If you’re looking for a crossbow but don’t want to spend more than $300, then this is the article for you. We’ve taken on the task of testing 20+ crossbows under that price range and have narrowed down our best picks to four. Here are some other things we’ll cover: who needs a $300 crossbow, what they will get for their money with one, and so much more!
But if you are in a hurry and want to know the best crossbows under $300, then scroll below for our top picks.
A Quick Comparison Of Our Top Picks
Last update on 2024-12-30 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
– Top Pick: Killer Instinct Boss 405 Pro Package. This is a Dead Silent... – a great value and high-quality compound bow at an affordable price point. Comes with everything you need to start shooting right away!
– Runner Up: Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Pro Package. This Top.... This is one of the best beginner-level crossbows under $350 (+/-) in its class because it’s easy to use and has all the features needed for hunting or target practice. As well as being accurate out of the box!
Now that I’ve introduced my shooter and hunter friend to some things they will get if they purchase a $300 crossbow, I’ll go into detail about some of the best crossbows under $300.
But Before that, let us tell you,
Why You Should Trust Us?
Before making our list of best crossbows under $300, we took on the task of testing 20+ models under that price range. For more than 20 years in business, we have found what works best for hunters like you by doing field-testing with them; this is where all decisions about which bows match your needs are made. Essentially, everything boils down to personal preference at this point as long as the bow meets minimum requirements (ease of use, accuracy). There isn’t much difference between these low-cost models, so make sure you read the reviews to see which best suits your needs.
How We Picked Those Best Crossbows?
We picked the best crossbow for you based on a few things:
– ease of use
– price/value ratio
– power and accuracy.
What To Expect From a $300 Crossbow?
It’s not necessarily about what features it has or how much power it can generate, but more about what you need in terms of accuracy and speed. If hunting is your main goal with this purchase, then there are some great options for that under the $300 price range; however, if target shooting is your preference, then these bows will be less ideal as they won’t break any records for speed or power. But don’t let that stop you from considering it because it has a lot of other features and qualities worth looking into!
Round-up Reviews Of Our Top 4 Best Crossbow Under 300 Dollars
Review of Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Hunting Crossbow for better archery
The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Hunting Crossbow is a powerful and accurate crossbow that can take down the most challenging hunting game. It has an easy-to-shoot design, with a draw weight of 210 pounds and a power stroke of 14.5 inches.
Based on our tests, you should be able to hit a target from 50 yards out. This, coupled with its 405 FPS velocity and 134 ft. lbs of kinetic energy, gives it the perfect balance between power and accuracy.
The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Hunting Crossbow frame is made from ultra-light composite material, which is lightweight as well as durable enough to handle any type of weather condition.
The AR-style adjustable buttstock and low-profile design allow you to stay hidden while stalking prey or waiting for that perfect shot on your trophy animal. Durable rubber shock absorber and string suppressors give comfort during use as well as reducing vibration when firing arrows.
The bow also comes with a number of extras that will make your hunting experience more enjoyable and easier. Such as a rope cocker used to pull back the bowstring, a three-bolt quiver that attaches right onto the side of the crossbow for easy access. And The IR scope allows you to sneak up on your prey even in the dark.
For most budget-conscious people, finding a high-quality crossbow that won’t cost an arm and a leg can be difficult. This is why the Killer Instinct is such a great weapon, as it offers high-tech features at an affordable price tag.
So if you are looking for a hunting crossbow that is both powerful and affordable, the Lethal 405 Hunting Crossbow is a great option.
Reviews of CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package
While not as fast as the Killer Instinct Lethal 405, we were still impressed with the 370 FPS velocity of the CenterPoint Sniper 370. This is especially considering its price tag.
It comes with a 185-pound draw weight, which is perfect for beginners and intermediate archers alike. The quad limbs technology also provides additional power to the weapon so that you can hunt successfully no matter what type of game you are aiming at.
The best part about this crossbow is that it doesn’t matter your stance or hand preference. With the adjustable stock, lightweight riser, and foregrip, this crossbow can be used by both left-handed hunters as well as right-handed hunters.
