Simpler is sometimes better, which is why a recurve-style crossbow makes sense for many people. Barnett just introduced the Wildcat CRX, a crossbow that’s easy to cock, has no wheels or cams, and shoots at the speed of whitetail deer. I learned to shoot on a recurve crossbow and over the last 15 years have introduced many new hunters due to the bow’s simplicity and ease of use.
Some Assembly Required
The Wildcat CRX comes in a surprisingly small box and assembles easily if one follows the directions, which, of course, I did not. After backing up the assembly a few times, I was amazed at how light the bow felt. At just 6.1 pounds, it’s nearly a third lighter than similar recurve bows I’ve used. If you travel out of state or internationally, disassembling the bow allows it to be carried in a padded rifle case or travel bag. The limb structure is a stand-alone recurve bow that fits at the end of the barrel and can be easily removed. Instead of laminated limbs, the Wildcat uses a single stick of carbon fiber.
Easy to Cock
Despite a 195-lb draw weight, I found the Wildcat CRX easier to cock than my other recurve crossbow. I adjusted the length of the cocking rope so that the hooks barely reached the string, allowing for ease of storage. The handles of the Barnett cocking rope have circular magnets so that the handles snap together for easier storage. I will put red tape on the string of the right handle so I can instantly know which goes into my right hand.
Red Dot Scope
The bow comes standard with a red dot scope featuring three, 5-moa dots, for 20, 35, and 50 yards. I’ve long been a fan of red dot scopes for crossbows, especially for whitetail deer, where ranges are usually 30 yards or closer. With a single dot, I can generally sight the scope in for 22 yards and point and shoot out to 30 yards. The scope was near point-of-aim on the first shot and easily dialed into dead center. Unlike many red dot scopes, this one has two turret adjustments like standard scopes, and the adjustments were as advertised. Shooters can choose between red and green dots, and the scope is in the “off” position when the “B” is perpendicular.
Feels Right
When sighting in a crossbow for the first time, I usually use a shooting table for a dead rest. Before setting up the test, I took a sitting shot at 10 yards to assess the point of aim without missing the target. I was surprised at how steady the bow felt with the red dot solidly on the bull’s eye of my Morrell target. The large forend keeps fingers below the safety shield, and the no-creep triggers broke crisply. The bow automatically goes on “safe” when cocked, and the large safety latch was easy to find and operate.
Broadheads Protected
Despite the light weight of the crossbow, it shoots 20-inch arrows, including the .204-inch Hyperflight shafts that significantly increase penetration. The cocking stirrup is large and allows the bow to be cocked with rubber boots, but more importantly, the stirrup extends beyond the tip of the arrow, protecting broadheads from catching on limbs or branches when stalking. Also, the bow can be rested on the cocking stirrup without removing the arrow.
Overall Impressions
Our deer season opens on September 5th, and you can bet this bow will be in a tree waiting for first light. In the meantime, I’ll order more arrows since they only come with two, and get to know the 3-dot scope better. With a mid-speed bow, I can use all of my targets without breaking arrows with impossible removals and test my Grim Reaper broadheads. The Wildcat CRX comes with a 5-year warranty, but with the simple design, the bow seems ideal for hunting and just fun shooting. At an MSRP of $229, it’s hard to go wrong. For full details, click here.