The 7 Best Crossbow Under $300 (Hunting & Target Shooting)

If you are into hunting, you probably know that there is nothing that feels better than to shoot with a crossbow. Admittedly, crossbows can be quite expensive. So, if you are just starting, we would tell you to start with small investments, for they can bring you greater satisfaction than you can imagine.

Well, there are many cheap crossbows available in the market as well. But in this article, we are going to talk about the best crossbow under 300. This is the standard price for quality crossbows that can pack in a lot of power in them. The draw weight will also be comfortable enough for you to get good practice with.

So, let’s begin!

Our Recommended Top 5 Crossbow under 300 at a  Glance:

 1. CenterPoint AXCS185CK Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

2. Karnage Apocalypse Crossbow Package

 3. CenterPoint Sniper 370 – Camo Crossbow Package

 4. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package

 5. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

7 Best Crossbow Under 300 Reviews

Deer hunters have a different kind of passion for hunting altogether. For those of you who are interested specifically in this, we are going to list some cheap crossbows for deer hunting as well. I hope you enjoy the list. Here we go.

 1. CenterPoint AXCS185CK Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

This tool has everything. As you can see from the looks of it, this is a pretty all-equipped cross-bow. There is that sturdy adjustable stock at the back and the metal-encased foregrip in the middle that will allow you to have a firm hold on the crossbow as you hold it up to set the target on your prey.

The axle length is about 18 inches. And due to this range, the power strokes will be longer. With longer power strokes, the arrows will move through the air faster and get to the target more quickly.

Moving on, you will also be glad to know that the draw weight of the crossbow is about 185 pounds. At this peak draw weight, you will have to use more strength to pull the bow back to its locked position. However, this also means that your bow will be faster at reaching its target after you pull the trigger.

The make of the bow will also add to the convenience of working with it. As you can see, the stock has a few rigs. These rigs on the stock improve the weight distribution of the weapon by making the stock area light so that it doesn’t put much pressure on the shoulder.

The foregrips add to the balance created by this even distribution of weight so that the weapon rests on your shoulder without weighing you down or making you uncomfortable.

Also, the strings and the cams work in synchronization to deliver powerful and accurate shots without messing up the strings or causing any damage to the limbs of the bow.

Overall, you won’t find anything to complain about when using this arrow-bow tool.

2. Karnage Apocalypse Crossbow Package

You see all the wires and the cool camouflaging patterns on this device, right? By the looks of it, this device is already quite impressive. However, when you look at the features, you will be even more impressed. What you see here is a compound crossbow. Much like the previous one that we were talking about. However, this one is better.

This one has a smaller axle than the previous one. At full draw, it will measure to about 14 inches. However, owing to the smaller width of the limbs and the cut out in between, the bow will still be able to fly at the speed of 370 FPS.

There are a lot of cables and joineries in this weapon. The quiver will hold about 3 bolts. Carbon bolts coded K20 will work with this bow, and it is recommended that you use these for peak performance.

Fortunately, 3 of them will come in the package, along with an adaptable sling, cocking cables, a replaceable quiver, and finally, some wax that you can use on the strings.

All of these materials are checked for quality, and you can be sure that they will not tear or break under pressure. The draw weight required to lock the bow is 175 pounds.

When you are shooting with this weight, the kinetic pull on the bow will be 111 feet for every pound. The combination of those two measures will help you to establish a stable mark on your target, and when you release, the bow will be fast at reaching it.

 3. CenterPoint Sniper 370 – Camo Crossbow Package

This one has a bigger draw weight than the ones we have discussed so far. It has a draw weight of 185 pounds. The bigger the draw weight, the more muscle strength you will need in order to pull the draw all the way back.

When released at full draw, the bow will fire at a velocity of about 370 FPS. However, like we mentioned a while back, in order to reach this maximum velocity, you will need to exert more pressure on your limbs so that it can carry the full draw weight before the final release.

The advantage here is that you are going to get more accurate shots. Due to the weight, it will be easier for you to keep the arrow stable as you set your target.

The stock area is fully adjustable, and this is something that will really help you to work with the trigger more tactically. The foregrip is comfortable, and due to all these aspects working together, you will notice that the entire tool feels pretty lightweight once you get your firing stance correct.

