best small hunting crossbow

Holding the BALLISTA BAT Mini Crossbow for the first time feels like gripping a sleek, mini tank. Its compact 16″x5″ frame slips easily into your hand, yet it exudes a serious sense of power.

Unlike bulkier models I’ve tested, this one balances perfectly — light enough at 2.46 lbs to carry around all day without fatigue.

What immediately stands out is its speed. Shooting a bolt at 300 fps is no joke, especially for such a small device.

It’s quick to load, too — I was surprised how silent and effortless it was to get ready in just about 3 seconds. That quickness makes it ideal for hunting, where stealth and speed are essential.

The power behind this mini crossbow is impressive. With a draw weight of 130 lbs, it handles heavy bolts and broadheads with ease.

The grip feels solid, and the trigger is smooth, giving you confidence with every shot. Plus, the compact size means you can stash it in a backpack or carry it around without feeling weighed down.

Using it in the field, I appreciated how silent it was. No loud clangs or clattering — just a clean, quick shot every time.

It’s a real advantage for hunting small game or target practice in quiet settings. Overall, this crossbow combines portability, power, and speed in a package that’s hard to beat for its size.

Unboxing the BALLISTA BAT Reverse Draw Crossbow, I immediately notice how sleek and compact it feels in your hand. The matte black finish is smooth, with just enough weight at around 3 pounds to feel solid but not cumbersome.

Its size, just 16 inches long and 5 inches wide, makes it surprisingly portable—perfect for slipping into a small backpack or carrying by hand without fatigue.

Holding it, you realize how lightweight it is—like medium-sized binoculars—so even extended shooting sessions won’t tire your arms. The grip has a textured surface that stays comfortable in sweaty palms, and the trigger feels crisp and responsive.

The quick-release mechanism for loading is intuitive, making the process silent and almost effortless, which is a huge plus if you’re hunting or just practicing quietly.

What really stands out is the speed—up to 340 fps. You can shoot heavy bolts, including broadheads, with confidence.

The power feels impressive for such a small device, and the 150-pound draw weight ensures you get a solid, accurate shot every time. Plus, it’s quick to load—just three seconds—so you won’t miss a beat or make noise that alerts game or others nearby.

Overall, this crossbow hits a sweet spot between size, power, and ease of use. Whether for fun target practice or hunting small game, it performs reliably without feeling bulky or complicated.

The blend of speed, power, and portability makes it a top choice for anyone serious about a compact hunting crossbow.

As I was unboxing the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II, I was surprised by how lightweight it felt in my hands—only 6.4 pounds. I expected a sturdy, bulky crossbow, but this one is surprisingly compact and easy to maneuver.

The first thing I noticed was its sleek RealTree Extra camo finish, which blends perfectly into wooded environments. It’s not just for looks; the compact 16.125″ axle-to-axle length makes it easy to handle without feeling bulky.

Shooting at 350 feet per second, it packs a punch without the hefty weight of larger models.

Handling it during a quick practice session, I appreciated the soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer—no more worries about arrows slipping out. The Anti-Dry Fire trigger system and the TriggerTech zero creep trigger made shooting smooth and safe, even for beginners.

The 4x32mm multi-reticle scope was clear and easy to use, giving me confidence in my shots.

The included accessories, like the two Headhunter arrows, rope cocking device, and lightweight side mount quiver, made setup straightforward. It ships mostly assembled, so I was able to get in the woods faster.

Plus, it comes with lubrication wax, which helps keep everything running smoothly.

This crossbow feels solid but manageable—perfect if you want something powerful yet not intimidating. It’s great for small game or deer, and its quick handling makes it versatile.

Honestly, I was impressed by how much this little crossbow could do.

When I first picked up the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, what immediately caught my attention was how lightweight and balanced it felt in my hands. At just 6.6 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to handle, even for longer sessions in the woods.

The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish blends seamlessly into natural surroundings, giving me confidence I can stay hidden.

The Step-Through Riser (STR) technology really makes a difference. It shortens the overall length, making it much more manageable, especially if you’re used to bulkier crossbows.

Shooting at 375 feet per second, I found it both powerful and precise, with minimal recoil. The included 4x32mm multi-reticle scope is clear and easy to aim, even in low light conditions.

Setup was straightforward—most of it arrived pre-assembled, which saved me time. The package includes everything I needed: two 22″ Headhunter arrows, a lightweight quiver, lubrication wax, and a rope cocking device.

The safety features like the Anti-Dry Fire trigger and Finger Safety reminders gave me peace of mind during use.

Firing felt smooth thanks to TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology, which makes each shot consistent. I appreciated the soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, which kept my arrows secure without fuss.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hunter, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter offers a confident, controlled shooting experience in a compact package.

Overall, this crossbow is a smart choice for anyone looking for a small, reliable hunting tool that doesn’t compromise on power or safety. It’s perfect for tight spaces and quick shots, making it a versatile addition to your hunting gear.

Many folks assume that a small crossbow can’t pack a serious punch, but this Killer Instinct BOSS 405 proves otherwise. I was surprised at how sleek and compact it feels in hand, yet how confidently it handles high-speed shots up to 405 FPS.

The moment I loaded a bolt and fired, it was clear this isn’t your average lightweight crossbow.

The first thing you’ll notice is the weight—only 6.7 pounds, making it easy to carry all day without feeling dragged down. Its compact size, with a 14.75″ cocked width and adjustable overall length, means you can maneuver tight spaces effortlessly.

Perfect for those tricky tree stands or dense brush, where a bulky crossbow would be a hindrance.

The customizable stock and X-Lok foregrip make a noticeable difference. I was able to dial in a comfortable, stable hold that boosted my accuracy.

The Micro-Lite aluminum barrel feels solid yet lightweight, helping me keep my aim steady during longer shoots. Plus, the included 4×32 IR scope makes targeting a breeze, even in low light.

Setup was straightforward, thanks to the rope cocker and included accessories. The bolts are lightweight but durable, hitting hard with a kinetic energy of 134 ft-lb.

Whether you’re hunting or target shooting, this crossbow’s power and precision shine through. It’s built tough with a limited lifetime warranty, so it feels like a reliable, long-term companion in your hunting gear.