Is a Crossbow a Firearm?

Is it legal to use a crossbow? Is a permit obligatory? Is owning a crossbow legal? How does a crossbow work, and what are its types? Is a crossbow a firearm? After all, aren’t all weapons firearms? We explain everything below!

Today crossbows are not as popular for hunting, but they still have a loyal fan base. In order to hunt using a crossbow, it is necessary to have the appropriate equipment and permits. Contrary to appearances, crossbows are characterized by a considerable range and diversity of products. Thanks to this, each person interested in buying one will find the right solution for themselves.

What is a crossbow?

Technically, a crossbow is nothing more than a modified straight bow. However, while the bow is an ancient weapon, probably invented 35,000 years ago, the crossbow has been around for a much shorter time.

The first archaeologically recorded crossbows come from the area of ​​present-day China and are dated around the 6th century BC. These weapons’ origins are somewhat enigmatic because weapon experts have not determined whether they come from the Chinese or hunters using traps that resemble a crossbow.

In Chinese written sources, crossbows are mentioned in works from the 5th century BC. In the following century, the weapon became a permanent accessory of the Han Chinese army.

Parallel to the Far East, equipment similar to a crossbow was invented by the ancient Greeks. The first gastraphetes, also known as the belly bow, was constructed in the 4th century BC. However, the first written records about them date back to the 1st century BC.

This weapon was heavier than traditional bows, but it was characterized by a greater range and significant punching power. The design was so successful that the Romans became interested in it and, with their own modifications, set off to conquer Gaul.

In later centuries, the crossbow, like many other achievements of ancient technology, was forgotten, and Europeans reverted to the use of straight bows.

The specific structure of the crossbow allowed it to send the projectiles further than in the case of conventional bows. The operation was also simpler, and the crossbowman did not have to undergo the arduous training necessary for archers, which, in addition, did not always end with a successfully trained archer.

The high-tension force, which allowed the bolts to penetrate armor, also caused some inconvenience. The most serious disadvantage of the crossbow was the long loading time and the low frequency of shots. In the same amount of time, it took a trained archer to fire five arrows at the enemy, the crossbowman would only fire once.

While loading the crossbow, the shooters were exposed to enemy fire. To protect themselves against injuries, they hid behind fortifications while defending castles and used shield protection in the field.

How does the crossbow work?

A crossbow is a weapon for war or hunting. It is actually a bow mounted on a straight wooden handle. The bow is made of wood or metal. The archer draws the bow, and a trigger device holds the tensioned string. Then the shooter aims like a rifle. He can trigger the shot with his index finger, like a gun.

From the 11th century until the advent of effective firearms some 500 years later, the crossbow was a formidable weapon of war. It primarily defended fortified or protected places, such as castles and ships. It also contributed significantly to the knowledge of materials (because of the forces the crossbow had to withstand) and aerodynamics (because of the ever-changing flight characteristics of the arrow).

The aerodynamics of the arrow and the principles of its use inspired many of Leonardo da Vinci’s forays into physics and engineering.

The gunsmiths and arrow makers who designed the crossbow and similar weapons did not know mathematics and lacked formal knowledge of physics that underlies engineering. Yet tests conducted show that these craftsmen managed to achieve a high degree of aerodynamic refinement and a good command of mechanical principles.

Crossbow – types

There are many types of crossbows for various uses available on the market. In addition, the construction of each type varies. Below are the most common models that are currently available for purchase:

Recurve crossbow – its most recognizable feature is its large bow and single string. The larger the bow, the more kinetic energy is transferred to the bolt. As a result, Recurve crossbows are characterized by their excellent performance and high shooting precision.

Pistol crossbow – although they can look a lot like toys, don’t be fooled by appearances. Pistol crossbows shoot with enough power to penetrate most obstacles. Pistol crossbows are used for both recreational and sports shooting.

The compound crossbow – is the most popular and advanced type of crossbow. The compound crossbow works on the same principle as the recurve crossbow. The only difference is the tension design, while the compound crossbow is additionally equipped with a system of pulleys and cams connected by a cable. This solution allows you to fire a high-power shot while maintaining the compact size of the bow.

Fishing crossbow – these are crossbows that have been specially designed for bow fishing. Bowfishing is similar to bow hunting but still classified as fishing. Therefore, before you start bow fishing, you must still possess a valid fishing license.

Fishing crossbows can be divided into different variants: those which propel an arrow using only human muscle power, stored in rubber or spring tension, and those which move a bolt using a pyrotechnic propelling charge or compressed gas from a high-pressure tank.

Definition of a firearm

Any barrelled weapon that either expels or is designed to expel ammunition or a substance is considered a firearm. It is worth remembering that according to the law, flare guns and grenade launchers are also considered firearms. So, a firearm is a device that propels projectiles with the energy of gases produced from the combustion of the propelling charge.

The first recorded firearm weapon was the fire lance dating back to the 10th century in China. The fire lance was a bamboo tube mounted on a spear capable of propelling briquettes at the enemy. This was used more as a distraction than a weapon that would do any damage to enemies.

Is a crossbow a firearm?

As we can see above, a crossbow does not fall within the definition of a firearm. By definition, a crossbow is a type of ranged weapon. Ranged weapons, also known as missile or projectile weapons, are a class of weapons that give the user the ability to hit a target from a distance. The category of the ranged weapon also includes firearms.

Although the crossbow does not technically fall into the category of a firearm, that does not stop it from being classed by law as a firearm in several countries and states worldwide. Some of these countries include Germany, Japan, and Sweden.

Suppose you are planning to purchase a crossbow for hunting or sports purposes. In that case, you must first check your local and national laws regarding their import, manufacture, and possession. You must also obtain the relevant permits for the intended use, be it hunting/fishing or something else.

In conclusion

The possession of a crossbow is legal for all persons over 18 in most countries. However, there are not many countries where the ownership and use of crossbows are unregulated. A notable exception is the United Kingdom, where no license or registration is needed for anyone over 18.

Several countries, such as Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Norway, and Poland, class the crossbow as a firearm according to the law. As a result, most of these countries also prohibit hunting with a crossbow.

The United States does not consider the crossbow a firearm by law. Still, the rules governing crossbows vary significantly from state to state. This means that it is essential to check local regulations as the use of crossbows for hunting is restricted or prohibited in many States.

Wherever you are in the world, if you own or plan on purchasing a crossbow, you must do so legally and carefully. And above all, have a good time and stay safe!

See Also: Can a Felon hunt with a bow?