First Look: Barnett Adds New Explorer Crossbows

by
posted on September 14, 2023
** 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. **
Barnett Explorer 385 In Treestandmain

Barnett has updated its Explorer series of hunting crossbows with three lightweight, powerful options, each constructed with foot stirrups mounted onto diecast magnesium risers and with machined, drop-in flight tracks. Additional features include a pass-through fore-end, three composite Picatinny rails, and a three-pound TriggerTech metal-injected molded trigger. Safety features include Trigger Tech’s Anti-dry fire (ADF) trigger and a Soft-Lok bristle retainer to keep arrows secure.

Each crossbow in Barnett’s Explorer Line comes complete with a ready-to-hunt accessory package containing a lightweight quiver, rope-cocking device, lube wax, and two 20-inch Headhunter arrows. Measuring just 13-inches to 13.1-inches axle-to-axle cocked, these compact, accurate, and reliable crossbows offer ultimate maneuverability and performance. Barnett ensures that the performance and function of the XP line make it the ultimate hunter’s crossbow package.

Barnett Recruit XP on white

Recruit XP

Barnett Recruit XP is a perfect combination of size, weight and ease of cocking for anyone looking for a crossbow that suits youth, women and men alike. The Recruit XP is built to be both fun to shoot and lethal to hunt. With a 330 FPS rating, it sends arrows at speeds with pinpoint accuracy that rival the best top-of-the-line vertical bows. Further, the 125-pound draw weight is reduced by half when cocking with the included rope-cocking device. Additionally, the lighter draw weight extends the life of the crossbow.

Offered with Barnett’s standard Explorer accessories package, including a 1X30mm three-dot, two-color illuminated scope, the Recruit XP is available with gray stock and limbs, red and black strings, and black cables.

Recruit XP Specs

  • 330 FPS
  • 125 pound draw weight
  • 92 ft./lbs. of kinetic energy
  • 13.6-inch power stroke
  • 6-pound overall weight
  • 13.1-inch axle-to-axle length (cocked)

MSRP $299.99

Barnett XP 385

XP 385

The Explorer 385 shoots an arrow up to 385 FPS, delivering kinetic energy of 122 ft./lbs. The power stroke is 13.6 inches, and the draw weight is 185 pounds. It comes equipped with a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope and is available in Veil Cervidae camouflage finish. Weighing in at just over seven pounds (scope included), the Explorer 385 is light enough to carry into the backcountry, and powerful enough to get the job done.

XP 385 Specifications:

  • 385 FPS
  • 185 pound draw weight
  • 122 ft./lbs. kinetic energy
  • 13.8-inch power stroke
  • 6-pounds overall weight
  • 13-inch axle-to-axle length (cocked)

MSRP: $399.99

Barnett XP 405

XP 405

Barnett’s Explorer 405, available in Veil Stoke camouflage pattern, is a compact hunting crossbow. With a potent draw weight of 200 pounds and a power stroke of 13.6 inches, the Explorer 405 delivers a devastating 135 ft./lbs. of kinetic energy at a blistering speed of 405 FPS. It comes equipped with a 4x32mm two-color illuminated scope for precise shot placement and pre-installed string dampeners to reduce sound and vibrations.

XP 405 Specs:

  • 405 FPS
  • 200 pound draw weight
  • 135 ft./lbs. of kinetic energy
  • 13.8-inch power stroke
  • 6.2-pound overall weight
  • 13-inch axle-to-axle length (cocked)

MSRP: $499.99

For more information, visit barnettcrossbows.com.

Latest

Herman Shooting R95 45 70 Triple Black
Herman Shooting R95 45 70 Triple Black

#SundayGunday: Rossi R95 .45-70 Triple Black

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the R95 .45-70 Triple Black, from Rossi USA. A smooth-shooting lever action with blacked out looks, the R95 is a weatherproof hard charger that will serve hunters well from the blind, to the treestand and beyond. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Recipe: Scottish Lorne Sausage with Venison and Pork

If you like to put your wild game to good use, this homemade Lorne sausage is a simple way to turn venison and pork into a hearty, traditional favorite.

Member's Hunt: My First Yooper Buck

Read eight-year-old Ian Niemela's firsthand account of his very first deer hunt.

Mathews Introduces 2026 Hunting Bows and Accessories

Engineered for speed and refined for archers who demand more, the 2026 Matthews ARC combines enhanced stability, efficiency, and versatility in a lightweight, high-powered platform.

7 Sure-Fire Ways to Fail When Hunting

Looking to come home from the field empty-handed? Simply follow one or more of these avenues to failure.

First Look: Radians Outdoor's Heated Mossy Oak Bottomland Apparel

Radians Outdoors is cranking up the warmth this season with new heated gear in Mossy Oak Bottomland, the legendary camouflage pattern trusted by hunters for more than 35 years.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.