Hunting is one of the favorite outdoor activities for the Americans. Every now and then they are seen
hunting small game or big game. It is good to see people heading to wild landscapes for hunting rather
than spending their weekends in their houses and shopping malls. Hunting is not just adventurous, it is
thrilling as well. But, for hunting, there are a few essential requirements. The top among them is the
hunting weapon. Are you using the right weapon for hunting? The two most widely used hunting
weapons in America include the crossbow and the pellet gun. But, the question is which is better among the two?
Well, it is not easy to figure out the right hunting weapon. However, we have dared to do so. Here is a
brief comparison of a crossbow and pellet gun from the hunting perspective. We shall disclose the
benefits and drawbacks of both to identify the final thoughts.
Let’s get to the comparison:
What is a Pellet Gun?
Pellet Gun is a small sized gun that uses steel BBs. It is often shaped like a pistol, but is slightly
longer. The functions are almost identical to a real gun apart from the use of bullets. The bullets that it
uses are called BBs and made of steel. The steel-made BBs are enough for hunting small game. It is
one of the most frequently used weapons for hunting in America. However, it is not always preferred
for big game hunting. But, it is advantageous as far as small scale hunting is concerned.
What is a Crossbow?
Crossbow is another widely used hunting weapon in the United States. It is a projectile weapon that is
like a traditional bow and arrow. It is usually fixed across the wooden support. It features a groove for
the bolt. It releases and draws the string to fire the arrows. It is a modernized weapon that is mainly
used for hunting. However, it has more capability compared to pellet guns. It is preferred by those who
do the hunting at a large scale.
Pellet Gun is for Small Game Hunting
Pellet Gun is just a small gun that fires small sized BBs. But, it is not a weapon for big game hunting.
If you tend to do the hunting at a large scale, this is not a weapon for you. However, it is ideal for those
who hunt small game. The steel BBs are only capable of taking down squirrels, doves, ducks and
quails etc. It can’t kill a deer or any other massive animal. Sorry for those who are looking to hunt deer
with this small gun. But, as far as rabbit hunters are concerned, thumbs up for you!
Crossbow is Great for Big Game Hunting Too…
Crossbow is generally a modern hunting weapon that is used for big game hunting like deer and
moose. This projectile weapon uses large arrows that can take down even the deer. However, for
hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels, it is still effective. So, it is a preferable weapon for both
small game and big game hunters. There are certain compound bows as well that are more advanced
versions. These compound bows have even more power to take down the big game. So, this is an
option for all the hunters.
Pellet Gun is Easy to Use
One of the huge advantages of pellet gun hunting is that it is easy. These guns are pretty easy to use.
However, it does not mean that crossbows are pretty tough, but the guns are a little easier. It is like any
gun, and we all know the mechanism of using it. Just aim and pull the trigger to fire, work is done. On
the other hand, crossbow features several parts and it becomes slightly difficult for those who are
unfamiliar with projectile weapons.
Since pellet guns are like real guns, they are easy to learn and practice. In case of crossbows, you
need some practice or training before you get your hands on it. The advanced compound bows or rifles
are somewhat similar to rifles, but the mechanism under which they operate should be learned first.
Hence, pellet guns have an edge over bows considering the ease of use.
Crossbow Provides Better Range and Speed
Since crossbow is a massive projectile weapon, it offers better speed as well as range. This is where
pellet guns disappoint a little. They don’t have much range and pace and that is why they are used for
hunting squirrels and rabbits. On the other hand, bows are mighty useful. They can fire arrows at a
greater speed. Also, they can travel longer than the steel BBs. The compound bows are further
advantageous in this regard. They can fire at an even rapid pace with broader range. Hence, in terms
of range and speed, crossbow should be the weapon of choice.
Pellet Gun is Easy to Carry
Carrying your hunting weapon is an issue that can’t be ignored. Of course, you need to head to a place
where you can do the hunting, but you should be equipped with your weapon as well. Generally, it is
difficult to carry massive weapon. Crossbow become extremely difficult to carry because of its
enormous size. On the other hand, pellet gun is easy to carry due to its small size. It can be carried in
the pocket. Also, it is lightweight and becomes comfortable for carrying it alongside other essential
hunting gear.
Crossbow Never Runs Out of Ammo
Pellet gun uses steel BBs and at an occasion, you may run out of BBs. Once you fire a BB, it is wasted.
However, an arrow fired from a crossbow can be reused. With this weapon, you are never short of
ammo. Even a couple of them are enough for the whole hunting process. You can reuse the ammo
once you have hunted your animal. So, this is a major advantage of this weapon over others.
So, Which is a Better Hunting Weapon: Overall?
Crossbow has another advantage that it is a silent weapon. It does not produce any sound while you
are shooting with it. This makes your task easier. A slight noise may make your animal run away and
as a result you would lose your prey. A pellet gun does not make a very severe sound, but still, it
produces some sound which often poses a disadvantage. Considering a few factors like ease of use
and ease of carry, pellet gun is a better hunting weapon. But, keep in mind that it is only effective for
small game hunting, For hunting big animals like deer and moose, crossbow is a better weapon. Also,
considering all the factors overall, such as speed, range, and efficiency, crossbow is the best weapon
for hunting!