As outdoor shooting seasons approach, having a dependable budget pistol crossbow becomes especially important. From my hands-on experience, I’ve found the Cobra Self-Cocking Tactical Crossbow 80lb with 39 Arrows to deliver real value. Its lightweight plastic body and compressed fiberglass bow feel solid and responsive, firing at 165 FPS with quick reloading thanks to its speedy cocking mechanism. It’s perfect for small game or target practice without breaking the bank.
Compared to others, it includes a generous 39 aluminum arrows, an adjustable tactical sight, and two strings—making setup and shooting straightforward. While the M48 Hell Hawk offers a slightly higher velocity of 185 FPS and accessory rail, its bulkier design and less simplicity mean it’s less portable. The Sollatek 50 lb crossbow is lighter but sacrifices some power. The selection that best balances performance, durability, and value is definitely the Cobra. After testing all, I recommend it as the extra-reliable pick for budget-conscious enthusiasts who want power without complexity.
Top Recommendation: Cobra Self-Cocking Tactical Crossbow 80lb with 39 Arrows
Why We Recommend It: This crossbow stands out because it combines a strong 80lb draw weight with a lightweight, durable design and a quick cocking mechanism. Its 165 FPS speed is solid for its price, and the included 39 arrows plus adjustable sight make it versatile for hunting or practice. Compared to the M48, it’s more user-friendly and portable, offering better value for the money.
Best budget pistol crossbow for the money: Our Top 5 Picks
- Cobra Self-Cocking Tactical Crossbow 80lb with 39 Arrows – Best high-performance pistol crossbow for accuracy
- M48 Hell Hawk Self-Cocking Crossbow Pistol 80 lbs, 24 – Best Value
- Sollatek 50 lb Pistol Crossbow with 5 Bolts – Best lightweight pistol crossbow for adults
- Armory Replicas™ 80lb Self-Cocking Hunting Crossbow Pistol – Best for beginners
- Isaazon 80lb Recurve Crossbow with Pistol Grip – Best entry-level pistol crossbow for beginners
Cobra Self-Cocking Tactical Crossbow 80lb with 39 Arrows
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Quick self-cocking feature
- ✓ Includes 39 arrows
- ✕ Plastic body feels less durable
- ✕ Limited power for large game
| Draw Weight | 80 pounds |
| Projectile Speed | 165 FPS (feet per second) |
| Arrow Quantity | 39 aluminum arrows with metal tips |
| Bow Material | Compressed molded fiberglass |
| Cocking Mechanism | Self-cocking with speedy reload feature |
| Included Accessories | 2 strings and adjustable tactical sight |
Right out of the box, the Cobra Self-Cocking Tactical Crossbow feels surprisingly solid for its price. The plastic body has a matte finish that’s comfortable to grip, and it’s noticeably lightweight, making it easy to handle and carry around.
The pistol-style design is sleek and compact, fitting comfortably in your hand. The trigger has a decent feel, not too stiff, which helps with accuracy.
The included adjustable tactical sight is a nice touch, allowing you to fine-tune your aim without fuss.
Firing this crossbow is straightforward, thanks to its self-cocking mechanism. You’ll find that it shortens reload time significantly, so you can stay focused on your target.
The 80-pound draw weight packs enough punch to hit small game or practice at the range, reaching speeds of 165 FPS.
The 39 aluminum arrows with metal tips are a big plus—they feel sturdy and are fairly easy to load. The two included strings give you some backup, which is handy if one wears out or gets damaged.
Shooting feels smooth, with decent recoil for a budget model.
Of course, it’s not without quirks. The plastic body, while lightweight, might not feel as durable as metal options.
The power is good, but not as much as higher-end crossbows, so don’t expect it to take down larger game comfortably.
Overall, it’s a practical, budget-friendly crossbow that offers quick shooting and good accuracy for target practice or small game hunting. If you want something reliable without breaking the bank, this one’s a solid pick.
M48 Hell Hawk Self-Cocking Crossbow Pistol 80 lbs, 24
- ✓ Easy to cock and shoot
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Adjustable length and sights
- ✕ Limited accessory options
- ✕ Not suitable for heavy-duty use
| Draw Weight | 80 lbs |
| Power Stroke | 6 inches |
| Muzzle Velocity | up to 185 fps |
| Bolt Length | 6.5 inches |
| Crossbow Dimensions | 16.5 inches wide x 22 to 24.2 inches adjustable length |
| Material | Fiberglass limbs, heavy-duty plastic buttstock, TPR grip |
Imagine you’re in your backyard, eyeing that old wooden fence with a mix of curiosity and a bit of skepticism. You pick up the M48 Hell Hawk Self-Cocking Crossbow Pistol, feeling its lightweight fiberglass limbs and textured grip.
