I have an idea for a pneumatic crossbow that I am considering building
(and possibly producing). I just wanted to get some outside opinions on
whether I should bother as the bow could definitely viewed as being
overkill (quite literally).
My idea is to use high pressure compressed air to drive an arm and
pulleys forward and propel an heavyweight arrow to about 300fps. By
heavyweight I mean a steel arrow weighing about 4000 - 5000 grains (a
lot of typical crossbow bolts are around the 400 grain mark) which would
yield about 1000 -1100 foot-pounds kinetic energy. This kinetic energy
compares favourably to a .44 magnum (average 1180fpe).
To compare with compound crossbow (Barnett Ghost 400) which shoots a 425
grain bolt at 400 fps which yields 151fpe. That is about the same as a
.22 lr bullet.
My thinking process behind this bow is to provide people with an even
more effective hunting bow. I don't know about the rest of you but if
was going to be shot and eventually killed with a gun then I would much
rather be shot with the .44 rather than the .22 and get it over and done
with quickly and cleanly.
A bonus of my design would be that you wouldn't have to cock it. Just load an arrow and the fire, easy!
Also a solid steel arrow will me use a few little tricks to ensure a
truly deadly projectile with a large wound path and serious knock down
power.
You should be able to get at least 4 full power steel arrow shots out of
my design, followed by 14 half power aluminium arrows (1900 grains, 300
fps, 380 fpe) and finally 10 carbon fibre arrows.
Well, that's about it. Please let me know what you think. Is it overkill or an humane hunting bow?
By the way, I am aware that there air rifles out there that shoot arrows
but they seem mostly to concentrate on speed which is great for range
and produce nice neat small holes though animals.