Have you ever thought of making a homemade crossbow? If you want one that will really fish, it’s best left to the pros, unless of course this is very handy and you have access to a well-equipped machine shop and a good supplier of the quality materials needed.
If you’re hoping to build something with which you can destroy some targets in the backyard, or have that opossum play dead on the ground, you might be able to put something together. Here are some simple tips.
The main components you will need for a homemade crossbow will be a high quality stock, cut from high quality wood. Design it to your liking, with or without a grip. Smear it with a good combination stain and sealer product, and allow it to dry for 48 hours.
Next, fashion a simple operating mechanism out of steel stock, though when necessary a 16-pound bolt may serve you nicely. Drill the stock, bottom to top and run the trigger through the stock. If possible, use your ingenuity to determine how to lock the trigger once the chain is drawn.
Now, find a sturdy piece of flexible aluminum. Look at your garage or local home improvement store for stock that will work on the repeating end. Cut it lengthwise and sand the edges to make it smooth. Drill two holes in the center, and secure the tip to the stock with screws at least 3.25 inches long. Coated deck screws will also work. Out of the heavy gauge steel wire, form a rail, and tie it at the bottom, extending past the tip.
Finally, drill holes at the end of each end, cut the string lengthwise, and tie it to the end as tightly as possible.
Add any other features to your homemade crossbow to increase accuracy, select some practice arrows and head out into the backyard, or some other location far enough away where you won’t pose a threat to anything, or anyone, like the neighbors and their pets. You should probably wear eye protection (and a full-body protective jacket if you have them!).
Here you are. Now, set up a target at 10 yards and give it a try! And if you’re hoping to build a compound crossbow, it’s a little more complicated!