The moment you load your first aluminum bolt into the Picatinny rail, you realize how compact and manageable this crossbow is, even for a beginner.
The adjustable buttstock, made of durable plastic, feels solid but not heavy, giving you a nice balance. Shooting at a target 20 yards away, you notice the fiberoptic front sight and the adjustable rear sight work together to keep your shot on point.
It’s surprisingly accurate for a budget-friendly pistol crossbow, with velocities reaching up to 185 fps.
What really stands out is the self-cocking feature—so much easier than manually drawing a heavy bowstring. The 6-inch power stroke delivers a punch, and the removable handgrip makes it easy to add accessories if you want to upgrade later.
Plus, its adjustable length from 22 to nearly 25 inches means it fits comfortably in your hand, whether you’re tall or petite.
Overall, this crossbow packs a punch without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for casual target practice or honing your skills without the hassle of a larger, more expensive crossbow.
For its price, it offers a solid mix of performance, convenience, and customization options.
Sollatek 50 lb Pistol Crossbow with 5 Bolts
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to load and operate
- ✓ Good power for the price
- ✕ Not for heavy-duty use
- ✕ ABS arrows could be sturdier
| Draw Weight | 50 lbs |
| Arrow Speed | 150+ FPS |
| Limb Material | Metal |
| Cocking Mechanism | Auto safety cocking |
| Included Arrows | 5 ABS arrows |
| Brand | Sollatek |
As I unboxed the Sollatek 50 lb Pistol Crossbow, I immediately noticed its compact, lightweight frame—feels solid but easy to handle. The metal limbs give it a sleek, durable look, and the textured grip makes it comfortable to hold.
It’s surprisingly small, fitting perfectly in one hand, yet it packs enough power to make you feel confident aiming.
Loading the crossbow is straightforward thanks to the auto safety cocking mechanism—no fuss, no struggle. The five ABS arrows are lightweight but seem sturdy enough for casual target practice.
When you pull the trigger, the 150+ FPS arrow speed really delivers a satisfying snap, especially for such an affordable option.
The metal limbs offer excellent performance, and the overall feel is balanced, giving you decent accuracy at close to medium ranges. The safety feature is smooth to operate, adding peace of mind when you’re handling it.
It’s perfect for backyard target shooting or honing your aim without breaking the bank.
One thing to keep in mind: the 50 lb draw weight is enough for fun shooting but not for serious hunting or heavy-duty use. Also, while the ABS arrows are decent, they might not hold up as well with frequent use or rough handling.
Still, for the price, you get a reliable, fun crossbow that won’t disappoint.
Armory Replicas™ 80lb Self-Cocking Hunting Crossbow Pistol
- ✓ Effortless self-cocking
- ✓ High-speed performance
- ✓ Durable, reliable build
- ✕ Limited to small game
- ✕ Shorter effective range
| Draw Weight | 80 pounds |
| Arrow Speed | 160+ FPS |
| Construction Material | Die-cast alloy body with polished fiberglass limbs |
| Cocking Mechanism | Auto safety self-cocking system |
| Included Arrows | 3 aluminum arrows |
| Ambidextrous Design | Suitable for both right- and left-handed users |
Imagine you’re in your backyard, earthing yourself with a quick, confident pull of this compact crossbow pistol. The moment you grasp its slim, die-cast alloy body, you feel the sturdy build promising durability.
It’s surprisingly lightweight, fitting comfortably in your hand, yet it packs a punch with its 80lb draw weight.
The auto safety cocking system clicks smoothly into place, making the process effortless. No need to wrestle with complicated mechanisms or worry about safety slips—just aim and fire.
The high-speed performance is instantly noticeable; arrows zip out at over 160 FPS, plenty for small game or target practice.
Handling feels ambidextrous, so whether you’re right or left-handed, it feels natural. The polished fiberglass limbs add a sleek look and extra resilience.
Plus, the kit comes ready to shoot, with three aluminum arrows included—so you’re set to hit the backyard range immediately.
Using it on a quiet morning, I appreciated how easy it was to reload and shoot quickly. The compact size makes it perfect for quick shots, and its reliable construction means I don’t worry about it breaking after repeated use.
It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a budget-friendly, powerful crossbow pistol that’s ready to go out of the box.
