2. Cocking Crossbows

How to cock a crossbow

We recommend reading the manual of your crossbow before attempting to cock the crossbow. The exact steps depend on the model you have, and the features it has. Below are some general steps, based on the MK-XB65. This compound crossbow model has a folding foot stirrup, anti-dryfire technology and comes with a cocking string (and a cocking winch can also be used).

General Steps for Cocking a Crossbow

1. Crossbow Condition: Check if your crossbow has any damage. Are the string and the cables all in their proper place? Have they been lubricated appropriately and has the string serving and rail also been lubricated?
2. Safety First: Check that the crossbow is unloaded and the safety switch is in the 'SAFE' position.
3. Positioning: Fix the position of the folding stirrup so it is fully extended and place it on the ground, with the stirrup facing away from you.
4. Foot Placement: Step into the stirrup with your dominant foot, ensuring a stable stance.
5. Safety Catch: When you're ready to cock the crossbow, place the safety catch into the 'FIRE' position.
6. Cocking Rope: Drape the middle of the rope over the groove in the stock, located behind the trigger mechanism/scope. Place the hooks onto the crossbow string on each side of the rail.  If the rope feels too long to comfortably pull, you can push the plastic ends a bit back and tie a knot on each end of the cocking rope. Place the plastic ends in their right position again before continuing.
7. Drawing: Place your foot into the stirrup and pull both T-handles simultaneously. Draw the string back smoothly and evenly, keeping your back straight and using your leg muscles to assist. Draw back until the string comes under the bolt retention spring and into the trigger mechanism. Slowly draw it fully back until the trigger safety moves into the 'SAFE' position.
8. Verification: Slowly relax the tension a little to ensure the trigger latch has captured the crossbow string. If the string seems to move back with your movement, it may not be properly positioned yet. When you're certain the crossbow string is in position and the trigger safety is in the 'SAFE' position, remove the cocking rope.

Important Reminders

• Always use a cocking rope or cocking device if recommended by the manufacturer.
• If it doesn't seem to work:
  • check if you have placed your cocking rope properly (onto the right grove, not stuck behind a scope or such)
  • check if the rope is too long for you (and adjust it if necessary)
  • make sure the rope has the right position on the rail
  • if it is too heavy for you, check if your crossbow model can use a cocking winch. This can decrease the required draw weight up to 90% (in comparison to its stated draw weight).
• Not all models have a similar way of cocking. Some models, such as the TCS1 and TCS2 Alligator are self-cocking designs. These general steps don't apply for such models.
• Never dry-fire your crossbow (shooting without a bolt). If you need to release while you're cocking a crossbow, only do so if it hasn't fully cocked yet. Be very slow and intentional with your movements. If you have cocked it and you need to release it, you can only do so by shooting a bolt. Otherwise, you will run the risk of damaging yourself and your crossbow, as this is dryfire. DO NOT TRY TO PRY THE STRING LOOSE WITH YOUR HANDS.
• Regularly inspect your crossbow string and other components for wear.
• Don't forget to disengage safety when you're ready to shoot your crossbow.

Note: Cocking the rope incorrectly may cause parts of the cocking rope to snap. The plastic parts of it are specifically susceptible to this if it's used in an uneven manner, such as pulling it sideways or pulling one side higher than the other when tensioning the string.
Damage example: