting an additional scope and plenty of bolts for experimentation, this crossbow is a good choice for avid target shooters.
Key Features
- 80 lb draw weight
- Comes with red dot scope
- Comes with a free pack of metal arrows
- Gold metal body
This is one of the best crossbows for anyone trying to hit targets in the distance. The red dot scope is already mounted on the body right when you purchase the weapon, so there’s no lengthy setup before you can start taking aim and firing crossbow bolts at up to 160 ft./s.
However, the lens on the scope is very brittle and can easily break or fall out if any physical damage is done to the chassis. Be careful when using the scope to keep it working for a long time to come.
To make things better, the purchase comes with a free pack of 15 metal arrows that are fairly durable.
Pros
- Arrows are high-quality
- Red dot scope improves accuracy greatly
- Textured pistol-grip reduces slippage
Cons
- Scope lens can break easily
This pistol crossbow is great for anyone trying to hit targets at distances of 25 feet or greater due to the red dot scope.
4. KingsArchery
KingsArchery
Features
| Part Number | KA-Crossbow-80lb-1x06A |
| Model | KA-Crossbow-80lb-1x06A |
| Color | Black |
This pistol crossbow has a lot of the standard design features we’ve seen so far but also has a durable fiberglass frame to keep it working steadily for a long time to come.
Key Features
- Comes with 15 aluminum arrows
- Made from fiberglass
- Includes spare crossbow string and caps
- 80 lb draw weight
This crossbow pistol is another versatile model that boasts a fiberglass frame. This allows it to retain its shape and strength even after firing hundreds of bolts over the course of its use. It also helps the stream retain its tension and smooth firing with each pull of the trigger.
The adjustable site is easy to tweak, even with one hand. The self-cocking system is easy to reload, and you’ll be doing that frequently with the 15 included arrows. The only downside is that the arrows are made from cheap aluminum and are likely to break after only a few shots.
Pros
- Adjustable sights improve accuracy
- Textured pistol-grip reduces slippage
- A durable fiberglass frame reduces wear and tear
Cons
- Aluminum bolts aren’t the best
Altogether, this is a great, affordable pistol crossbow that’s ideal for amateurs and experienced users alike.
5. Spartan Products
Features
- The fastest recurve pistol available anywhere!
- 235ft per Second! includes 3 plastic bolts, red dot scope, spare string, bag target and bw stringer
- Sturdy tough design soft grip handle, foregrip and trigger, Bow stringer system (no more broken limbs on assembly)
- Patented ambidextrous safety system on top of the crossbow instead of next to the cable with anti Dry fire protection
- Extra long picatinny rail for mounting accessories underneath the pistol
This crossbow has a number of extra innovations that place it slightly higher in value than the pistols we’ve looked at so far.
Key Features
- 80 lb draw weight
- All-metal body
- Includes 15 aluminum arrows with metal tips
- Adjustable tactical site
This crossbow has aluminum bolts that have been improved with metal tips. This makes them more accurate and more durable since the metal tips will impact their target without transferring as much shock to the aluminum body.
The adjustable sight also helps with accuracy and the cocking mechanism of this pistol crossbow is faster than many other competitors. There’s also an auto safety feature that engages after each bolt is fired.
Unfortunately, the design of the string setup means that every shot causes the mechanical arms to scratch at the string. This degrades the string more quickly than it otherwise would, lowering its overall value.
Pros
- Cocking mechanism is very fast
- Metal tips on arrows are an improvement
- Auto safety engages when you fire a shot
Cons
- String degrades quickly
Overall, this is an excellent pistol crossbow that is only held back by the string weakness; purchase a couple of extra strings for future replacement and you’ll be all set.
6. BOLT Impact Power Series
Features
- HIGH-POWER AND STEADFAST - Crossbow pistol shoots plastic or aluminum bolts with adjustable sight
- ASSISTED COCKING WITH SAFETY - has a lever stock and automatic safety to avoid accidental discharge
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND HEAVYDUTY - Mini crossbow pistol with fiberglass limb, metal and ABS plastic parts
- MINIMAL ASSEMBLE REQUIRED - Assembly instructions require some bow knowledge and skills
- DEFINITELY NOT A TOY - For target shooting and small prey 18 year and above or parental supervision
This crossbow is made for the discerning user who likes to customize their shooting experience and line up the perfect shot.
