Historic Chinese Chukonu Repeating Crossbow with 12 Arrows

Ming Dynasty Rapid Fire: Historic Chinese Chukonu Repeating Crossbow Set

Mechanism and Rapid Fire Capability

The brilliance of the Chukonu lies in its top-mounted magazine, which holds up to 10 bolts. The entire cocking and firing sequence is operated by a single lever. Pushing the lever forward catches the string and allows a bolt to drop from the magazine into the firing groove. Pulling the lever back tensions the string until it hits the release at the end of the stroke, firing the bolt automatically. You can repeat this cycle with incredible speed, maintaining a high volume of fire. The wooden body is treated with dark protective wax to ensure durability and highlight the natural grain of the timber.

Technical Specifications and Details

This repeating crossbow is manufactured in the Czech Republic, ensuring high standards of craftsmanship. The set includes 12 arrows to get you started immediately.

The Historical Context: Zhuge Liang’s Legacy

While the invention is often attributed to the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang (3rd century AD), historical records suggest the basic design appeared as early as the 4th century BC. However, it reached its zenith during the Ming Dynasty. Its primary advantage was not raw power, but rate of fire. To compensate for the lower penetration power compared to standard crossbows, the tips were often dipped in poison. Remarkably, this weapon remained in use with Chinese forces until the late 19th century, seeing action in the First Sino-Japanese War and the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, marking one of the longest service lives of any projectile weapon in history.

Maintenance and Safety Guidelines

To ensure your Chukonu remains in peak condition, we recommend regular application of beeswax or string wax to the cord to prevent fraying. For long-term storage, always unstring the bow to prevent the wood from taking a permanent set. Store the weapon in a dry place away from direct heat sources.

Safety Warnings:

• Never dry-fire the crossbow (firing without a bolt), as this can shatter the limbs and cause serious injury.
• Always point the weapon in a safe direction and only fire at appropriate targets.
• Inspect the string and the wooden limbs for cracks or wear before every use.
• This is a functional historical replica, not a toy. Use it at your own risk and responsibility.

We recommend purchasing additional spare bolts and a heavy-duty target butt to complement this weapon and ensure a safe shooting experience.