Video Barnett RC-150 Crossbow – Approved
After having killed deer with both the Barnett Ranger and the more modern RC-150 compound-limbed crossbow, I am satisfied that they will, indeed, do the job on close-range deer. Advantages of this crossbow are its adjustable stock, light weight, reasonable trigger (3-4 pounds) and over-all utility.
The only shortcoming that I have found with the crossbow are that its short (16 1/4-inch) thin-walled aluminum arrows are easily bent and difficult to find in retail outlets. I would suggest trimming some half-moon knocked carbon arrows and trying these with 125 and 100 grain points to see how they perform. More arrow drop will be seen, but this crossbow is best used at ranges of about 25 yards on small to average-sized deer. Even so, the aluminum shafts that come with the crossbow will kill a deer, but are likely to be bent penetrating the animal.
Products and/or payment were furnished by the manufacturer.
Very low quality. After less than 20 shots the trigger latch mechanism failed to keep the string pulled back. I pull the string back, it clicks in to place, but when I let go of the string it holds a little bit but eventually it slips out as if the trigger was pulled. At first I thought that there was too large a gap between the moving latch and the top of the housing (under the scope) where the string is held. While trying to reshape it, the scope mount broke off. I now realize that the housing is not the problem. The problem is that the internal trigger mechanism fails to securely latch. To test more, I hold free string between my hands (not attached to the bow) and simulate the action of pulling the bow string back. With the pressure I can apply with my hand, the latch operates correctly and holds the string back. However, the bow applies a lot more pressure than I can and the low quality trigger latch can not handle the pressure that is applied by the string attached to the bow. Aside from being a total waste of money, this is a very dangerous mechanical failure of the device.
Update – Barnett acknowledges the bow was manufactured with a defect but my bow was long ago thrown in the trash. Barnett will not replace the bow. I will never purchase a Barnett product because they do not take responsibility for their errors.
ps
January 3, 2012 at 4:59 pm
The half moon carbon cut downs do work although the fact that the range on this crossbow is relatively short it’s not for me. Nice post, thanks.
crossbows for sale
January 3, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Is that a peep sight? If so, what kind?
Josh
February 22, 2012 at 1:22 am
This Ranger and RC series is most often found with an inexpensive Red Dot sight.
hoveysmith
February 22, 2012 at 11:01 pm