It comes with three 20″ carbon arrows, which will give you an excellent range when out on the hunt. You’ll also receive a shoulder sling in addition to a parallel quiver so that all your arrows stay organized and close at hand while riding on your back during an extended trek through deep woods.
The CenterPoint Sniper 370 is undoubtedly an impressive crossbow, but we were not impressed with the noise the adjustable stock makes. However, we don’t think this is a deal-breaker, as the crossbow does redeem itself in other areas.
For beginners who are looking to practice their skills and have fun before moving on to hunting more challenging prey, this is a great crossbow package.
Review Of Killer Instinct MSCKI-1104 Boss 405 Dead Silent Deer Hunting Crossbow
The Killer Instinct MSCI-1104 Boss 405 Dead Silent Deer Hunting Crossbow is a slightly upgraded version of Killer Instinct MSCI-1000 Lethal 405 fps Crossbow. And it does offer some improvements over its counterpart.
The MSCI-1104 Boss 405 has a draw weight of 220 lbs, which is higher than that of the MSCI-1000 Lethal. In addition, the MSCI-1104 Boss 405 comes with KillerTech triggers, while MSCI-1000 Lethal comes with standard triggers.
This crossbow can propel an arrow at speeds of up to 405 fps and generate kinetic energy of 134 foot-pounds which offers enough power for hunting needs. With a 13 inches power stroke, it can shoot arrows at a distance of 60 yards with lethal accuracy.
The buttstock is adjustable for six positions which is an excellent option for hunters with different preferences. The string and limb suppressors ensure that every shot is quiet enough for the stealthy hunt, perfect for those who prefer a silent crossbow bolt over the noisy ones.
For precise shooting experience and bullseye accuracy, it comes with 3.5 lbs KillerTech™ trigger technology which ensures flawless shooting with every arrow.
It also comes with three premium Hyper carbon cross bolts which are very durable and can fly at speeds of 345 fps when they’re not suppressed in the crossbow.
It’s also worth mentioning that it has aluminum barrel stock and is made of the finest materials. Finally, if you need a decent powerful crossbow with packs of all advanced technology, this crossbow is the best option for you.
Review of Barnett Assault 350 Crossbow
Barnett has been in the crossbow business for more than 50 years. They know what it takes to make a good product which is why they have managed to stay in the game. And we felt that this article wouldn’t be complete without a Barnett crossbow on it.
We picked the Barnett Assault 350 Crossbow with a velocity of 350 FPS, it is the slowest on our list. However, don’t discount it just yet as this is still an impressive speed for such an affordable crossbow.
It features Barnett’s patented ADF trigger system, which ensures you are safe from dry firing your weapon. With the 165 lb draw weight and a super 350 FPS speed, you have enough power to take down most wild animals. It can produce lethal power stroke upto 12.5″.
The 104 ft. lb of kinetic energy isn’t all that impressive, but it should be enough to take down most wild animals. The axle to axle width of this crossbow is 16.125″ which is managable and enough to provide great stable archery experience.
This crossbow comes with a scope, a quiver for arrows, and other accessories such as a rope cocking device and lube wax.
In our view, Barnett’s previous models, which you could wind up and put away without any ropes or strings to deal with, were better than what we have on the Assault 350 Crossbow. This crossbow could have been higher on our list if it maintained the system of its predecessors.
All the same, it is a great crossbow for any beginner or intermediate hunter. It is one we would recommend to beginner and intermediate hunters. By increasing a little bit of money you can get BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow.
How To Choose Crossbow under $300
Choosing the best crossbow for 300 dollars can be difficult. There are so many different models to choose from, and each has its own set of features that make it unique. In this guide section, we will go over the most important factors to consider when shopping for a crossbow.
Budget:
First, let’s start with the budget because this is where most people get hung up when trying to buy a crossbow. There are other budget-friendly crossbows that sell for less than $200, mostly are pistol and recurve crossbows and some expensive crossbows go up to nearly a thousand dollars. Spending nearly a thousand dollars you can opt for reverse draw crossbows which are popular for their lightweight by using the center distributed riser technology. The best thing you could do is set your budget first before looking at the other factors because it will be easier to find one in your price range. With nearly less than 300 dollars you can choose a great compound crossbow surely.
