(Part 2) Best archery equipment according to redditors

Sure.

Here's a little list:

-It can be a good practice to unstring your bow between uses so that it doesnt develop "set" where the limbs remain bent. This one mostly depends on what the bow is made of. Modern materials and laminated woods tend to not have this problem, pure woods do, and horn bows do.

-Use a bow stringer when possible, because otherwise you can risk putting unnessesary strain on the bow. Good ones can go for as little as $10.

Heres the one I use
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002L9C7SQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RRtHDbPX4783V

• store it horizontally, so that both limbs are kept under equal pressure.
  
  -Dont leave it in direct sunlight, or uber high heat.
  
  
• Dry it off if it gets wet. A little water isnt too bad for laminated wood, but should be removed before it reenters storage.

Sure can!

Welcome to the club! Love the G43x. Gotta change the sights out though.

Highly recommended: Trijicon GL613-C-600846 HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSTOZGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Yg8RDb1H17FSM

e z


Trijicon GL601-C-600836 Night Sight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYU9RW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Tl12DbWMJA4AX

1.) [Something that is grey.]
(http://www.amazon.com/ThinkGeek-Minecraft-Note-Cube/dp/B005GMWAOQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1P0WLUX7HZM88&coliid=I2MKPWR46VCNAV) (Main WL)

2.) Something reminiscent of rain.

3.) [Something food related that is unusual.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Shady-Maple-Farms-Organic-Stroopwafel/dp/B002HQERCM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2VCRE2W8VCMM7&coliid=I3JA1YGZR61PNX) (Feed Me WL)

4.) [Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!)]
(http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-DUPLO-Princess-Undersea-Castle/dp/B00A88EP9Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=GG0TDT1M6D60&coliid=I2SQZ4UMA01M8G) (Niece/Nephews WL)

For my niece! Because she loves LEGO and she's obsessed with Little Mermaid.

5.) [A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it!]
(http://www.amazon.com/Longmire-Mystery-Series-Boxed-Volumes/dp/0147508770/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=19GY5YG4ALBHP&coliid=I2RQ3KT5XJD3MR) (Books WL)

All of these! The characterization is so much fun, the mystery itself is great...I got addicted to this entire series.

6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related!

Nope.

7.) [Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...)]
(http://www.amazon.com/Armarkat-B5701-57-Inch-Tree-Ivory/dp/B003BYQ100/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2DFWCO414C0RT&coliid=I143IEDBCBUABI) (Cats WL)

8.) [Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it.]
(http://www.amazon.com/United-Cutlery-UC1264-LOTR-Sting/dp/B00062BO7U/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2RKYWCYW31M08&coliid=ITZAAOEK7L109) (Pipe Dreams WL)

9.) [A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why?]
(http://www.amazon.com/Stand-25th-Anniversary-Edition-Blu-ray/dp/B00164GDA0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=14ENPLB26HMQU&coliid=I172GKBYIDX0SZ) (Movies WL)

It's the perfect 'coming of age' movie. Featuring two actors who are still active and well known, and two we lost too soon.

10.) [Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Spectre-Compact-Take-down-Survival-Arrow/dp/B003O98OJI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2RKYWCYW31M08&coliid=I2E8WI49EDG9BU)
A silent killer. Capable (I think) of skewering an undead brain. What more is there to explain? (Pipe Dreams WL)

11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.

I have no goals right now. Sigh.

12.) [One of those pesky Add-On items.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Village-Naturals-Shoppe-Vanilla-Amber/dp/B001PLH58I/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1P0WLUX7HZM88&coliid=I1LPIJLUADQUO6) (Main WL)

13.) [The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why?]
(http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Frame-Digital-Camera-24-105mm/dp/B007FGZ1V0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2RKYWCYW31M08&coliid=I2HDOC9WS17GPM) (Pipe Dreams WL)

It's a major upgrade from the camera I have now. I have no USE for it since my camera is nice, but damn do I drool over it.

14.) [Something bigger than a bread box.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Queen-GREEN-BEIGE-Comforter/dp/B00AH397MC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1P0WLUX7HZM88&coliid=I13G5R4KW7DZ5C) (Main WL)

15.) [Something smaller than a golf ball.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Hearts-Avatar-Mascot-Figure/dp/B002RT8N4M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1P0WLUX7HZM88&coliid=I1XTE6YT1EJ1CT) (Main WL)
Tiny Vivi!

