Top 10 Crossbows Under $500

Hook & Barrel Scoured The Web For The Best Crossbows Under $500

For some, the word "crossbow" is more of a weapon of war rather than a means of taking down wild game. Understandably so, seeing as they've been dated as far back as 7th century BC in ancient China and have made several appearances as go-to means of defense in many Medieval-era paintings. What many forget is that crossbows were also used for hunting during an epoch that long pre-dated the invention of both the firearm and the compound bow.

While crossbows have certainly come a long way in their engineering (can you imagine the Knights of the Round Table armed with modern crossbows?!), they have been knocked for their cumbersome design and for being too "advantageous" in some circles. It also doesn't help that they're banned in Oregon and only permitted during certain seasons (depending on the state). Some states only permit crossbows during firearm seasons, not during archery seasons. The regulations go on and thankfully the good folks at TenPoint put quite the list of state laws together for all our sakes.

Crossbows are an excellent entry into bowhunting as they are ideal for those who do not possess the upper body strength required for pulling back on a compound bow. On top of this, crossbows are inclusive. They allow disabled hunters to fill their tags and accommodate those dealing with shoulder or back pain. Unfortunately, they also come with a hefty price tag—but have no fear, your friends at H&B dug up a list of high-performing crossbows under $500.

So for anyone looking to fill tags via a crossbow this upcoming season, give this list of crossbows under $500 a peek and give yourself another method of taking down a bruiser buck.

Wicked Ridge M-370 Crossbow Package with ACUdraw - $499.97

First on our list of crossbows under $500 is the Wicked Ridge M-370 Crossbow Package with ACUdraw. This crossbow weighs in at a slight 5.8 lbs., making it one of the lightest crossbows in production. With a slim 9.5" width when cocked, this crossbow is ideal for hunting areas where space is limited. The Wicked Ridge M-370 dispatches bolts at speeds up to 370 fps and features the ACUdraw cocking system for safe, quiet, and easy operation. Equipped with a Multi-Line scope for precise aiming, the M-370 comes pre-sighted at 20 yards and is ready to use after a simple, one-bolt assembly. The package includes the crossbow, scope, ACUdraw cocking device, and a 3-bolt instant-detach quiver.

Killer Instinct Fiery 400 Crossbow Package - $199.97

Next on our list of crossbows under $500 is the Killer Instinct Fiery 400 Crossbow Package. This crossbow was engineered with lightweight composite stock with split limbs and precision cams to propel bolts at speeds up to 400 fps with an impactful 132 ft. lbs. of energy. The stock features a molded grip and adjustable X-Lok foregrip to yield simple handling and quick aiming. Weighing just 7.2 lbs., the Fiery 400 measures only 14-3/4" axle-to-axle when cocked. The built-in rubber shock absorbers and string suppressors minimize noise and vibration and the crisp 3.5-lb. trigger provides a clean release. The package includes a 4x32 scope, 3-bolt quiver, 2 HYPR Lite bolts with field tips, a rope cocker, and rail lube.

CenterPoint Amped 425 With Silent Crank Crossbow - $499.99

While just a hair under $500, we felt that the CenterPoint Amped 425 Crossbow Package was certainly worth the mention. The Amped 425 provides the necessary performance crossbow hunters need at a price that can't be beaten. This dynamo fires bolts at speeds up to 425 fps with 160 ft. lbs. of energy. Measuring just 12" axle-to-axle when cocked, the Amped 425 is a forgiving size for maneuvering in tight areas and won't drag you down when on the move. Any hunter will appreciate the adjustable AR-style butt stock with an adjustable cheek comb, pistol grip, adjustable foregrip with oversized finger guards, and a folding stirrup.

The bow's Whisper Silencing System combines integrated string suppressors, rail-mounted string stops, and limb dampeners to deliver vibration-free shots. The included Silent Crank cocking device makes cocking the crossbow easy and quiet, reducing the felt draw weight by 70%. The package includes a 4x32mm scope, detachable parallel quiver, three 20" carbon bolts with field points, the Silent Crank cocking device, and rail lube.

Killer Instinct Vital X Pro Crossbow Package - $399.99

The Killer Instinct Vital X Crossbow Package delivers powerful performance in an easy-to-handle design. This compact and well-balanced crossbow utilizes Killer Instinct's high-efficiency, 50% let-off X Cams and a robust 14.25" power stroke to propel bolts at speeds up to 405 fps with 142 ft. lbs. of energy. Smooth, quiet, and comfortable to shoot, the Vital X measures just 6-3/4" from axle-to-axle when cocked—perfect for hunting from a cramped ground blind. The Killer Instinct Vital X features a 3.5-lb. trigger and an overall length of 31-1/2". The Pro Package includes a LUMIX 4x32 scope, quiver, three 20" HYPR bolts (390 grain) with field tips, rope cocker, and rail lube.