Types Of Cams System
When it comes to crossbows, there are two different types of cams systems. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages over the other. Which cam system you should choose depends on your personal preferences and needs. The following section will break down each type of cams system in detail so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Cams That Rotate Inside- Out:
This type of crossbow tends to be compact because the string rotates around the inside of the bow cam. For that, the axle-to-axle distance tends to be shorter, and a good amount of pressure release through the strings. Therefore, this cam system is a good choice for those who want a compact, lightweight crossbow for target practice and small to medium game hunting inside the ground blind, tree stand or narrow space.
Cams That Rotate Outside-in:
Cams That Rotate Outside-in is much popular and standard for compound crossbows. Here the string rotates around the outside of the bow cam. Here the axle-to-axle distance is longer, which gives more stability to this type of crossbow. In addition, in this type of cam, less pressure is exerted through the string rather than through the bow limb. This type of cam system is a good choice for those who want a stable crossbow for open field hunting and target practice.
Speed (FPS):
Next, we’ll look at speed or FPS, which stands for feet per second. This is how fast the arrows go. The faster they are, the more power you will get behind your shot. Under $300, you will find speeds of 230-350 fps in most of the crossbows.
Speed ranges anywhere between 100-450 feet per second for a compound crossbow. Faster speeds are better suited for hunting, while slower ones tend to be more accurate at longer distances or smaller targets that require less penetration power. Accuracy, in this case, refers either to how far away one can shoot accurately with precision. Also, how small of a target they can hit without needing too much penetration power.
Draw weight:
Draw weight refers to how much force it takes for a person to pull back on the string and shoot an arrow from their crossbow. Usually, for beginners who only want to hunt small animals like squirrels or rabbits, a draw weight of 150 pounds is sufficient.
Power Stroke:
The power stroke refers to how far the string will travel back on each shot. This affects how much energy your arrow has behind it and at what speed the projectile leaves the crossbow for maximum accuracy.
A power stroke between 12-14 inches would be suitable for beginners. A longer power stroke, closer to the center, will result in more kinetic energy and increased accuracy for long-range shots.
Limb Material:
Crossbows are made of either carbon fiber composites, aluminum, or glass fiber composite material. Material choice is mostly a matter of personal preference and budget, with the exception that aluminum crossbows can be more difficult to maintain if you don’t want to get yourself into trouble.
Cocking Methods:
There are many different cocking methods, but the easiest ones to use are either a lever or crank. The downside of these is that they require more effort on your part, as you’ll need to bend down and manually pull back the string each time before firing an arrow.
Safety:
Safety is always important with any weapon, even more so on an arrow-firing device that can shoot at maximum speeds up to 360 feet per second!
Make sure your crossbow has safety mechanisms, such as an anti-dry fire system. Which will prevent you from shooting an arrow when the bow is not cocked and safety triggers.
Crossbow Weight:
Crossbows can weigh anything from a few pounds to 10 or more, so it’s important that you get the weight right for your needs. If you’re looking for something lightweight and portable, then go with lighter models.
Noise Dampeners:
Not everyone wants to be too conspicuous with their crossbow, and some will want a more silent option. For this reason, it’s important that you get your hands on a device with noiseless features such as a noise dampener system or rubberized stock pads.
Warranty:
A warranty is a vital part of any purchase, and a crossbow should come with one. The most common warranties last anywhere from two to five years, but if you’re looking for more peace of mind, then there are some that offer lifetime coverage!
Scope:
If your crossbow doesn’t already include it as standard equipment, make sure yours has a illuminated scope. One of the most essential features of your crossbow, scopes are necessary for accurate accuracy and precision at greater distances.
Trigger:
Trigger systems are also an important consideration for the archer. Crossbows come with a standard trigger, but this is often not enough to provide safety and comfort when shooting.
Quiver:
A quiver will be necessary if you plan on hunting or otherwise using your crossbow in the field, where there’s no easy access to a safe place to store and retrieve arrows.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Tarheel3Gun.
1 thought on “4 Best Crossbow Under 300 And Or 350 Dollars Of 2024”
This is one of the best piece of information on this writing. Could you please review on Excalibur Assassin 420 TD. What do you suggest for this crossbow. Is it worthy to have it.
Jack Pine