Key Features
- 80 lb draw weight
- 225 feet per second
- Upper and lower Weaver rail’s
- Finger guard and foregrip
- Includes three aluminum bolts
- Adjustable sight
This crossbow has even more advances to make it worth your time. The inclusion of upper and lower Weaver rail means that you can add your own scopes or customizations whatever you like.
There’s also a foregrip that we really appreciate, as you can combine this with the adjustable sight to improve stability and accuracy at long distances. The finger guard is a nice addition, as well, as it prevents you from accidentally taking an imperfect shot.
Like with many other crossbow pistols, the included aluminum arrows aren’t very durable and will fall apart after just a few impacts.
Pros
- Foregrip improve stability and accuracy
- The finger guard prevents you from accidentally making a shot
- Very good bolt speed
- Weaver rails allow for customization
Cons
- Bolts aren’t very durable
It’s a great pistol crossbow that rewards attention to detail and will become better if you add on some extra attachments.
7. The Seeker
Features
- 80 pound draw weight
- 200 feet per second
- Includes fore grip
- Includes three aluminum bolts
- Includes 1 year manufacturers Warranty
This crossbow comes with a few adjustable features to let you tailor the weapon to your needs.
Key Features
- Includes one-year manufacturer warranty
- Includes fore grip
- Includes three aluminum bolts
- 80 lb draw weight
This crossbow comes with both a removable stock and a foregrip. This allows you to turn it into a crossbow rifle if you so choose. It also comes with three aluminum bolts that are unfortunately rather flimsy. The one-year manufacturer warranty is a nice touch since it guarantees that you’ll get a replacement if the crossbow you receive has any issues in its construction.
It has a standard self-cocking mechanism that makes loading another shot easier than ever. It can also protect bolts up to 200 ft./s.
Pros
- A very nice loading mechanism
- Warranty provides peace of mind
- Good firing speed despite standard draw weight
- Can change into a rifle type for greater stability
Cons
- Rifle stock can sometimes get in the way
- The pistol grip isn’t textured
This crossbow pistol is a great choice if you’re not sure if you would prefer a shorter-range weapon or the stability of a traditional stock-bearing crossbow.
8. Ace Martial Arts Cobra System
Features
- Pistol-style, self-cocking crossbow with strong plastic body and compressed molded fiberglass bow
- 80-pound draw; fires crossbow arrows at speeds of 165 FPS (feet per second)
- Ideal for both small game hunting and target practice
- Speedy cocking mechanism shortens reload time
- Includes three aluminum arrows with metal tips and adjustable tactical sight.
This crossbow is a perfect choice for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of experience cocking these types of weapons.
Key Features
- 80 lb draw weight
- Plastic and fiberglass body
- Includes three aluminum arrows with metal tips
- Adjustable sights
This crossbow has one of the smoothest self-cocking mechanisms we’ve seen. The lever you use is truly easy to pull down quickly, meaning you can easily reload even if you don’t have a lot of upper body strength.
Every crossbow arrow is loaded immediately and accuracy is quite good thanks to the adjustable sights. The frame of the crossbow is decent enough, although it’s not quite as durable as some of the others we’ve seen. Some of the plastic pieces don’t last for very long.
The included aluminum arrows are durable, however, thanks to their metal tips which take the brunt of the impact whenever they are fired.
Pros
- Faster cocking mechanism than average
- Comfortable cobra lever, easy to use
- Safety engages automatically
Cons
- Plastic body parts can fall apart easily
Overall, this crossbow is an excellent choice simply due to its ease of use and smooth cocking mechanism.
9. Crossbow Self-Cocking by KingsArchery®
Crossbow Self-Cocking by KingsArchery®
Features
- 80 lb easy to use self-cocking crossbow by KingsArchery
- Comes with a total of 15 aluminum arrow bolts in this package
- Includes mountable Hunting Crossbow Scope
- Bow is constructed from durable fiber glass
- Includes spare crossbow string and caps
This crossbow comes with a bunch of features that make it an excellent choice for those looking to hunt small game with the weapon or practice hitting targets much farther out.