16.) [Something that smells wonderful.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Morning-Star-Lavender-Incense-Sticks/dp/B001B67TD8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1P0WLUX7HZM88&coliid=IKK20VKTRHL1D) (Main WL)

17.) [A (SFW) toy.]
(http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Minifigure-Collection-Series-Mystery/dp/B003LQMFOY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=30PMJOCYEK1SN&coliid=I3DQVVIEVUAAHK) (LEGO WL)

18.) [Something that would be helpful for going back to school.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Asus-A55VD-AH71-ASUS-15-6-Inch-Laptop/dp/B009M2XB6M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1P0WLUX7HZM88&coliid=I1XMKVRS88GQGV) (Main WL)

19.) [Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be.]
(http://www.amazon.com/Burn-Notice-Season-Six/dp/B0060MYLCU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=14ENPLB26HMQU&coliid=I5YQM2A3MEDGS) (Movies WL)

BURN NOTICE

20.) [Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.]
(http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-4-PS4-Standard-Edition/dp/B00CMQTVQO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1XFZ5B9UHNEEK&coliid=I20LPXNM34AJ3U) (High Priority WL)

It's the PS4. Any gamer worth their weight knows that this is going to be one of the grandest, most desirable gaming systems ever. The graphics are going to be just amazing and we'll be one step closer to games being so realistic that we feel like murderers while playing them.

ETA: fear cuts deeper than swords

I have used these for a few years now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ7V5TO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_QSrfAbWFNRQW3

They self heal pretty well and you can get creative with how to mount.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Block-Youth-Archery-Arrow-Target/dp/B00RH65IMA/ref=sr_1_6.)

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I wondered the same thing. After buying some of the cheapest ones I could find, and later buying some for around the price you mentioned, I found that spending a little more makes my practice more enjoyable and likely more effective. I like [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Feather-Fletched-Easton-Aluminum-Arrows/dp/B000PEMPMW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394786199&sr=8-1&keywords=easton+jazz) for the price quality. Treat em right and the extra expenditure is worth it.

I use CA glue (Super Glue) on my vanes and have had zero issues with vanes coming off (except when I was tuning a new rest and button, but that's another issue). I use this jig and it takes about 3 minutes per arrow, then I set it aside to cure for an hour.

I'd recommend this one. I use it and am very happy with it. Just make sure you stock up on strings!

https://www.amazon.com/80lbs-Cocking-Crossbow-Arrows-Scope/dp/B00IJR2TPU/ref=pd_day0_200_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00IJR2TPU&pd_rd_r=AJXA0EPJSHAAGCTNWR3K&pd_rd_w=wH3z2&pd_rd_wg=tCYbQ&psc=1&refRID=AJXA0EPJSHAAGCTNWR3K

Thank you! Apologies for falling asleep. NuSensei has been one of the leading sources of information honestly he does a very good job explaining some things to avoid and shows some of the best practices (like not starting off with a 50 pound bow) I have been looking for something that goes a little more into technical form to review. In the mean time I wanted to give it a shot with what I've learned so far. I know I'd rather not put bad habits into practice early on but not having a standard instructor close by I'm going to do what I can. As far as arrows go I'll link them in an edit momentarily.

Edit:Tiger Archery 30Inch Carbon Arrow Practice Hunting Arrows with Removable Tips for Compound & Recurve Bow(Pack of 12) (Black White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y4MVLKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_V2ZIDbYRS382W

I have a sneaking suspicion that they aren't particularly the best. I did go cheaper because I planned on losing a few.

Any budget or beginner bow would do.

Check out PSE snake recurve twin bow. Usually go for below 60$ and are high enough quality. Make sure you get one below 30# if you want to keep your friends.

As for arrows, you'll want to buy some soft heads and a few arrows with screw inserts. Dont break the bank on archery tag arrows.

Dont forget face/eye/ head protection. Paintball masks work


Snake recurve
https://www.als.com/pse-bow-snake-recurve/p?idsku=525202&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplp525202&sc_intid=525202&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoIPvBRDgARIsAHsCw09H6mosZ6QWqPhFJHtplT-_oy4GpfDzAQ4008WPlqrLUqX7B4FMJV4aAkzvEALw_wcB

Velidy Sponge Foam Tipped Hunting Arrowhead Broadhead Tips 10pcs for LARP Archery Battle Tagging Game https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J3G6V68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pNu4DbRWZ1WXJ

Some super cheap arrows with tips.
Musen 30 Inch Carbon Archery Arrows, Spine 500 with Removable Tips, Hunting and Target Practice Arrows for Compound Bow and Recurve Bow, 12 Pcs Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DPTHH6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DOu4DbXJRAP0G

Awesome stuff :D

I love everything horror and rock/metal music related :P posters, CDs.. that sort of stuff :P

Simplest pleasure... To sit at the summer cabin.. with a fishing rod in my hands and my iPod at my side playing some good tunes :P

A bow stringer for my bow would be awesome :D I can't use it without one :P

Pandora's Mystery Summer Box of Goodies

Looks incredibly close to mine:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MT5XAA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

Differences are no quiver slot towards the front, my sight rails are longer (not to brag or anything), and the one you posted has closer spaced....slots?....below the rail. My guess would be an earlier version?

