How Long Can You Leave a Crossbow Cocked

A crossbow is a powerful weapon that was used for warfare back in ancient times. But now, it’s primarily used for hunting.

If you own one right now, you’ve probably experienced much success with it. However, there will also be those times when you come home empty-handed with your crossbow still cocked on your hand.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you leave your crossbow cocked for too long? Is it okay to leave your crossbow cocked until your next hunting season? (Find the Best Crossbows)

Crossbow with no background

Should you uncock it now and then, or is it okay to keep it cocked all the time? These are valid questions that you should be asking. You’ll find the answer – and more – in this article.

Why do hunters leave their crossbows cocked?

Hunters know that game animals don’t come by often. There are even instances when no game passes by at all. So having the crossbow cocked for hours is a pretty common and normal theme during bowhunting.

If you want your shot to be consistent and aligned, experts advise not to cock and uncock your crossbow repeatedly. Once you come across a target, you wouldn’t want to waste valuable time cocking your crossbow .

Some hunters simply believe that nothing bad will happen if they leave their crossbow cocked at all times.

However, if you’re a complete beginner at bowhunting, you might be wondering if it’s truly okay to leave your crossbow cocked for longer periods. You might also be wondering if your crossbow will sustain damages over time due to this. Also, are crossbows legal?

Potential Risks

Shortened lifespan

First of all, yes — crossbows are legal. As long as you have the license and permit, you can hunt using one.

Second, you might have heard stories from one of your hunting buddies. They may have tried leaving their crossbow cocked for weeks without sustaining any significant damage.

However, little do they know is that their bows are already experiencing minor strains. It may not look noticeable at first. But it will shorten the lifespan of your crossbow. If you follow in their footsteps, you might also experience the same problem.

Wear and tear

A cocked crossbow experienced a lot of tension and stress. While it’s built to withstand this pressure for long periods, extending past its limit will be detrimental to your crossbow. Cocking your crossbow for longer periods will wear it down and leave it vulnerable to breakage.

Damages to components

A cocked crossbow can also result in the following damages:

• Overstretched strings

• Damaged cams

• Bent axles

• Extended limbs

It can also cause damage to other components of the crossbow. If you cock your crossbow long enough, there’s also the chance that it will get stuck in that position. For it to get un-cocked, you’ll need some cocking glue, or you might need to bring it to a local hunting shop for repairs.

Dry firing

Safety is also a major issue with a cocked crossbow. There have been multiple instances of bowhunters leaving their crossbows cocked for hours. Once they checked back on their crossbow, they found that it had already dry fired.

For starters, dry firing is the act of your crossbow discharging without ammunition – in this case, an arrow. Dry firing can cause significant damage to your crossbow. If left lying around, cocked crossbows can also cause unintentional injuries and damages.

How long can you leave a crossbow cocked?

To be clear, all crossbows are strong, durable, and well-built hunting weapons. Essentially, they’re made to withstand harsh conditions.

Also, many manufacturers are aware of hunters cocking crossbows too long. That’s why variants like the Barnett Crossbows Penetrator and the Crossbow Scorpyd are made to stay cocked for longer periods.

High-technology crossbow

So, in hindsight, you can leave your crossbows cocked for as long as you want. But while it may be the case, it does come with corresponding consequences.

The brand

Different brands vary in the period in which they can be left cocked. Most would claim that it’s safe to leave the crossbow cocked for four to eight hours. Some claim that it’s less, while some it’s even more. The best way to determine the cock limit of your crossbow is to read the manual that comes with the package.

What experts say

If you ask seasoned hunters, they usually claim to leave their crossbows cocked throughout their hunt without affecting their bows.

However, they do not recommend leaving it cocked for more than a day or two. The only exception to this rule is when you’re stretching out a new string. In this case, you can cock your bow for days.

According to law

While crossbows can be cocked for a long time, there are places wherein it’s prohibited both by law and circumstance.

For example, you’re not allowed to cock your crossbow while inside a vehicle. The reason is the dangers of it potentially triggering and harming yourself or the people around you.

In other areas, you can only have your crossbow cocked when in the hunting zone. To make sure you’re following the rules, make sure you research and read about the bowhunting laws in your area. That way, you can avoid committing something illegal unknowingly.

Leaving your crossbow cocked for too long

It’s considered bad practice if you leave your crossbow cocked when you’re not even using it. So if you’re taking a break or have just ended your hunt, you must uncock your crossbow. That way, you can avoid potential dangers and accidents.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, cocking your crossbow too long is a bad idea. Even if it’s a so-called ‘expert’ telling you to do so, you must not cock your crossbow for longer than what the manual says.

Speaking of which, read through the manual that comes with your crossbow . Acknowledge its limitations so that you won’t mishandle your crossbow or unintentionally get into an accident.

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How Long Can You Leave A Crossbow Cocked

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