Archery is an age-old sport, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t seen any advancement over the years. Within the archery world, there are constant changes and improvements made to the devices and arrows used. One recent development that has made its way into archery popularity is the crossbow pistol.
A popular pistol crossbow is the AMAS Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow, made by Ace Martial Arts Supply (AMAS).
AMAS Cobra Self Cocking Crossbow 80-Pound
check priceTo those who are new to the concept, a crossbow pistol is similar to a full-sized crossbow. It has a groove where the arrow or bolt is placed, a string to pull back, and a trigger to pull.
However, the difference lies in the ease of use. A pistol crossbow has a pistol grip, allowing it to be fired with just one hand.
New and veteran archers are attracted to this kind of device because of the novelty, functionality, and excitement of shooting a bow and arrow with one hand.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Made of fiberglass for durability
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to arm the bow
- Effective between 13-15 yards
- Ideal for target shooting or hunting
- Arrows fly fast and true with the correct sight
- Serious power for its size
- Bolt successfully stick into wooden targets
- Quiet
- Small, lightweight, and easy to operate
Cons:
- Bolts are lower in quality than other models
- Safety features are limited, making it more suitable for experienced archers
- String serving may begin to fray after extended use
- Safety release is not completely smooth
First Impression
Upon receiving the product, the bow may seem smaller than anticipated. However, the bow still feels sturdy and durable from its fiberglass materials.
What comes in your package will depend on which version of the product you ordered.
You can order just the bow with three arrows or make a bigger investment with an added red dot scope fixed to the bow, 39 arrows, and two strings.
The arrows feel durable but lightweight, made from aluminum with metal tips. It’s also nice to have an extra string or bow if you ordered a package that includes those.
Even the best archery equipment will naturally wear, and having backup pieces increases the bow’s longevity.
Design and Performance
The Amas Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow comes fully equipped to help you efficiently practice your archery skills. Complete with a self cocking mechanism, you can aim and shoot your shot with one hand free.
All you have to do is pull down on the pivoting lever to cock the cable and automatically engage the safety.
The self cocking mechanism shortens the time it takes to reload after each shot, allowing you to respond faster and stay agile while on the hunt.
Amas Self Cocking Crossbow Specifications
The crossbow itself has an 80 lb draw weight and is available in five different product combinations.
The first option includes the crossbow and an extra fiberglass bow and two extra 80 lb strings. It also includes 15 arrows for use with the crossbow.
The second option includes just the crossbow with three arrows. If you’re just getting started with pistol crossbows, this is a good introductory combination.
The third option comes with 39 aluminum arrows and two spare 80 lb strings to use after the first one wears down.
The fourth (and most inclusive) option includes a red dot scope, which can greatly improve your precision and accuracy when shooting with a pistol crossbow by magnifying 1x. It also comes with 39 arrows and two backup strings.
- Speed – up to 165 fps
- Draw weight – 80 lbs.
Hunting vs. Target Practice
While you may struggle to take down large game like deer with this bow, it would be the perfect option for a day of hunting small game, like rabbits or squirrels. Because the bow is so lightweight and small, it’s incredibly easy to handle.
Since AMAS designed the pistol crossbow to be shot with one hand, that lightweight functionality is critical if you want to shoot quickly and accurately while hunting.
This bow would also be a great way to liven up target practice or get more familiar with the pistol crossbow style before upgrading to another model.
Durability
This weapon feels durable, and over time you’ll come to realize just how durable it is. The fiberglass construction adds extra sturdiness to an otherwise lightweight design.
Even still, AMAS understands that no crossbow is completely indestructible. Adding in extras like backup strings and bows reduces the fear of natural wear and tear.
Just knowing that you have backups on standby will help you make the most out of your crossbow without feeling like it’s fragile.
Summary
In this Amas Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow Review, we covered everything from the product’s first impression upon arrival to how it performs initially and over time.
While pistol crossbows aren’t for everyone, they can be an exciting addition to any seasoned archer’s collection and provide the freedom of one-handed shooting during target practice or hunting.
Last update on 2021-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API