Range Report: Excalibur Axiom

This is going to be a slight departure from the normal sort of range report, as we opted to take my crossbow out before we attempt to hunt with it.

While I had an opportunity to test it when I bought it, Chris didn't get that chance, so this was doubly informative. We wanted to see just how it would behave outdoors, and he wanted to see what it would be like to cock it with both the crank and the string assist.

My impressions:
1 - The crank cock device works a lot better when one reads the directions.
1a - If I were only a few inches taller, the string cocker would be a lot easier to use. I just can't pull it the last inch needed to set the bowstring.
2 - With my noodle arms, holding the crossbow is alright, but holding it STEADY is difficult. Will work on that.
3 - Even with my noodle arms, I'm still a pretty good shot. Need to get to be more than just "pretty good," but for my first time shooting it outdoors, I'm pleased.
4 - This thing is pretty damned strong. I'm seeing far greater penetration than anticipated. In the broadhead target with even the cheapest of my three broadheads, it goes in about halfway. I suspect a bolt will go all the way through a deer with little difficulty unless I hit a bone. I invite any bowhunters reading this to correct me if I'm wrong here, but I believe the foam deer target is denser than a live animal.
5 - Wind and 2 extra yards REALLY make a difference in accuracy. Will need to work more on distance practice, I think. I'm also reading a heavier broadhead/field point may help with accuracy, so I might pick up a box of 150gr broadheads to try.

Chris also seemed to enjoy shooting it, though he's gotta work a little more on his aim. ;)

All in all, the Excalibur Axiom kit is well worth the money spent for a recurve crossbow.

Soldier's Angels fundraiser...

Over at Linoge's. Prizes are pretty awesome, too. Stuff like a pretty awesome belt (I have one!) and a pretty neat holster, plus a whole bunch of other really cool toys. Go check it out and donate.

Aww, poor baby.

Apparently a TSA agent reported sexual assault from a fellow TSA agent. Apparently she felt they retaliated against her, and now she's suing.

I have no pity. It's about time they experience this crap directly.

Via BoingBoing.

Quote of the day: Thanksgiving edition.

I had this all ready to go yesterday but forgot to hit Publish. My apologies, folks. ANYWAY.

We are Americans and we are exceptional. And that is worth being thankful for! - Michael Bane

Read the whole thing, and have a happy Thanksgiving. Even if I am a day late in posting.

Oh, also? Read this. And go buy a bottle of Jack. Thanks to Jay for that second link. I'm already a JD fan, and I don't really need any more at the moment, but I'm going to buy a bottle soon anyway to support this.

I guess they solved the crime problem?

Our WONDERFULTASTIC governor, Martin O'Malley, has signed off on a $553,000 purchase order for a diploma mill. Because that makes a lot of sense.

So glad to see all the state's crime has been fixed. Oh wait...

Just wanted to say thanks!

THANKS TO ALL WHO SERVED! We do appreciate it.

Oh, the ridiculousness...

Hypocrites.

Tee hee hee

*snicker*

This will probably only happen once

I give you the one and only time I have felt that gun laws in my state were better than ANY other state. :)

REMINDER: BP firearms for sale (plus two .22 rifles)

Two of the firearms have sold, but there's still a bunch left. Go look!