I have a spot for my stirrup under the forward sight and I would be there is the same on that one. I cannot be more specific as it appears to be ever so slightly different, but my bet is that you can fine a stirrup, at least checking what would fit at a physical store.

My first (and only) crossbow is a barnett. It sells here for about half your price point, is excellent IMO for quality and, (very important to me) customer support. In the two years I have had my Jackal I had to call twice and both times the call was answered by a human and the issue was resolved quickly.

As they say in New York, "Youze guys got Amazon, or what?"

BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

BARNETT Assault 350 Crossbow|350 Feet Per Second

You will also want to get 6 - 12 more bolts

Enjoy.

I'm running low on arrows and I'm trying to figure out what I should replace them with. Are cheap arrows like these...

• https://www.amazon.com/GPP-Carbon-30-Inch-Replaceable-Compound/dp/B01B49D2FK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Archery-Practice-Removable-Compound/dp/B06Y4MVLKD/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
  
  ... at all functional with a (mostly) traditional horse bow? The bow doesn't have a window, so the plastic vanes will deflect more than the feather-fletched arrows I currently use. But would it be so much as to render them useless for someone building skills? (Read: not a great shot and unlikely to worry about an extra centimeter in his groupings at 20 meters).

As long as its useable, im fine with it. Im thinking about getting this quiver. If i can get used to drawing from a back quiver, I'll be fine.

NuoYa001 NEW 21" Back Quiver/Bow/Pot Archery 3 Point Harness Waterproof arrows Accessories (Include a Cycling Reflective Band as gift) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LHD1YEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ueNOybR3JCSTW

I haven't shot a bow since I was a child, so I didn't really know what kind of draw weight I would need, I just googled averages and used that. I'm glad I asked.

I figured the target would be junk but I didn't really think I needed anything more than a chunk of styrofoam.

Thanks for the advice, I just want to buy everything and get started, but Ive got some more research to do I suppose.

Edit:
Are These Better arrows?

Amazon has a used orange front set for $94.99. Not sure about it, but atleast prime shipping return would be easy.

Trijicon GL601-C-600836 Night Sight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYU9RW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8aMEDbWC9G4EG

Here you go, 2inch target practice EVA foam from Amazon.

I use this https://www.amazon.com/Morrell-Yellow-Jacket-Stinger-Archery/dp/B07PKL1W4Y?th=1&psc=1

My friend has this https://www.amazon.com/Rinehart-Targets-28007-RinehartÂ-Broadhead/dp/B002UJ53EW/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=archery+target+broadhead&qid=1558280019&s=gateway&sprefix=archery+target+bro&sr=8-4

Trad people have something like this and they pin it to the bales https://www.amazon.com/TOPARCHERY-Lightweight-50x50x5cm-Shooting-Practice/dp/B074QKZ1MH/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=archery+target+foam+square&qid=1558280137&s=gateway&sprefix=archery+target+foam&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FQR75B?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

They are cheap as hell and they fly surprisingly well. They are a little dull, but that’s an easy fix.

Cabelas had this for $225 not too long ago. Incredible value. i shot my buddy's and it's a surprisingly nice unit. I have a wicked ridge invader g3, very nice unit, but not worth 2X the cost of the centerpoint to be honest.

https://www.amazon.com/CenterPoint-Sniper-370-Crossbow-Package/dp/B01H7KULFO

Steel Target and Target Stand.

I use there and they've lasted super long. All you need is 6 sections of rebar (cheap, should be $3/ea at home depot/lowes)

• Joints
  
  
• Straps
  
  
• Any AR500 steel target gong of at least 3/8" thickness. example from amazon

These are practice tips

That is opposed to these which are for hunting

https://www.amazon.com/BARNETT-Whitetail-Crossbow-Bottomland-Standard/dp/B07RC86KJ1/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 got this for $235

I would think you could use something like gorilla tape or hockey tape. It would be easy to remove to oil the wood, or replace when it starts to get worn.

It you could get what's called a whisker biscuit arrow rest (or probably any arrow rest), then the fletching wouldn't touch the wood at all.

https://www.amazon.com/Trophy-Ridge-Whisker-Biscuit-Medium/dp/B004MPFBFS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=whisker+biscuit+arrow+rest&qid=1572370650&sprefix=whisker+biscuit&sr=8-3

I don't understand how to purchase/assemble arrows...I've read guides, spine charts and I feel like I a missing something.


