Crossbow Size: What to Consider Before You Buy

So, you are thinking about buying a crossbow?

Well, you came to the right place!  We know there are a lot of crossbows on the market and there are many important considerations, features, and factors involved in picking out the best crossbow FOR YOU!

In this article, we take a closer look at crossbow size, but don’t miss these other articles that detail other important factors to consider before buying:

Crossbow Speed: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Weight: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Style: What to Consider Before You Buy

Size

Hunting crossbows come in many different sizes—some are short crossbows, and some are long.  Some are wide, some narrow.  So, which size is right for you?

First, let’s discuss the length of the crossbow. While they can range from 34” to a super-short 26 “, most crossbows sold are around 32” because that size comfortably fits the majority of shooters. 

Think of it this way: a person who is 6’3” tall may find a super compact 26” crossbow too small to hold and aim comfortably, while an individual 5’5” tall will certainly find a crossbow with a length of 34”  cumbersome and front heavy. This is where it can be beneficial to pick up several different crossbows and try them out. 

There is not one specific length of crossbow that is “inherently better or more accurate” than another length; however, an individual will likely find they shoot most accurately when a crossbow is selected with their physical size in mind.

Shorter crossbows are more compact, and many find this advantageous when hunting due to the additional maneuverability a short crossbow allows in the confines of a treestand or enclosed blind.  

Moving on to the width or “narrowness” of a crossbow. Over the years, crossbows have gone from widths of up to 30” wide down to an incredibly narrow 6” in width when cocked! The benefit of a narrow crossbow is it is much more maneuverable in a treestand or ground blind, and this maneuverability provides hunters with more shooting opportunities. Keep in mind that when any crossbow is fired, the limbs flex several inches outwardly on both sides of the bow, and if the limb/cams contact the blind or tree, it will not only cause the arrow to miss but also damage the crossbow. Narrow crossbows offer a distinct advantage, and anything from 6” to 12” wide when cocked is considered narrow and will give the hunter a significant advantage over wider crossbows.

(Note that New York has a minimum width requirement of 15” when cocked, but you folks in the other 49 states are free to join the narrow movement).