Key Features
- Includes hunting scope
- Includes 15 arrows
- Includes extra bowstring and caps
- Made from durable fiberglass
- 80 lb draw weight
This crossbow comes with 15 arrows in total, but 12 of those are made of a durable PVC material. This means that they last for much longer than the typical aluminum arrows.
This crossbow also has an included hunting scope that can let you zoom in on your target with much greater accuracy than before. The frame as a whole is quite durable and lets you remove the hunting scope if you prefer.
The only real downside is the included strings. These tend to break or bend easily so you’ll likely need to replace them if you plan to use this crossbow pistol relatively frequently.
Pros
- User accuracy is boosted heavily by the scope
- The scope can also be removed if you prefer
- Textured grip reduces slippage
- Eligible for lifetime technical support
Cons
- Strings are weak
There’s a lot to like about this crossbow; so long as you buy a few extra strings you shouldn’t run into any trouble.
10. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
$350.00 in stock
1 used from $308.93
Features
- BARNETT WHITETAIL HUNTER II CROSSBOW: High-performance compound crossbow in RealTree Extra with complete hunting accessory package. The lightweight crossbow is ultra-compact, shooting 350 feet per second
- EFFICIENT: Crossbow is equipped with an axle-to-axle length of 16.125" overall weight of just 6.4 lbs., creating an easily controllable profile that hunters of all skills and sizes can manage
- SAFETY FEATURES : Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology
- READY TO HUNT PACKAGE: Bow dimensions are 34.25"L x 18.25"W. Package includes two Headhunter 20" Arrows, Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm, Rope Cocking Device, Lightweight Side Mount Quiver, Lubrication Wax. Ships mostly assembled
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
This crossbow is a heavy-duty item that’s best used by hunters who are serious about what they do.
Key Features
- 350 feet per second
- 150 lb draw weight
- All stainless steel components
- Includes 4×32 scope
- Includes lightweight quiver for extra arrows
- Includes 2 arrows and lube wax
- Nock sensor
This crossbow has all kinds of things to warrant its high asking price. It includes several safety features and a nock mechanism, plus a selection of arrows and a quiver that is built to last through many uses. The crossbow pistol as a whole is made of stainless steel to promote long-term durability.
All this being said, this weapon barely qualifies as a crossbow pistol since the included stock can’t be removed and it’s rather heavy to handle with only one hand. But if you can manage it, you’ll have a really powerful weapon on your hands that can hunt or target shoot equally well. You can also always make use of the stock to improve your accuracy and stability at the range.
Pros
- Very hard to accidentally misfire
- Extremely powerful arrow projection
- Arrows are very high-quality
Cons
- Heavy to use with one hand
This pistol crossbow is no toy, so keep it out of reach of children and leave this one to adults on the hunt.
11. PSE Viper SS
PSE Viper SS
1 used from $71.99
Features
- INTEGRATED COCKING MECHANISM - Integrated cocking mechanism of the crossbow with safety lock serves as a second safety and ensures fast and easy set up
- AUTO SAFETY & ANTI-DRY FIRE TRIGGER – Rear sight with elevation adjustment, front sight pin, new anti-dry fire mechanism for safety
- A GOOD CHOICE FOR RECREATIONAL USE - Perfect for fun, recreational target shooting, it’s great and easy-to-use to get yourself familiar with crossbow archery
- FEATURES - Track-style rail for precision shooting, durable fiberglass limbs, finger guards for hand safety, 3 Frenzy bolts included
- SPECIFICATIONS - Draw weight: 50 lbs.; mass weight: 1.6 lbs.; speed: 215 FPS; for ages 18 and over under 18 – parental supervision required
This crossbow has a number of advanced features that make it easy to use and hard to misuse.
