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Course Outline

A crossbow arrow is an aluminum or carbon shaft tipped with a broadhead for hunting or a field point for practice, with feathers or vanes attached to the other end.

  • Crossbow arrows are shorter than conventional arrows (as shown below) and are usually 18" to 22" long.
    • Do not use a conventional arrow with a crossbow. Conventional arrows are not interchangeable with crossbow arrows.
    • Check your state or provincial regulations regarding length, grain weight, and/or other requirements for your crossbow arrows or broadheads.
  • Crossbow arrows are either aluminum or carbon shafts—with a flat-capped, “moon,” capture, or multi-grooved nock—that align with the bowstring when loaded.
    • Make sure you only use the nocks that are specified by the crossbow arrow’s manufacturer. Using the wrong nock can cause the crossbow to dry-fire.
    • Always check for the specific arrow size and nock requirements for your crossbow.
Parts of arrows
Arrow nocks
  • Unit 4 of 9
  • Topic 2 of 4
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