2014 Barnett Raptor

Yup, another new toy. Yes, it's an addiction.

Put the new Raptor together tonight. This is a new model for 2014, not even on their web site yet. This is basically their Recuit model with heavier 150# limbs instead of the 130#. This bow is 10" narrower than the my Wildcat and much easier to maneuver in a small blind (the main reason for my purchase.)

I really like the weight and balance of this bow compared to my Wildcat. The open forend and lighter weight makes it easier to carry. The width is great. I wish I had bought the Recruit now instead of the Wildcat. I shot it a couple times in the garage and it seems very solid, no rattles or shakes.

I do have a few dings. The end of the stock that is adjustable seems a bit cheap compared to the rest of the stock and the lower adjustment screw is stripped. No big deal as there is so little adjustment that I don't think it will matter. Might be a bigger deal to someone else.

The scope is clear but I dropped it while unwrapping it and put a nice dent in the top (see pic). It only fell about 12 inches to my basement floor, not far enough that it should have dented that bad. if at all. While it is clear, it is made of very thin aluminum. It also has quite long eye relief. I cannot mount it forward enough to see the entire field of view. This will be the first piece I will swap out (I expected to anyway)

I'm not a fan of the Barnett quivers. They do not stay in place when bumped and when cold it is hard to add/remove the arrows. I wish they had a better way to mount other quivers (same issue with the Wildcat)

Overall first impressions with the bow itself are good. Can't wait to get out and shoot it some distance and see how it groups.

WOW, Mike I don't know a thing about crossbows but that is one bad ass lookin' weapon.

That is a nice looking Crossbow.

It's fairly quick to reload but not as fast as with a verticle bow.

Crossbows are not as loud as guns but there is nothing quiet about it. It's definitely quieter than the recurve limb xbow I have but anything within range is definitely going to hear it. I'll try to record the sound to give an example.

Simple solution:

Don't miss the first time

I've been shooting a bit this year to get ready for deer season. Yesterday I got to shoot it through the chrony.

The Raptor is averaging 320 fps with a 445 grain arrow. Not to bad.

The Excalibur Phoenix averaged 268 fps and the Barnett Wildcat averaged 290 fps. Funny how watching those little numbers pop up can be so much fun when shooting. LOL

@Nevernoluck The Wildcat is a nice bow. It was the first crossbow I ever bought. Post up some pics when you get it.

Pics would still be appreciated.

I was able to get my handicap crossbow permit this year here finally so I can use it during all bow seasons.

But I have never owned a crossbow, I am a little overwhelmed at the choices and the small details separating them.

What I'd really like to do is maybe find a used xbow that is decent and keep it in or under $250 for the whole setup. And then I'd be at a loss for bolts and broadheads some kind of crank to cock it with.

Not a whole lot of detail but I turned my camera on while discharging the Raptor over the weekend. The camera is mounted to the accessory rail under the bow.

The target is only 30 yards away but it looks a lot further due to the wide angle lens on the camera.

Not a lot to see but it does zip it down range pretty fast, you almost have to watch it full screen to even see the arrow:

How many fps is the raptor rated at?

I know the wildcat you sold me shoots very well. I am extremely pleased with it. Despite not taking anything with it.

Yet.

But I have confidence that it will.

The Raptor is sold as a 330fps bow, I am getting 320fps with my setup. I am shooting a 445 grain arrow which is 45 gr above the minimum that Barnett recommends.