[NEW] LARP Crossbow Forum

So yeh...I did it. I finally gave in and now bringing you the LARP Crossbow forum.

Someone said to me: "There are lots of technicalities, some uncertainties, and most importantly ... the difficulty of finding someone to build you a LARP legal crossbow...not even mentioning doing it yourself. "

Well, this forum is just the place for the brave few who are ready to join the ranks of crossbowyers and build their own...The Arbalist Guild got your back LARP'er.

Enjoy the forum.

Ivo

Thanks for creating that forum. I'd be interested in learning more about LARP weapons and safe crossbows for that obsession.

Likewise, aren't SCA crossbows very low power?

SCA crossbows are are pretty low powered compared to legit hunting models. But in Amtgard crossbows are limited to 450 inch pounds to be legal to shoot at close range.

This is what I'm working with right now.
http://amtwiki.net/amtwiki/index.php/Crossbow

So its hard to find legal crossbows that arn't hand crossbows.

Just waiting on my next paycheck to get my materials and I'll be sure to post lots of pics and stuff.

SCA Combat crossbows... the kind people actually shoot at one-another, are usually limited to @ 600 inch-pounds. (there is a separate category, with different projectiles that allows 1000 inch-pounds)
For SCA target shooting, there's no actual power limit, but it's rare to see anything on the range over @ 200 lb. draw. Partially that's a function of rather short shooting ranges and light targets, and partially due to the nature of the competition. There are a fair number of timed shoots, which allow all the bolts you can fling downrange in 30 seconds. Stronger bows shoot flatter but rate of fire suffers over @ 150 lb. so most people don't go much over that.
I used to shoot a 160 lb. crossbow in SCA competitions... that cost me two shots in every 30 second speed-round. (4 instead of 6 with my lighter bow)
Geezer

Thanks, Geezer.

I was once told that the only dumb question is the question you don't ask, so here goes, even if I appear dumb.

What does 450 inch-pounds, 600 inch-pounds etc. mean? Can that be translated to x-powered bow at x-spanning length?

Also, what do SCA bolts look like - the kind you shoot at others, not regular target competition.

Thanks!

Geezer here: Inch-pounds is a figure that is supposed to represent the amount of energy stored in a bow... it says nothing about the efficiency of the bow, which varies by a huge number of factors. The system is simple: measure the length of draw in inches, from string at rest to the lock. Measure the draw-weight in pounds at the lock. Multiply the two together. So a 10 inch power-stroke, multiplied by 60 lb. of draw will get you 600 inch-pounds.
To make things a little more difficult, SCA limits actual draw-weight to 75 lb. I've never been given a satisfactory reason for that one... theoretically there should be little difference between 60 lb. at 10 inches or 100 lb. at 6 inches, but that's SCA for you.
SCA combat bolts nowadays use 1/4 fiberglass rod, with an 1&1/2 inch diameter plastic and rubber head, specifically made for the purpose (one variety is called 'baldar-blunt' ) and a special fletching unit which can be used for either crossbow bolts or handbow arrows, called an 'asgard fletch' Both are made by an SCA guy in Florida who is tooled up to make such.
In former days, we made our combat bolts up out of wood, padding, foam and the like. Those bolts were substantially lighter and flew better if properly constructed, but the newer 'baldar-blunt' bolts have the advantage of being almost indestructible and very consistent from bolt to bolt. On the whole that makes the average SCA archer a better marksman than previously. If you do a web search under 'baldar blunts' you'll probably find some pics.
Does that help? Geezer

It helps perfectly. Thank you.

Dane

http://www.northstararchery.com/
This is the guy we ( Vinjar / Avacal get our supplies from and they have great tutorials on assembling the bolts.

Where do I find the specs for a LARP Cross Bow.

I have built many SCA combat bows now to work on a Design for the Larps.

Thanks

Hi and Welcome to the forum.

There is no clear answer to your question, Larp doesn't seem to be as organized as SCA, so you would need to dip into each and every Larp Group's regulations separately. Or we can start a new topic on taht question and chip in bit by bit to narrow down the average specs profile for a Larp crossbow.

Ivo