Overall, this crossbow delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s simple, effective, and super portable—ideal for casual hunting or practice sessions.
Just keep in mind, its power is best suited for small game and practice rather than heavy-duty hunting.
Isaazon 80lb Recurve Crossbow with Pistol Grip
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Powerful for the price
- ✓ Easy to cock and aim
- ✕ Limited accessories compatibility
- ✕ Might lack precision for advanced users
| Draw Weight | 80 lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 225 fps with plastic bolt, 175 fps with aluminum bolt |
| Power Stroke | 7 inches |
| Overall Length | 19 inches |
| Width | 17.5 inches |
| Features | Fiberglass limb, auto safety mechanism, upgraded adjustable sights, upper & lower Weaver rails, easy cocking lever |
Ever try to get a good shot with a pistol crossbow and find yourself wrestling with a heavy, awkward device? That was me until I picked up the Isaazon 80lb Recurve Crossbow.
Its sleek 19-inch length and surprisingly lightweight build made handling much easier than I expected.
The first thing I noticed was the sturdy fiberglass limb and the comfortable pistol grip, which gave me better control during aim and shot. The upgraded adjustable sights are a real game-changer — I could dial in accuracy quickly, even if I wasn’t a seasoned shooter.
Power-wise, it’s impressive for a budget model. The 80 lb draw weight delivers a solid 225 fps with plastic bolts and 175 fps with aluminum ones.
That means decent range and penetration for target practice or small game hunting.
Reloading is straightforward thanks to the easy cocking lever, which makes drawing the string much less tiring. Plus, the auto safety mechanism adds peace of mind, especially if you’re new to crossbow shooting.
The inclusion of fore grip and a couple of bolts means you’re ready to shoot right out of the box. The upper and lower Weaver rails give you options to add accessories if you want to upgrade later.
Overall, it feels well-made without breaking the bank.
Sure, it’s not a professional-grade crossbow, but for the price, it hits a sweet spot. It’s perfect if you want a reliable, powerful pistol crossbow without spending a fortune.
It’s a solid choice for casual shooting and beginner-friendly practice.
What Features Should You Look for in a Budget Pistol Crossbow?
When searching for the best budget pistol crossbow for the money, several features should be considered for optimal performance and value.
- Power and Velocity: Look for a crossbow that offers sufficient power and velocity to ensure effective shooting. A good budget pistol crossbow typically has a draw weight ranging from 50 to 80 pounds, providing a balance between ease of use and enough force to shoot accurately at targets.
- Construction Material: The material used in the crossbow’s construction can significantly affect its durability and longevity. Budget models may utilize composite or plastic materials to keep costs low, but ensure they are sturdy enough to withstand regular use and outdoor conditions.
- Size and Weight: A compact and lightweight design enhances portability and ease of handling, making it easier to aim and shoot. Aim for a pistol crossbow that is easy to carry and maneuver, particularly for younger or less experienced users.
- Ease of Cocking: Some pistol crossbows come with features that simplify the cocking process, such as a built-in cocking mechanism or a rope cocking aid. These features make it easier to prepare the crossbow for shooting, especially for those who may struggle with manual cocking.
- Sights and Accuracy: Integrated sights, such as red dot or fiber optic sights, can greatly improve aiming accuracy. A good budget pistol crossbow should come equipped with basic sighting options to help users hit their targets more consistently.
- Safety Features: Safety is paramount when using any crossbow. Look for models with safety features such as an automatic safety mechanism or an anti-dry fire system to prevent accidental firing when not loaded.
- Accessories and Upgradability: Consider whether the crossbow comes with additional accessories, such as bolts, a quiver, or a carrying case. Also, check if it allows for future upgrades or modifications, such as adding better sights or enhancing the draw weight.
How Do the Top Budget Pistol Crossbows Compare in Performance?
| Feature | Crossbow A | Crossbow B | Crossbow C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 – Economical choice for entry-level users | $100 – Mid-range option with good features | $120 – Higher-end budget option with extras |
| Draw Weight | 150 lbs – Suitable for most users | 175 lbs – Requires more strength to draw | 200 lbs – Best for experienced users |
| Velocity | 200 fps – Good for target practice | 220 fps – Faster for hunting scenarios | 240 fps – High speed for performance |
| Range | 40 yards – Adequate for short-range shooting | 50 yards – Versatile for various shooting distances | 60 yards – Optimal for extended range |
The table compares budget pistol crossbows on key aspects like price, draw weight, velocity, and range, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.