Should I buy this Barnett Quad 400?

[bac0nfat]

I plan on archery hunting for the first time this year, but have almost zero money to spend. I have a friend who will sell me his Barnett Quad 400 with a red dot scope and 3 bolts for $150. It's damn cheap considering he spent $370 on it. He said it works great but he got it for his son who doesn't use it anymore.

I looked up reviews and they are not very favorable. There is pretty much an even split between people who love them and people who hate them. Does anyone here own a Quad 400 or other Barnett crossbow? I'd like to hear opinions. I'm pretty certain I'm gonna buy it, but I'd like to know if it will be downright dangerous or anything like that.

If I don't buy it then I'll have to wait till next year to archery hunt, because I just can't put out more money right now. Need to get my basement waterproofed, pay the bills, etc.

[Dredly]

Archery hunting and hunting with a crossbow are not the same thing.

and you get what you pay for... if it was 350 new its a very low end crossbow

[bac0nfat]

Archery hunting and hunting with a crossbow are not the same thing.

and you get what you pay for... if it was 350 new its a very low end crossbow

Do you have any experience with this crossbow, or other crossbow made by Barnett?

[Pector55]

Barnett has a pretty bad reputation from what I read. I looked at the Quad 400 but decided against it because some folks report no response from e-mails or phone calls from support.

It sounds like you are doing some research so that is good. For $150, it's not that bad of a crossbow. I would probably take the chance on it if the person was a trustworthy friend. Just make sure to never dry fire it and make sure the bolts you are using weigh enough.

[PA Rifleman]

Do you have any experience with this crossbow, or other crossbow made by Barnett?

I have experience with Barnett, the Commando in particular. Pass on the Barnett.

Look for a Horton, or any other crossbow maker with a split-gate string release, and the model in consideration is still in full production.

I had a Commando recurve years ago, which was their flagship model for years. It had the folding stock-cocking feature which was convenient, and had plenty of power. Accuracy wasn't ideal, a cheap Wham-O produced better groups. The Commando ate strings like there was no tomorrow, and it had a solid string release gate. This caused the release gate to batter the back side of the bolt (arrow). I called Barnett, they recommended setting the bolt about 1/2" out from the string. I sold it before I broke a limb, since Barnett quietly discontinues models, and parts dry up overnight.

I now have a Horton Yukon (compound), it's a *much* better design. I still have a 60s era Wham-O recurve, which is still working.

Also don't shop for just poundage, take the string travel distance into account.

The poundage is a factor in velocity, but so is the stroke or power impluse duration. A 200 lb bow with a 3" stroke will have poorer performance than a 100 lb bow with a 12" stroke. This is why I stopped buying crossbow pistols with the first one. As far as poundage, 125 to 150 pounds should be more than enough for most applications. Also expect short bolt life, as the sudden stop frequently causes bending and/or thread insert setback. Using a target bale is a better choice, however expect occasional de-fletching when the bolt goes too deep. My kids use wood chip litter, which makes an excellent target bale for crossbows. It's soft enough to preserve the bolt, but stiff enough to stop the bolt beyond approximately 2/3 deep penetration from a 175 lb bow.

And, all the rules of recurve v. compound bows apply as well. Recurve bows apply the greatest amount of force in approximately the first 20% of movement. The compound spreads this out more evenly and gives a little mechanical leverage, allowing a user to comfortably cock or reset a slightly heavier bow. The chief drawback to compound bows is that many require a bow press to change strings, most recurves can be restrung at home by the owner with few or no tools.

Hope this helps.

[Dredly]

Do you have any experience with this crossbow, or other crossbow made by Barnett?

I read a lot :P - www.archerytalk.com

I've heard lots of issues with them but supposedly they stand behind their product and will fix whatever breaks, I'm not sure if the warranty follows the crossbow or the owner though, may be something worth looking into.

you also want more bolts.

[bac0nfat]

I think I'm gonna take the gamble. Like I said, it's either buy this, or wait until next hunting season. It's hard to walk away from it for 150 bucks and not get to hunt during archery season.

[Pector55]

I would use it. You should have a good idea whether or not it will be worth it within about 5 shots. I have a very cheap recurve that will put together 3" groups at 30 yds from a kneeling position. I have a spot set up for my son so that 30-35 yds is the longest shot he will be able to take anyway. I'll be nearby in a tree to supervise. He has a compound bow but I refuse to take the greater chance of having him wound an animal. He is much more accurate at 30 yds with that crossbow.

My only concern about crossbows in general are the guys with 350fps crossbows who think they are going to be taking 50-60yd shots. Occasionally they just might do it but people need to realize that despite being able to hit a stationary target reliably, a crossbow can be pretty noisy so the chance of having a deer move before the bolt gets there, greatly increases at those distances.

I shoot my 70# compound at 50yds in practice but it's just to make the 30yd shots (and under) feel more relaxed and "easy."

Good luck and please let us know how you make out with the crossbow. If you need to use support, please let us know about your experience with Barnett support as well.

[NShortino]

I have a Barnett Quad 400, and have never had any major issues with it. I got it a while before I started hunting, and used it mainly as a toy to shoot in the back yard. Once they started allowing crossbows for hunting I decided to give it a try, and so far was pleasantly surprised.

Don't expect long distance shots from it, but not because it isn't accurate enough. Like others said, it makes enough noise that a deer will easily jump the arrow before it gets there at 50 yards. For 30 yards and under though, it has more than enough power to do the job.

For $150, I'd recommend picking it up. It will get the job done at a good starting price, and will hold you over until you think it's time for something more expensive.

[bac0nfat]

Thanks for the info everyone. I hadn't considered the fact that the deer will hear the crossbow before the impact, because the bolt is travelling significantly slower than the speed of sound. So what you are saying is, even if I can consistently make 50-60 yard shots in practice, avoid going out that far for a deer anyway? What would you suggest as a max distance, 40 yards?

I'll let you guys know how it works out when I get it and start shooting. Might have it later today, if not sometime this week.