Crossbow Pistol Self Cocking 80 LBS with Adjustable Sights, Aluminum Arrow Bolts, and Safety Feature

First off, I must admit I work in an archery pro shop. We had someone order one of these through our shop and I was impressed with it BUT .. it wasn't this particular one. I bought one of these based solely on price point to see what it was like. This is a true 80lb crossbow pistol. This is NOT a toy. I would say this is perfect for the youngster in the family that wants to get a crossbow pistol like this as long as parental/adult supervision is supplied. This King's Archery pistol crossbow is very fast, very powerful and WILL require a good block target. (usually targets in the $50 range will stop the bolt) Upon setting up the product I noticed the instructions were clear enough for someone to assemble it. It's really more common sense than anything so yes .. it means it's simple to assemble. With that said, you may need a second person to help you get the string on since this is an 80lb limb. I see someone wrote a review and because they couldn't get the string on, they gave this item a one star rating. I'll tell you right now, if you're NOT familiar with archery and draw weights, 80lbs is ALOT so be prepared. Once the string is on and the front end has been assembled, you're pretty much ready to have some fun.As a tech at a pro shop I must express the importance of getting some string wax and rail lube. This is to be treated just like any other crossbow. The rail lube is applied to cut down on friction and prolong the life of the string as is the string wax. The string that comes with this is NOT waxed so make sure you get a decent string wax and apply it before use. With that said, if you can't find rail lube, buy some real good string wax like Limbsaver brand as it can be used as rail lube as well because it's a synthetic wax. The rail only needs to have a light coating on it. Not much at all. If you take care of the string and maintain this like all crossbows, I see no reason this won't last for years. ;) It does come with a replacement string which the other more expensive one we had ordered for a customer did not. There's also did not come with bolts.The bolts ..... well the aluminum bolts are just awesome!! The plastic ones work OK BUT shooting into a block target you will likely pull out the bolt and the tip will still be lodged in the target. This is exactly what I experienced which lead me to order more aluminum bolts. (60 for $18 and change on Amazon) I'll be leaving a review of those bolts as well in a few days of testing and such. All in all, I have to give this product a 5 star rating based on price point, accuracy and the fact that it's straight forward and easy to use. Another reason for this rating is the safety of the King's Archery crossbow pistol. When this is cocked, the safety is automatically turned on which I really approve of as safety is a MAJOR factor in items I use as well as sell. If I could find a supplier for these crossbows, I'd be interested in carrying them in the shop. That's how impressed I truly am with this.

Good

The media could not be loaded. On arrival the box looked more like a cheap toy but thankfully the contents were much better than the box led me to believe. Inside is everything you need except line wax, you’ll need that if you don’t already have any. As to how to put it together use this along with the information that comes with.First take one of the rubber pads and a couple drops of superglue and place it center of the rear side of the bow facing you. Next do the same on the other side with the other pad. Next if you do not have anyone to help bend the bow you can do it yourself. First unscrew the nut in front at least half way so there is plenty of room to push the bow through the hole. Next push the bow, without string, through that hole. Do not tighten the screw down or put the metal plate in yet.Next once the metal bow is in remember to put the two plastic tip caps on at each end tip. Then put on loop of the line on one end. Next put the end of the bow on the ground/floor. Then use both hands and all your weight to push, bend, compress the bow so you can get the other end of the line loop onto the top of the bow. It took me about three tries to get it but it wasn’t too hard. Just takes a bit of patience. Once done then put the metal plate inside against the rubber pad. there is a small divot on one side of the plate. that faces out so the screw pushes into that. line it up best you can then start to tighten the screw down using the included tool. once the bow is flat against the plates and fully tightened your work is done.Having gotten past that part what is not shown is how to use it? I know how a crossbow works but this one is a little different. First above the handle or above this round 'snake emblem' is a small black plastic piece. You need to press down on it to pull the string back and cock it. I have to push the bottom tip into the floor and then push that tab and pull the handle back to pull the string tight. Once you’ve done that it is ready to use. Above the grip, below the sight is the scored copper color ‘safety bar.’ Once cocked you need to push the right side forward with your thumb to release it and fire. i included a short video to show that part out.The three arrows that come with are nice little metal arrows. The extra couple dozen that are included too are a little different. those are all plastic in construction and about an inch longer. Regardless just put the arrows in the groove, slide/push them back until they click under and behind the metal clip that's directly above the trigger. Just slide into place, click in place and ready to use.Overall when compared to others sold here I think this is a good choice. It is reasonably priced for what it is. The materials are very good for the most part. Being able to put it together by yourself without needing someone else like most others is great. The inclusion of the extra mini arrows is nice. It is light and well balanced in the hand. That makes it not only easy to hold but easy to aim as well. The biggest negative is the absolutely terrible instructions to get started. It is as if they didn’t even try? that's the reason for four not five stars, it all comes down to those horrible instructions.All said I would purchase this again and would recommend this to anyone looking for a small handheld crossbow.