Fully Functional Medieval Ash Wood Crossbow with Steel Prod - Outlet

Fully Functional Medieval Ash Wood Crossbow with Steel Prod, 15th Century Replica

How to Handle and Cock Your Crossbow

Shooting this historical replica requires a specific technique that you will quickly master. Before cocking, ensure the bowstring is in good condition and well-waxed. Place the crossbow upright on the ground and put your foot into the front metal stirrup. Grip the string with both hands as close to the centre as possible, and pull it upwards with a steady motion until it securely engages behind the rotating nut (the release mechanism). Next, lay the crossbow bolt onto the flight groove so that its flat end sits flush against the string. The crossbow is now ready to fire. Take aim and smoothly pull the bottom trigger lever upwards towards the tiller to release the string. For maximum accuracy, we recommend shooting at a target placed at a distance of approximately 10 metres (approx. 11 yards), although the overall maximum range of the weapon is around 50 metres (55 yards).

Technical Parameters and Specifications

A Piece of Crossbow History

Did you know that the medieval crossbow was considered such a deadly and devastating weapon that the Church attempted to ban it? At the Second Lateran Council in 1139, Pope Innocent II forbade the use of crossbows in battles between Christians under the threat of excommunication. He considered it a "godless" weapon because it allowed even an untrained peasant to kill a lifelong-trained, expensively armoured knight from a distance. Despite this ban, the crossbow remained one of the most important weapons on European battlefields until the widespread adoption of firearms.

Care and Maintenance for Longevity

To ensure your wooden crossbow serves you in perfect condition for as long as possible, it requires regular care. After each use, especially if it gets damp, wipe the steel prod dry and apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent surface rust. Occasionally treat the ash tiller with beeswax or linseed oil; this prevents the wood from drying out and maintains its elasticity and beautiful grain. The most crucial maintenance is caring for the string: regularly apply specific archery wax to the centre serving. This will drastically reduce friction and wear.

What You Must Absolutely Avoid

Never, under any circumstances, dry fire the crossbow—that means pulling the trigger without a bolt loaded! All the kinetic energy that would normally transfer to the bolt is instead violently forced back into the steel prod and the string during a dry fire. This can lead to the immediate snapping of the steel prod, snapping of the string, and severe personal injury! Furthermore, do not leave the crossbow cocked for unnecessarily long periods (e.g., hours), as the prod material will lose its elasticity (metal fatigue). Do not store it in extreme heat (like in a car under the sun) or in damp cellars.

Recommended Accessories

To create a complete and functional set, we highly recommend adding the following equipment to this crossbow:

• Historical Crossbow Bolts (Length 30 - 31 cm) – ideally with forged heads for an authentic look.
• High-Quality Target Butt – made of arrow-friendly materials that safely stop the kinetic energy.
• Spare Dacron String – it is always a good idea to have a backup right at the shooting range.
• String Wax – an absolute necessity to minimise wear and tear.
• Linseed Oil or Gun Oil – for maintaining the steel and wooden components.