Looking at a pistol grip crossbow for a 7 year old boy

I happened to run across a 50lb pistol grip arrow at the flea market recently and thought it might make for a good start in lessons on weapons for my 7 year old boy.

I've never used one, and I'm wondering if he, or I, will even have enough strength to load it.

Hubby was using a bow and arrow at 6 years old. His uncle took him rabbit hunting, and he's said that he thinks his uncle took him for rabbits rather than to a range with a target, to teach him that weapons do kill.

Any suggestions, opinions?

 

Kellory is the one to ask. He has been a great help to me. My son is loving his bow and getting better all the time. I don't have great arm strength but the bow shop gave me a rubber loop that I stretch to help build up muscles.

 

Thanks Motomom34!

 

50 Lbs may be a little strong... you can find 20lb child sized bows in walmart or many sporting goods stores and on ebay.... some 4h clubs , boyscout troops, etc will do some training on how to use them...

 

Thanks Witch Doctor 01. I looked on Amazon, but didn't find anything less than 50lbs. Will specify 20 and search ebay too. Our Wal Mart only carries bows in season, and apparently, this isn't the season.

 

Here are some on Amazon....

Left/Right handed...

Amazon.com: Barnett Banshee Junior Archery Set: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Fiberglass Recurved Bows - 50", 20 Lb. Draw weight - Archery: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Martin XR Recurve Bow: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: PSE Chief Youth Right or Left Hand Bow Set, 20-Pound, Camo: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Bear Archery Crusader Bow Set (Right Hand/Left Hand): Sports & Outdoors

Right hand only....

Amazon.com: Crosman Archery Sentinel Youth Long Bow Set, Right Hand: Sports & Outdoors

 

OH THANKS! My boy is a leftie! I hadn't even thought of that.

 

I am a leftie and I live in a right handed world. The bow I use is right handed, I wasn't as strong on that arm but I am working up to it. Your boy will have an advantage because he has been adapting to the right-handed world already.

 

Check his height as well, some of the bows might be too long for him... he will need a armguard, either a finger tab or shooting glove for his left hand, a couple of straw bales to hold his targets

 

Thanks. This is great advice!

 

I have several bows and crossbows and while i can shoot left handed it was easier to learn to shoot with my dominat hand..

 

Yea, everyone forgets he's a leftie. My mother bought him a catcher's mitt, and I said, "he's a leftie," and she said, "oh I forgot!"

 

Aw, shucks @Motomom34 (we don't seem to have a smiley for embarrassed) @Witch Doctor 01 is as much or more an archer than I am. But thanks for the thought. He is right as well, as to shooting with the hand and eye that suits him best.
I remember seeing a starter kit at Walley World, that progressed with the strength of the child. started off at about #25 and could be raised to about 45 or 50lbs. came with arrows, finger tab (glove is better IMHO) and I think a quiver and arm guard. everything needed but a target. I haven't seen them recently, but I could check if they are available. have no idea of pricing. I would suggest you try their on-line store (it has more selection).

 

missed that one. thanks.

 

Your average flea market will have pre pack'd pistol crossbows which are an excellent trainer for that age they run about ten bucks and the draw weight less than 25lbs and has 6 bolts and also a simple cocking mechanizim that some their age should be able to work with a little practice.