Aluminum has been used to make the device more durable and lighter. There is a riser that will help you to hold the arrow stable as you put your eye in the 4 by 32 mm viewing scope that is built into the system.

Owing to the scope, you will find for yourself the great advantage of peeking at the prey with more precision. When you finally do get around to shooting, you will notice that the strings are installed with suppressors that cut down the vibrations and allow you to shoot with more stealth and vigor.

4. Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package – Crossbow under 200

In archery, you will be successful if you can manage to have a good hold on the crossbow. It will depend on your technique and also on the make of your weapon. To help you get better stances, this company has made a crossbow that will not only give you a solid footing but will also help you to learn the tactics easily.

As such, the tool has been made to allow for a full draw weight of 150 pounds. This means that you won’t have to exert a lot of muscle strength to practice with this weapon.

One downside of this is that when you release the bolt, its velocity will be of 315 FPS, which is lower when compared to the previous crossbows discussed. However, if you are a beginner, you are barely going to feel any setback of this slightly lower velocity.

On the contrary, it will give you the confidence to learn by allowing you to take it slow. Besides, the design of this crossbow is quite unique in itself. The stock is crafted in a military-style to give you more stability while you fix your bolt upon the target.

But even with that military adornment, you will find it to be lightweight and easy to carry on your support. The strings that pull on the cam wheels of the sturdy quad limbs of the crossbow are made of synthetic material that doesn’t break no matter how much pressure is applied to them.

With everything that is included in the package, you really are going to enjoy this weapon to the fullest.

 5. CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

If you need a good entry-level weapon that is powerful and accurate, then you should really take a good look at this crossbow we have here. Upon looking, you are also going to be pleasantly surprised by how smooth the exterior of this weapon is.

It is made of a mix of aluminum and composite, which gives the outer cast an elegant look. When you pick it up, you are again going to be surprised by how sturdy it feels when lifted.

This bearing weight is due to the long axle to axle length of 18 inches when the bow is at full draw. The length will suit your practice by enhancing the speed of the shots made by this.

Please note that the draw weight is 185 pounds for this piece, and you will need to have good strength to hold it up in a stable position.

Going by the draw weight, we’ll tell you that it might take some time for you to get used to it. But once you do, you’ll find that the weight makes it much easier to fix your aim before shooting.

Then come the stock and the forearm grip. These are two essential points that will determine how easily the bow fits on your shoulder. Fortunately, both these features are adjustable here, and this is going to be an acing advantage for you.

The quad limbs, again, are precision-controlled, and they will work smoothly with the mechanized cams-lock system on the strings. Finally, vibrations will be kept to the minimum due to the suppressors installed in the strings.

Overall, you are going to have a great time as long as you can get used to the higher draw weight of the machine.

6. Killer Instinct Crossbows Hero 380 Crossbow Kit

Finally, here we have the savage crossbow that comes to mind when you think about hardcore archery. But it doesn’t discriminate – the crossbow will be friends with your skillset regardless of your experience level. With a little practice, you are going to get accustomed to this bow even if you are a solid first-timer.

The strong, yet lightweight mount of this weapon will give you the confidence you need as soon as you pick it up. It may not look like it, but there is nothing intimidating about using this tool. On the contrary, it’s a very comfortable tool.

Not only is it easy to handle, but it is also supremely powerful. When it comes to shooting, speed and stealth are everything. Now, this tool has great speed; when drawing on full weight, this can shoot bolts at 380 FPS. Let us tell you that this is impressively fast when compared to other crossbows in the market.

The axle length deliver is able to deliver this speed due to being 15.75 inches when it is tipped, and stretching to about 19 inches when it is untipped. The range of the tipping will help you get into compact areas when you are trying to get your target hit – and this is why the tool gets top scores in being stealthy.

When you pull the trigger of the crossbow, you will have to exert a pressure of 3.5 pounds. This is practically child’s play.

However, we would, of course, advise you strongly against putting it in the hands of any child whatsoever. This pertains to the only setback of the design of this tool, which is that it does not have an anti-firing feature. You really just have to be careful when you are working with this weapon.

Other than that, everything else is top-class quality, so we assure you that you are going to enjoy this crossbow a whole lot!

7. Empire Terminator 612 Recurve Crossbow Package

If you are fascinated and, at the same time, scared about holding that incredible-looking crossbow in your hand, then this terminator crossbow will suit you well.

