Hi there from under "Down Under" (New Zealand)

I hope this goes in the right place?
I've been an observer of this forum for quite some time and have just plucked up the courage to make a post. 
My name's Dave and I'm interested in all things archery, have been for the past 15 years, and here in New Zealand field/target crossbows are hooked into our national body. It was just a matter of time before I had a dabble there too.
I'm not a traditional arbalist, hence my hesitation in coming out. In a previous life, I was heavily into target pistol shooting and it's the precision accuracy aspect which excites me at the moment. Not to say I won't in the future as there are some truly beautiful designs and examples on this forum that have grabbed my interest. 
I'm a self taught tinker in my dream man cave and I've all but finished my latest - the Mk10e which brings my 'completed' total to 3 target crossbows. (The others are all on paper as I can't seem to settle on a design - always developing things) To date I've used Falco and Ausbow prods but intend to roll my own in the future. It looks like a science in itself. 
Anyway enough said, as soon as I can figure out how to stick pics on here I'll post some up if anyone's interested.

Please do post pictures we are interested in all thing crossbows.

Todd

Welcome, welcome.  WE've got a few other Kiwis who post here on occasion.  Look forward to seeing your designs.

Yeah! successfully navigated the pic bit. This is my Mk10e nearing completion - just have to make the rear sight rail and housing to accommodate the adjustable iris. Cheers

WOW! That looks great. How much does that weigh? I like the relatively clean lines. What kind of trigger mechanism are you using?

Todd

Thanks for the interest. At the moment it's around 5kg - well within the classification rules of a 10kg limit. Like us human's, easier to put on than take off! I think the stock looks a bit agricultural but it's adjustability is what I was after. Everything slides on the tube to alter length, angle height etc. Same with the butt /hook arangement. You can make it fit anyone. For 'leftys' - all you need is another anotomical grip.
The trigger is one I made and it easily drops out of the rail via 3 5mm bolts. It is a 2 stage unit which is the type I was used to from my firearm days. The design is heavily influenced by the 'Walther GSP' target pistol's trigger and in turn, the 'Kidd 2 stage trigger' for the Ruger 10/22 .22 rimfire rifle.  I've devorced the trigger unit from the pawl unit, treating them as separate elements enabling a trigger of almost infinate adjustment as the only weight it's holding is the hammer. It works like a single action gun, you cock the hammer, span the prod, load a bolt and pull the go switch! It all works a treat.
I'll see if I can load another couple of pics. Cheers

Nice, kind of like a double set trigger. How about the part that holds the string back? Over or under claw?

Todd

I guess this is an under claw?  Cheers

Solexnz
 
The hammer part of the trigger group appears to have a bit of free travel in the unlocked state. This makes it possible to reset the under claw. Is this what I think is going on?
 
Tom

This is a great looking crossbow. I would love to see more details of the trigger.

Dutchbow

This might help for both you and Dutchbow? Simple, but I think very effective. The first stage smoothly moves the engagement surfaces about 1mm (about 3.5mm at the finger - which give excellent control) before the second stage plunger comes into play. A slight resistance and then it goes. It's like glass breaking. Cheers

I just can't think of anything to say about this crossbow.......................except that it comes from the hands and mind of an unbelievably talented designer and machinist.Thanks so much for sharing it Solex.
       Hermit.