Vintage crossbows such as this Horton model remain effective for hunting after many years.
Vintage crossbows such as this Horton model remain effective for hunting after many years.

Firearms are usually a much better investment than a compound bow.

Where as rifles and pistols maintain or even appreciate in value, the resale price of most modern bows drop 50% the minute it leaves the store.

Crossbows are the exception, and the Shifler family is living proof. Steve Shifler received a Horton Legend SL from his now-deceased wife 15 years ago and had the valued present “re-tuned” at a local sporting good shop.

“After all that time, all it needed was a new string and it shoots like new,” he said enthusiastically after bagging the 6-point buck shown above.

Crossbows greatly reduce the learning curve to become an effective shot.
Crossbows greatly reduce the learning curve and help you become an effective shot.

Alex, Shifler’s nephew, killed a coyote at 35 yards with an Excalibur nearly as old, not far from where uncle Steve bagged his buck. The Excalibur accounted for a Canadian moose earlier in its use, quite a feat considering all the other hunters in camp carried Magnum rifles.

Crossbows are becoming increasingly popular among hunters of all ages, as they allow a person to avoid the huge learning curve of using a compound, recurve, or longbow to hunt effectively.

Importantly, crossbows hold their value. Buying a used one is a good way to get started and see if you enjoy the sport.

Once accomplished at the basics, you can re-sell or trade up to a newer model with the anticipation that it will last for decades and maintain much of its original value.

More importantly, a crossbow will allow you to multiply your hunting days afield in many states, by ten times in some cases.

Bowhunting is exciting, whether with a vertical or horizontal format, and you can be assured that the latter will help preserve your investment.