2016 Crossbow of the Year: Barnett Raptor FX

by
posted on May 5, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
raptor_gba_crossbow.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Ammo of the Year: Winchester Shot-Lok
Barnett’s recurve-style Commando crossbow, introduced more than 50 years ago and featured in several action flicks, remains the object of supreme stealth many people associate with the term crossbow. Nonetheless, the composite quad limbs and cam system of the compact Raptor FX make the Commando seem like a Cub Scout. The pass-through fore-grip integral to the synthetic stock provides a solid—and safe—place to anchor your support hand, while the adjustable buttpad allows length of pull to extend from 13.5-14.5 inches. Recesses in the rear of the buttstock accept Barnett’s Crank Cocking Device (sold separately), which reduces the tension required to cock the Raptor FX to just 17 pounds. Speed is 330 fps—the fastest of all crossbows we tested last year. The whole $400 package includes a 4X-32mm scope, scope rings, three carbon arrows with 100-grain field points, a quiver and mount and a cocking rope.

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

LEDEDC Legislators
LEDEDC Legislators

D.C. Legislators Who Understand Hunting and Shooting’s Role in Conservation

Yes Virginia, there are members of U.S. Congress and the Senate who hunt, fish or participate in the shooting sports despite their Beltway jobs.

Lever-Actions, Riflescopes and Suppressors?

The historic lever gun, modern optics, fancy ammunition, and suppressors all in one hunting unit. Should that even be allowed? Welcome to the clash of old versus modern.

Remington Collaborates with Original Grain on the Hunt Club Series

Remington Ammunition has announced Original Grain as an Official Remington Brand Licensee. The two companies have recently partnered to launch The Hunt Club series of watches. At launch, the four-watch collaboration includes Mother of Pearl Chrono, Ebony Barrel Chrono, Silver Barrel Auto and Black Chrono, with more styles planned.

Understanding the Predator-Prey Dynamic and Its Influence on Hunting Strategies

Looking for a new lens through which to view your chosen hunting strategy for a specific scenario? Why not consider the natural predator/prey dynamics at work in the mind of your quarry. Read on, as Barb Melloni explores the why behind some popular hunting practices.

New for 2026: Birchwood Casey Biodegradable Firearm Cleaning Solutions

Birchwood Casey has announced the expansion of its product lineup with the introduction of several new gun cleaners, all 100-percent biodegradable. Synvex Copper Cutter, Synvex Carbon Cutter, Synvex CLP-X Oil and Synvex Bore Wash, deliver modern formulations to remove fouling with the same efficiency as traditional petroleum-based solvents.

#SundayGunday: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at a working-class over/under shotgun from EAA; it’s called the Balikli Blue Label, and don’t let its price tag fool you—this gun is a shooter than any hunter should be happy to own. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.