Gothic Crossbow Premium

Gothic Crossbow Premium – Functional Historical Replica

How You Can Use This Gothic Crossbow

This functional replica of a Gothic crossbow opens up a world of historical engagement. You can use it for:

• Reenactment and Historical Events: Complete your period attire with an authentic and working weapon.
• LARP (Live Action Role Play): Immerse yourself in your character with a crossbow that looks and feels real.
• Sports and Recreational Target Shooting: Practice your accuracy in a safe, designated shooting area.
• Collecting: Enhance your collection of historical arms and armour with this beautiful piece.
• Decoration: It will become a striking feature in your home or space with a historical theme.

Historical Insight: The Crossbow in History

The crossbow was a significant ranged weapon throughout the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Its ability to penetrate heavy armour and its relative ease of use (compared to the longbow, it did not require such extensive and demanding training) made it a popular weapon for infantry. It was frequently used in sieges of castles and also for hunting. Gothic crossbows, characteristic of the High Middle Ages, were known for their robust construction and often ornate stocks.

Interesting Fact: The Devil's Invention

Did you know that in the 12th century, at the Second Lateran Council in 1139, Pope Innocent II banned the use of the crossbow against Christians? It was considered such a deadly and "inhumane" weapon that some called it the "devil's invention." However, this ban was largely ignored in practice, especially in wars between Christian states.

Technical Specifications of the Gothic Crossbow Premium

• Overall Length: Approx. 80.5 cm (31.7 inches)
• Stock Length (Tiller): Approx. 71.5 cm (28.1 inches)
• Prod Width (Strung): Approx. 62 cm (24.4 inches)
• String Length: Approx. 59 cm (23.2 inches) (made from a blend of polyurethane and linen)
• Nut (Release Mechanism): Steel
• Distance from Nut to Arrow Rest: Approx. 25 cm (9.8 inches)
• Arrow Rest: Walnut wood
• Stock (Tiller): Linden or ash wood (depending on availability of quality material), treated with linseed oil varnish
• Decoration: Inlays on the stock and arrow rest made from dark, contrasting walnut wood
• Prod (Bow): Fibreglass, wrapped with genuine goat leather and pigskin cord, attached with jute rope
• Draw Weight: Selectable from 15 – 70 kg (corresponding to 33, 77, 120, and 154 pounds)
• Trigger: Length 36 cm (14.2 inches), made from an 8x8 mm bar
• Stirrup: Inner width approx. 118 mm (4.6 inches), total width approx. 125 mm (4.9 inches)
• Stock Cross-section at End: Approx. 55 x 25 mm (2.16 x 0.98 inches)
• Stock Cross-section at Nut Level: Approx. 60 x 51 mm (2.36 x 2.0 inches)
• Prod Cross-section at Widest Point: 35.8 x 27 mm (1.41 x 1.06 inches)
• Weight: Approx. 2105 g (4.64 lbs)
• Made in: The Czech Republic

Please note: Due to individual handcrafting, please consider all listed measurements as approximate. Apart from the fibreglass prod, the entire crossbow is made from purely natural materials.

We have not measured the arrow/bolt speed. However, from experience, we must note that as the draw weight increases, the prod becomes "slower," meaning higher draw weight does not necessarily translate to higher arrow speed. A prod with a higher draw weight can transfer more energy to the arrow/bolt, allowing for the use of a heavier projectile. The arrow/bolt may not necessarily fly faster, but it will have greater impact force / penetration. The effective range is similar for all draw weights – up to approximately 50 meters (55 yards). This is a rampart or siege crossbow designed for short distances, with different characteristics than modern hunting crossbows.

No sights are installed on this crossbow, as this would not be historically accurate for the period. Aiming is done by sighting along the arrow/bolt placed in the wooden arrow rest made of walnut, visible at the front end of the stock near the prod.

How to Cock the Crossbow

1. Rotate the metal nut (rotary catch) to the firm ready position, where the trigger can be engaged, and lock the nut with the trigger.
2. Place the safety catch between the trigger and the stock of the crossbow to prevent accidental discharge.
3. Insert the tip of your foot into the metal stirrup at the front end of the crossbow.
4. For crossbows with a draw weight up to approx. 77 lbs (approx. 35 kg), the string can be drawn by hand.
5. For crossbows with a draw weight above approx. 77 lbs, you will need a belt hook for cocking.
6. We recommend using a windlass or cranequin for cocking crossbows with a draw weight above approx. 150 lbs (approx. 68 kg). This device attaches to the end of the stock and is removed before shooting.
7. Ensure the hooks of the cocking aid are engaged with the string symmetrically to avoid scratching the crossbow stock during cocking.
8. Cocking is complete once the string is securely caught on the hooks of the metal nut. You can now remove the cocking aid.
9. You can now load an arrow/bolt, ensuring its flat end (nock) touches the string.
10. Remove the safety catch only just before you are ready to shoot.
11. If you decide not to shoot, use your hands or one of the cocking aids to safely de-cock the crossbow. Never dry fire the crossbow (shoot without an arrow/bolt), as this could damage the prod!

Caring for Your New Crossbow

To ensure your Gothic Crossbow Premium serves you well for a long time and retains its original beauty, give it a little care:

• Crossbow Stock: It is treated with linseed oil varnish. From time to time, you can reapply a coat to refresh its appearance.
• Sliding Surfaces: The part of the stock where the string slides (the arrow groove or barrel) should be lubricated with beeswax or special string wax before and during each use.
• String: Also treat the string with wax before each use. This will significantly extend its lifespan. If even one strand of the string breaks, stop shooting and replace the string with a new one.
• Storage: Store the crossbow in a dry, dark environment to prevent damage to the wood and other natural materials.
• If Wet: If your crossbow gets wet, dry it carefully with a cloth and let it air dry slowly in a dry place (never near a direct heat source like a radiator). Treat metal parts (nut, trigger, stirrup) with a gun oil or a preservative oil like WD40.

With use, the surface of the stock and prod will develop a natural patina, which is visually appealing and gives the crossbow an even more authentic historical look.

We do not sell spare parts for the crossbow separately. In case of damage, you can send it to us for repair. A new prod must be professionally fitted to the stock.

Safe Usage Guidelines

Remember, this crossbow is a fully functional and potentially dangerous weapon! Safety must always come first:

• Never aim at people or animals, even if you think the crossbow is not loaded.
• Only shoot in a safe place, ideally at an approved shooting range or in an area where you are absolutely certain you will not endanger health, lives, or property. Always be aware of what is behind your target.
• Exercise extreme caution when cocking and handling a loaded crossbow.
• Do not leave a loaded crossbow unattended.
• Always check the condition of the crossbow before shooting, especially the string and its attachments.
• Never dry fire (shoot without an arrow/bolt loaded)! This can cause serious damage to the prod.
• You, as the user, are fully responsible for any damage or injury caused by the use of this crossbow.

Age Restriction for Purchase

To purchase this crossbow from our shop based in the Czech Republic, you must be at least 18 years old and legally competent. By completing the purchase, you confirm that you meet these conditions. Please also familiarize yourself with the current laws and regulations regarding the possession, carrying, and use of crossbows in your own country (e.g., UK, other EU member states), as these may differ, and you are responsible for ensuring your own compliance with all local laws.