It looks as cool as all the more powerful crossbows, but it will actually deliver the bolts with less speed. Hence, allowing you to warm up to the game without being intimidated.

The weapon will only deliver a maximum of 260 pounds when released from the maximum draw pull. This is another thing that will help you to get used to working with this device. Lifting up to the full draw will require you to lift up about 175 pounds.

For beginners, this is ideal. However, keep in mind that this also means that the bolts will not reach the targets as fast as the ones that have a bigger draw weight. So, if you are a seasoned archer, then this tool will probably bore you a bit.

Another thing you will notice is that the tool looks pretty clean, to begin with. There aren’t too many strings, and so maintenance for this crossbow will also require less effort and time.

The package will include a viewing scope of 4 by 32 vision. With this, you will be able to magnify the object of interest to about 4 times. You will also be able to have a vision that stretches up to 400 yards. Thus, the viewing ranges will set you up with a good advantage in marking your target.

Buying Guide for the Crossbow Under 300

In order to get the best budget crossbow, you have to be able to judge them upon individual features. Please keep reading the guide below to know what exactly to look for.

Crossbow Types:

There are mainly two types of crossbows that you need to be aware of. Crossbows that look very complex due to the number of strings, and on the other hand, crossbows that look simple due to the lack of strings.

Complex ones are called “compound” bows, whereas, the simple ones are called “recurve” crossbows.

Compound bows are easier to take into compact areas because they have shorter limbs. They will also be able to shoot the bolts much faster than the recurve crossbows. Due to the built-in pulley system, you can work this tool with less effort.

However, due to this complexity, these ones are recommended only for those who have dipped their feet into some archery waters already.

(The rest of the guide will pertain mostly to features of compound crossbows because the recurves are too simple and there’s not much to them anyway.)

Types of Cams Systems:

There are two types of cams: ones that rotate inside-out, and the other that rotates outside-in.

Compounds usually have outside-rotating cams in their system because they exert less pressure on the strings themselves, and rely more on the pressure they create on the limbs. These cams have wide axle ratios when un-cocked, and so they are more suited for shooting in wide-open areas.

With the inside-rotating cams, more pressure is exerted directly on the strings. So, the limbs hold closer to the flight groove. This means that they have a smaller axle ratio, and so they are more suitable for shooting in compact spaces.

Limbs:

Longer limbs are better because they allow the bolt to be drawn back with more force. Hence, the bolts get more potential energy before release. Upon release, this stored energy gets converted to kinetic energy, and the bolt can cut through the air with more force and speed.

However, longer limbs are also prone to breakage because they keep the string pulled more tightly.

Stocks:

The stock is the flat part at the end of the crossbow. These could be made with metal alloys, carbon-fiber elements, and even with aluminum. You have to check the weight of the stock since this is the part that contributes the most to the total weight of the weapon.

If you are not used to crossbows, you could look for stocks that have a skeletal design. These are usually much lighter than the solid stocks.

But keep in mind that heavy stocks make you’re aiming more stable than lighter stocks. So, it is recommended that you try to get into heavy-stocked crossbows in order to get more successful in the shooting.

• Also Read: Crossbow vs. Compound Bow: Which one Do You Need for Hunting?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

We have guessed all the confusion you might be facing right now. If you have any more, please send them to us through the comments.

What size of bolts should I choose for my crossbow?

The size of the bolt will depend on the crossbow. However, you can often use a longer bolt than the recommended size, but a shorter one than the recommended size will simply not work.

Can I leave the bolt cocked while it’s not being used?

Nope. If you do that, the strings will break under pressure.

Can I dry fire my crossbow without damaging it?

You shouldn’t dry fire with a compound crossbow as it is more fragile. Recurve bows can better handle the pressure exerted during dry-firing.

Can the crossbow be kept as a weapon for self-defense?

Crossbows don’t really have as wide a range of shooting as firearms. So, you can definitely use them, but you just can’t rely on them to save lives if the subject is too far.

Do I need to wax the string?

You need to keep the strings waxed if you don’t want it to break apart in the middle of a hunt.

Conclusion:

If you are starting out, just get the best crossbow under 300, start practicing with it and then continue with more expensive models.

Although, if you choose one of the crossbows from our list, then you won’t have to look for a replacement any time soon. Hope you found some good pieces here. Best of luck!