Key Features
- 50 lb draw weight
- 215 feet per second
- Auto safety feature
- Finger guard
- Track style rail
- Integrated cocking mechanism
- Includes 3 bolts
This crossbow has excellent speed for its relatively low draw weight. The draw weight is combined with an auto safety feature and an integrated cocking mechanism. When taken together, it’s very hard to misfire this crossbow pistol.
The grip is extremely comfortable to use and is bolstered by a finger guard to prevent misfires even further. The track-style rail makes sure that each arrow fires in a straight line and improves your precision.
It’s too bad there aren’t any adjustable sights included on this weapon as a default. This will limit your accuracy unless you are already practiced taking shots without additional optics attached. The included bolts are pretty flimsy, as well, so you’ll need to get some replacements relatively soon.
Pros
- Very hard to misfire this pistol
- Comfortable grip with ridges
- Very accurate at distance
Cons
- 3 included bolts are cheap
Overall, this is a great beginner pistol crossbow due to the inclusion of all the safety features and its low draw weight, making it even easier to cock.
12. iGlow
Features
- 80 lb Draw Weight with Arrow Speed at 160+ FPS. Hit your Target with Precision Accuracy
- Power Stroke: 5". Total Length: 17". Width: 16.5". Weight: 1.62 lb.
- Features Premium Black Aluminum Stock and Fiberglass Limb that is Nicely Polished and Offer Excellent Performance respectively
- Auto Safety Cocking Mechanism. Constructed with Aluminum Barrel.
- Comes with 15 arrows and a String ($14.99 Value)
This crossbow is excellent when it comes to storing your extra shots.
Key Features
- 80 lb draw weight
- Includes 15 bolts
- Built-in arrow holder
- Includes two strings
- Aluminum and fiberglass construction
This crossbow pistol comes with 15 bolts in the purchase and a special arrow holder integrated into the barrel. This lets you keep track of your spare arrows without having to stick them in your pocket or a separate quiver.
The crossbow pistol features a stock and body made of durable materials and an auto safety cocking mechanism to prevent you from accidentally firing when you don’t want to.
Of course, the fact that two strings are included is only nice since the included strings tend to wear down pretty quickly. You’ll likely need to purchase a few extra if you want to use this crossbow frequently many months from now.
Pros
- The grip is comfortable and ridged
- Very durable body
- Arrow holder is very convenient
Cons
- Strings wear down quickly
Although the strings aren’t the best, this crossbow pistol is still quite affordable and well worth your time if you hate having to bring a quiver with you on every target practice session.
13. Armory Replicas
Armory Replicas
Features
- Overall Length: 12.8 Inches
- Draw Weight: 50 lbs
- Feet/Second: 150
- Feet/Second: 150
- Includes 5 arrows
This crossbow pistol has an optic in a rather unique location along with several other excellent features.
Key Features
- 50 lb draw weight
- Made of fiberglass
- 150 feet per second
- Has scope at the end of the barrel
This crossbow pistol features a very light draw weight to make its self-cocking function even easier and smoother. It also features a durable fiberglass frame that’s built to last for a long time to come. The biggest advantage of this pistol is its scope at the end of the barrel, which can boost your accuracy considerably.
Watch out for any damage that comes to the scope, however. The lens is extremely brittle and it’s liable to fall apart under even a little punishment.
Its position at the end of the barrel is great for accuracy but it makes it especially vulnerable to dropping the pistol or running into things. This also affects the balance of the crossbow pistol to some extent, as it makes the barrel did a little lower than you might expect.
Pros
- Textured grip reduces slippage
- Target at the end of the scope is unique and effective
- Very easy to cock
Cons
- Scope is brittle
Keep an eye on the scope to get the most value out of this crossbow pistol.
14. Barnett TS390
Features
- 390 feet per second crossbow. Package includes 4x32 illuminated scope, rope cocking device, side mount quiver, two 20 inch Headhunter arrows, and lube wax
- Draw weight: 187 lbs. Kinetic energy: 128 ft. Lbs. Power stroke 14. 25". overall weight: 7. 6 lbs. Dimensions: 36. 25" L x 18. 875"W. Axle to axle 16. 75"
- Patented step-through riser. String dampeners for stealth like Shooting. CNC Machined aluminum flight Track for smooth, quiet, and accurate shots
- Ships to you mostly assembled. Allows for integration of Barnett crank cocking device. Equipped with tactical adjustable butt Stock
- Safety first: equipped with nock sensor and anti dry Fire trigger System to eliminate dry fires. Finger Guards & finger safety reminders. Be sure to wax strings every 10 shots
This compound crossbow pistol is built with top-tier components and has a lot of value among its accessories.
