how to decock a barnett crossbow
Decocking a Barnett crossbow is an essential safety step to ensure that the crossbow is in a safe and uncocked condition before storage or transport. Here’s how to safely decock a Barnett crossbow:
Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your Barnett crossbow model, as there may be slight variations in the process.
Materials Needed:
- Barnett crossbow
- Decocking bolt (also called a discharge or unloading bolt)
Steps:
- Ensure Safety:
- Prioritize safety above all else. Make sure there is no one in the firing path of the crossbow.
- Select the Correct Decocking Bolt:
- Barnett crossbows often come with a specific decocking bolt designed for safe decocking. Use this bolt or ensure that the one you intend to use is recommended by Barnett for your crossbow model.
- Prepare the Crossbow:
- Check that the crossbow is not loaded with any regular bolts or broadheads. It should be in a safe, unloaded state.
- Cock the Crossbow:
- Using the cocking device that came with your Barnett crossbow, cock the crossbow as you would when preparing to shoot.
- Load the Decocking Bolt:
- Insert the decocking bolt into the crossbow’s track and latch it properly, just like you would with a regular bolt.
- Point in a Safe Direction:
- Make sure the crossbow is pointed in a safe direction away from people, animals, and property.
- Fire the Decocking Bolt:
- Position the crossbow’s safety in the “fire” position.
- Aim at a suitable target that can safely stop the decocking bolt (e.g., a target block designed for crossbow use or a designated decocking area).
- Squeeze the trigger to fire the decocking bolt.
- Decocking Process:
- The decocking bolt will hit the target and absorb the energy, effectively decocking the crossbow. The limbs will return to an uncocked position.
- Engage the Safety:
- After decocking, engage the safety on the crossbow to prevent any accidental discharges.
- Unload the Crossbow:
- Remove the decocking bolt from the crossbow.
By following these steps, you can safely decock your Barnett crossbow without the risk of dry-firing it, which can be harmful to the crossbow and dangerous to anyone nearby. Always prioritize safety when handling crossbows or any other firearms.