The New Barnett Pistol Crossbow Range
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About Crossbows
Crossbows have been used for hunting, warfare and sport for centuries, and today occupy a popular niche in UK target shooting and small pest control. Unlike in many other countries, crossbows are legal to own in the United Kingdom without a licence, provided you are 18 or over.
However, it is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to use a crossbow to take any wild bird or wild animal in Great Britain. Lawful use is limited to target shooting, pest control on private land with the landowner's permission, and re-enactment.
Crossbows vary in draw weight from around 50lb for entry-level target models up to 200lb or more for heavy-duty compound crossbows. Key types on the UK market include recurve, compound and reverse-draw designs. Bolts (crossbow arrows) and accessories including scopes, quivers and cocking devices are widely available from UK retailers.
Buying a Crossbow
Age and legal requirements
You must be 18 or over to purchase a crossbow, and it is an offence under the Crossbows Act 1987 to sell or hire a crossbow, or a crossbow part, to anyone under 18. No licence is required to own a crossbow in England, Wales or Scotland. Carrying a crossbow in a public place without reasonable cause is an offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, so crossbows should be transported unstrung and in a secure case. You should always confirm that your intended use is lawful before buying.
What to look for
Draw weight is the most important specification. 50 to 80lb suits target and recreational shooting, while higher-poundage models are typically intended for specialist use. Compact and pistol crossbows are easier to store and transport; full-size recurve and compound models offer more power and are better suited to longer-range target work.
Check the string and limbs carefully for wear or cracking on any used example, and confirm that the safety mechanism engages and releases cleanly. Anti-dry fire protection is a useful safety feature on modern crossbows. Verify whether it is fitted.
Accessories to consider include a quality scope or red dot sight, a cocking rope or crank device, and a supply of matching bolts with appropriate points.
Safe storage
Crossbows should be stored unstrung where possible to preserve limb and string life. Keep crossbows in a secure location away from children. While no legal storage requirement equivalent to firearms applies, responsible storage is both a legal and moral obligation. Bolts should be stored separately and inspected regularly for warping or damaged nocks and fletchings before use.
Selling Your Crossbow?
If you have a crossbow to sell, listing on Gunstar puts your ad in front of an engaged UK shooting and collecting audience. Add clear photographs of the limbs, stock, trigger mechanism and any included accessories, and specify the draw weight, bolt length and whether a scope or other extras are included. Accurate descriptions, including any wear, string replacements or limb repairs, help buyers make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary enquiries.
