The Armour Archive

My Lady has decided she wants to shoot crossbow.
I'm gonna get her one for her B-Day.

She is 5' 7" and 115 lbs., so draw weight is a serious issue.

So, what maker? Poundage? Other considerations?

Thanks in advance!

Assuming that this is for SCA, then I recommend Hightower:

http://www.chrysostom-family.com/hc/

Best,
KLP

This is for target.

Hi Matty,
Freegate Armory, in Alfred ME, puts out a good one at a reasonable price. www.freegatearmory.com
-Seaan

What poundage is realistic for her to be able to use? I'm completely ignorant as to this endevor.

With a crossbow, I would imagine that about 60 would be appropriate. She will have to try a few of them out to see what she can do.
-S

Depending on the crossbow itself, draw weight can pretty much be irrelevant. Even if it's well beyond her ability to "Pull," Windlasses and levers can offset anything.

The best thing to do would be to get your hands on a few and see what she can handle.

Just a suggestion.

Malcolm

I'd agree with Seaan, 60-70 should be about right. It also depends on the length of the draw -- a longer draw will require a lower poundage for her to pull it.

Good places to look:

Crossbows by Siegfried
http://crossbow.freeshell.org/bio.html


New World Arbalest
http://www.crossbows.net/


-bart

Hey Di,

I know a couple of the MacKinnon ladies have crossbows that Caoilfhionn can pull. She's about the same weight and 6 inches shorter, so her pull ability is rather light. You might have some success posting this to the Haus list and asking the MacKinnon gals.

Brennan

You might also take a look at Pennthar Crossbows

http://www.kingslayer.com/pennthar/penhome.htm

D. mine is a Pennthar bow, I must say that I am very happy with it.

As I said on Honorblade the pull is heavy, but Erika can manage it. I think a shorter string would reduce the draw weight even further.