Key Features
- Comes with two bolts
- Triggertech trigger
- Lightweight composite stock
- Anti-dry fire system
- Arrow holder
- Includes scope
This crossbow pistol has an adjustable stock so you can turn it into a rifle-type weapon if you so choose. It also has a convenient arrow holder at the end of the barrel and the purchase includes two durable arrows, as well.
The trigger is extremely sensitive and allows you to fire at any instant, while the anti-dry fire system will prevent you from accidentally taking a shot you don’t want to. Since the stock is so light, you can easily hold this crossbow with one hand.
The asking price is quite high, which is to be expected when you consider all the value included with the purchase. This does make the crossbow pistol a solid choice for serious hunters or marksmen but less of a good idea if you are just planning on using your crossbow pistol for fun and games.
Pros
- Lots of attachments for hunters
- Excellent arrows
- Comes mostly assembled
Cons
- Expensive
Overall, we’d recommend this crossbow for serious hunters only due to its complexity and potential for real damage.
15. iGlow Camouflage
Features
- 175 lb draw weight with arrow speed at 250+ FPS, hit your target with precision accuracy
- Power Stroke: 10.5". Total Length: 30.5" (Foot claw to Stock) Width: 26".
- Features premium black stock and fiberglass limb that is nicely polished and offer excellent performance respectively
- Constructed with Aluminum Barrel, Weaver Rail and Auto Safety Cocking Mechanism
- Comes with 8 Arrows, Rail Lube, Stringer (help you set up the crossbow) ($49.99 Value)
This heavy-duty crossbow pistol is best used for more serious marksmen, and you can transform it from rifle type to pistol type quickly.
Key Features
- Adjustable stock
- 175 lb draw weight
- Fiberglass limb
- Aluminum construction
- Weaver rail for accessories
- Auto safety mechanism
- Comes with eight arrows and rail lube, plus cocking device
This crossbow pistol has a whopping 175 pounds draw weight to deliver its arrows at 250 ft./s. It’s extremely accurate and includes a Weaver rail so you can out on your own scopes or other accessories as you please.
It’s constructed with top-tier materials and has been polished to look nice, as well. It also comes with plenty of accessories like 8 durable arrows and some lube to help things function smoothly.
However, even if you try to use this with one hand you might have a little difficulty if you don’t have good arm strength. It’s a bit heavy compared to other crossbow pistols.
Pros
- The very easy cocking device
- Super durable and long-lasting
- Lots of power behind each shot
Cons
- A bit heavy
It’s a fantastic crossbow pistol for more discerning hunters or crossbow marksmen.
Bottom Line
Overall, the best crossbow pistol for your needs will depend on what you plan to use it for and how easy it needs to be to load and shoot. Some of the above crossbow pistols are more designed for hunters who will be shooting small game frequently, while others are constructed more for hobbyist shooting or for target practice with friends.
Whatever your case, we hope this guide has been helpful in finding the best crossbow pistol for you. Good luck and good hunting!
Check out all the other hunting gear articles put together by the expert team here at Guns & Safety Reviews;
The Review
Best Crossbow Pistols
We've reviewed the best crossbow pistols on the market today to help you in finding the most suitable crossbow pistol for your needs and skills.
Review Breakdown
-
SAS
-
Prophecy
-
Last Punch
-
KingsArchery
-
Spartan Products
-
Bolt Impact Power Series
-
The Seeker
-
Ace Martial Arts Cobra System
-
Crossbow Self-Cocking by KingsArchery®
-
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
-
PSE Viper SS
-
iGlow
-
Armory Replicas
-
BARNETT TS390
-
iGlow Camouflage
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