CenterPoint AT400 Crossbow - $349.99

The CenterPoint Archery AT400 composite crossbow excels in both performance and price. Its full composite stock and rail system provide a lightweight yet sturdy design, keeping the bow's weight around 8 lbs. when fully loaded. The easy one-bolt riser-to-rail assembly allows for quick setup. Featuring an ADF trigger and roller arrow retention spring, the AT400 ensures your arrow is held securely for consistent, repeatable shots. With speeds up to 400 FPS and a cocked width of 14.5", the AT400 is as ready to hunt as you are. The AT400 also includes a detachable silent crank, adjustable ergonomic foregrip, 4x32mm scope, oversized stirrup, and three 20-inch .003 carbon bolts, and quiver.

Barnett XP 390 TrueTimber Crossbow Package Crossbow - $399.99

The Barnett XP 390 TrueTimber Crossbow Package features high-performance cams mounted on a split limb platform to send bolts up to 390 fps with 125 ft. lbs. of kinetic energy. Its Metal Injection Molded trigger incorporates an Anti-Dry Fire system for safety, married with TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology to deliver consistently smooth shots. Designed for easy assembly with a single bolt, this crossbow includes a pass-through foregrip and adjustable butt stock for comfortable handling and enhanced shooting control. It boasts a CNC-machined aluminum flight track, three Picatinny rails for attaching the accessories of your choice, and an anti-vibration foot stirrup. The package comes complete with a 4x32mm MR scope, side-mount quiver, two 20" carbon bolts, pre-installed tension-reducing crank cocking device, and lubrication wax.

Xpedition Archery X380 RealTree Escape Crossbow Package - $199.97

The Xpedition Archery X380 RealTree Escape Crossbow Package delivers optimal field performance at a budget-friendly price. The X380 package comes standard with a 4x32mm dual illuminated scope, cocking rope, three-bolt quiver, three 20" carbon bolts, and a detachable sling. This crossbow weighs in at 6.7 lbs. and shoots bolts up to 380 fps. The lightweight and compact design allows hunters to move in and out of the blind freely.

Barnett Explorer XP 385 Camo Crossbow Package - $329.92

The Barnett Explorer XP 385 Camo Crossbow Package includes TriggerTech's 3 lb. zero creep frictionless release, rope hold roller ball technology, and a CNC machined aluminum flight track. The crossbow is equipped with a pass-through foregrip, a soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer, and an adjustable butt stock for customizable comfort. Its single bolt assembly allows for easy setup, and it is crank-cocking-device compatible with three Picatinny rails for versatile accessory mounting. The metal-injected molded trigger and anti-dry fire trigger system enhance safety and precision. The package comes complete with two 20-inch carbon bolts, a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope, a lightweight side mount quiver, a rope cocking device, and lubrication wax.

Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Package - $249.99

The Killer Instinct Lethal 405 Crossbow Package offers a strong yet lightweight system that dispatches bolts at impressive speeds up to 405 fps. Its lightweight composite frame is enhanced with an over-molded grip and adjustable X-Lok forearm piece to yield optimal user comfort and control while the integrated rubber suppressors help maintain stealth. The lightweight carbon bolts enhance accuracy, complemented by a consistent trigger for precise control. The package includes a 4x32mm scope, rope cocker, three-bolt quiver, string suppressors, three Killer Instinct HYPR Lite Carbon Crossbolts with field tips, and rail lubricant, providing everything needed for immediate target practice.

Barnett Hyper XP 405 Crossbow Package - $419.97

Last on our list of crossbows under $500 is the Barnett Hyper XP 405 Crossbow Package. The Hyper XP 405 Crossbow offers balanced weight distribution and a slim profile to deliver optimal maneuverability. Designed around the revolutionary HyperFlite bolt, hunters get enhanced penetration, reduced wind drift, and powerful kinetic energy for game-changing performance. The Hyper XP 405 features TriggerTech's 3 lb. Zero-Creep Frictionless Release, a single-bolt assembly, Soft-Lok floating bristle arrow retainer, and an anti-dry fire trigger system. It also includes custom composite laminated limbs, three Picatinny rails for accessory mounting, and compatibility with a crank cocking device. The package comes complete with a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope, two 22-inch HyperFlite bolts, a lightweight side-mount quiver, a rope cocking device, and lubrication wax.

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