4 Best Pistol Crossbow Reviews (December 2022) – Value For Money

Contrary to popular belief, pistol crossbows or mini crossbows are not toys. These small handheld crossbow pistols may be compact, but they shoot fine and can be deadly. Even the best of the pistol crossbows are not used for hunting, rather for practice and for fun.

Some of these may shoot at higher speeds and may only be used in open areas, while others can be used in a simple backyard as well. So you should choose the one that fits your use of the pistol bow perfectly. And remember,

Safety first!

We’ll try our best to give you an overview of all the features and reviews of the pistol crossbows that we have shortlisted, to help you find the best one. Here are 4 of the best crossbow pistols for sale.

Best Pistol Crossbow 2022

1. Cobra Pistol Tactical Crossbow – Our Recommendation

We start the list off with the Cobra System Self Cocking Tactical Pistol Crossbow (model K-8025). Not a concise name, right? This crossbow has a simple but flashy look that some have compared to a handgun. The body is made of strong plastic and the bow from compressed moulded fibreglass.

With a draw weight of 80 pounds, the Cobra Pistol Crossbow can shoot at up to 165 feet-per-second (FPS). An 80 lbs draw weight might deter you from considering this crossbow, but the self-cocking mechanism eliminates any doubts that you might have. No need to exert yourself to such an extent that you are unable to do what you came for. The quick self-cocking reduces the reload time by a considerable amount.

The Cobra Pistol Crossbow is one of the most sought after mini crossbows in the market. It may not be your ally if you are looking to bring down a big buck, but it can be used for small game hunting and target practice or even for fun!

It comes with

• 3 x Aluminum Arrows
• Adjustable Tactical Sight

2. Prophecy Cobra System Crossbow

SAS brings you a powerful machine by another player in the game that has based their pistol crossbow on the Barnett Commando Pistol of the late 80s and early 90s. The Prophecy model shoots bolts at a speed of 165 FPS (feet-per-second) and brings much more satisfaction to the user.

The Prophecy Pistol Crossbow is easy to cock, which is common in pistol crossbows and uncommon in conventional crossbows. It has a draw weight of 80 pounds and it is a semi-automatic loading pistol crossbow.

The stock is made of high-quality aluminium which has a wood-like feel. It has a plastic grip with wood grain but is very accurate and fast. It comes partially assembled, you will have to attach the limbs, string it and then put on the end caps of the limbs.

It comes with

• 3 x Aluminum Arrows
• SAS Pistol Crossbow Stringer
• Adjustable Tactical Sight

3. PSE Viper SS Crossbow – Most Powerful Pistol Crossbow

The Viper SS is a cool looking handheld pistol crossbow that has a draw weight of just 50 pounds. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well PSE is not a small name in the crossbow manufacturer industry. They are one of the leading manufacturers of premium compound crossbows and a pistol crossbow like this one, is right up their alley.

The Viper SS is one of the most powerful pistol crossbows that you can get your hands on, shooting at a shocking speed of 215 FPS (feet-per-second). Compared to the velocity it throws the bolts at, the weight of this crossbow is negligible, weighing only 1.6 pounds. The track style rail is included in the design for precision shooting and increased accuracy.

It is also extremely safe to use, with the finger guard for hand safety. It has an Integrated Cocking Mechanism with a safety lock that serves as a second safety. It employs the use of ADF (Anti Dry-Fire mechanism) with the trigger, which prevents the crossbow from dry-firing and also has auto-safety.

It comes with

• 3 x Frenzy Bolts

4. Snake Eye Tactical Cobra Crossbow – Top Reviewed Pistol Crossbow

We bring you another Self-cocking pistol crossbow that is considered to be one of the best in the market, the Snake Eye Self-Cocking Cobra System Pistol Crossbow. Long names seem like a trend in these options.

This crossbow features a black aluminium stock and fibreglass limbs that give it a cool premium look. The crossbows are constructed in a way to keep them lightweight and precise, and this one is no exception. It weighs just 1.62 pounds and is very precise.

The draw weight is 80 pounds like most of its competitors in the market, and it shoots at an honourable speed of 160+ FPS (feet-per-second). It employs the use of self-cocking and auto-safety cocking mechanism for increased safety and reduced reload time.

You will have no problem assembling this crossbow as there is only one part to secure the stock. Stringing the bow might prove to be a difficult job for you, we would suggest a two-person stringing process if you are not large in size.

Concluding Remarks – These are Not Toys!

All of these may seem to be small and compact and may not seem or sound deadly at all, but let us assure you, these are extremely deadly and can KILL. We do not recommend children playing around with these and even young adults without proper adult supervision.

If you are an adult and also experienced then you need not worry. If you are enough of a thrill seeker that these do not seem exciting to you, we would suggest checking out our Fastest Crossbow post or our take on the Best Crossbows.

Enjoy and remember, safety always comes first!

FAQs

Can you use a pistol crossbow for hunting?

Pistol crossbows can be used for small game hunting, but they are mostly used for fishing and target practice. They are also used for backyard games and friendly competitions.

How powerful is a pistol crossbow?

Some pistol crossbows are indeed, very powerful. The PSE Viper SS crossbow is one of the most powerful pistol crossbows out there shooting at 215 FPS.

Can an 80-pound crossbow kill?

The power of a shot does not kill, in cases of crossbows. Rather it is the blades on the arrowhead and their action that determines the kill. The power is only there to force the arrow in the target. An 80-pound crossbow might be lethal for small game but if you want to bring down a big deer, you might have to consider something with more FPS and power.

Can you use a pistol crossbow for self-defence?

A firearm would be a better choice for self-defence. You will not get that kind of range with a pistol crossbow and it might only be effective in a very close encounter.