I bought a Samick Sage, 30#. I ended up buying these 1916 XX75 Jazz. Before I got those, I tried buying the shaft by it's self but then I needed vanes, tips, glue etc..The total would have been $70+ for 6 arrows if I did it that way. I also couldn't tell what points and notches fit in what shafts...So many variables,


So when you buy arrows, do they normally come in these separates pieces? The one's I bought were all inclusive.


How do you correctly attach the vanes?


How can I better know what to buy together to complete the arrow purchase?


This is for target shooting in a backyard.



Another Example: If I buy these Tributes from Lancaster Archery, they don't come with points right? So how do I make sure what point I buy, fits?

I shoot a 45lb sage and use 30" Easton jazz 1096. They are cheap on Amazon and come fletched, have inserts and points already installed. Havebt used any carbon to compare them to but the aluminum does fine by me, hard to bend unless you hit a tree or something at a weird angle.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PEMPMW?vs=1

Just wait till you are 18 and buy one then. As for weapons you can legally get in the meantime:

http://www.amazon.com/80-Lbs-Self-Cocking-Crossbow-Pistol/dp/B0047WOMI8

http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Crossbow-Scope-Metal-Arrows/dp/B001MT5XAA/ref=sr_1_15?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1346965040&sr=1-15

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=archery%20hunting%20bows&page=1&rh=n%3A3375251%2Ck%3Aarchery%20hunting%20bows

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Sports-Outdoors-Hunting-Slingshots/zgbs/sporting-goods/3307780011 (don't underestimate a hunting slingshot with steel hunting shot, that will most likely penetrate someone's skull, they are often used for hunting rabbits)

Even a variety of melee weapons could be effective, such as a katana, aluminium baseball bat, or spiked club. I'm sure it's not quite as good of a deterrent as the sound of a 12 ga pump action racking a round into the chamber, but I doubt very many home invaders would stand their ground against a person charging them with a medieval melee weapon.

Stringer that's easy to use, inexpensive, and robust: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002L9C7SQ/

Accessories are up to you. Depends on how you plan to shoot - rest vs shelf? Glove vs tab?

Arm guard is a must, pick one you can afford. A cheapo caribiner is nice for keeping your string twisted when your bow is unstrung. A recurve case is a must, to keep all your kit together, no problem with a zippered soft case - especially one that comes with an arrow tube.

String wax is cheap and good to have for both the string and keeping your arrow points from coming unscrewed all the time. A quiver is also a must, and the style is up to your preference.

There's probably a lot more, but this is what I could think of as immediate buys.

and... amazon descends into epic craziness in just a few clicks. Third page of "Customers who viewed this also viewed"

http://www.amazon.com/Spectre-Compact-Take-down-Survival-Arrow/dp/B003O98OJI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_15

http://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Hand-Climbing-Tigers-Spikes/dp/B0009X4CDO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_17

http://www.amazon.com/Umarex-225-2330-MP5-K-PDW-177/dp/B003IP9ZJ6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_51

Seriously... wow. I am impressed.

Really? I have only heard of the arrow rest by that name. Lol, my hunting bow is pornographic.
https://www.amazon.com/Trophy-Ridge-Whisker-Biscuit-Medium/dp/B004MPFBFS

Just get on there and shoot what you want. Sounds like you're attracted to "traditional" archery now, so go for that. If you want to expand and try new things later (which you probably will) then go for it then.

One thing I have not seen mentioned yet is that you can usually go shooting on National Forest lands. State Forest lands may be an option as well. Check county ordinances too, as you can usually shoot if you're in unincorporated land at least a certain distance from inhabited dwellings. If you're just starting out, you can get a youth Block target for around $40 from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Block-Youth-Archery-Arrow-Target/dp/B00RH65IMA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1502379284&sr=8-6&keywords=block%2Btarget&th=1&psc=1). Take the target and your bow and just go shoot.

I concur, I prefer a whisker biscuit. Trophy Ridge makes a one thats fairly inexpensive.

I mean, assuming it's gnomish design, I could see one of these badboys turning up in a game.

http://www.amazon.com/80lbs-Cocking-Crossbow-Arrows-Scope/dp/B00IJR2TPU/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1427250438&sr=1-5&keywords=Hand+Crossbow

I sorta started w scratch and built it from there. Took a year. Ya know a piece each paycheck. It's a
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q9AY312/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_e4C0CbB67VK65

I stripped it down and made my dream bow. The newest part is a Cobra Archery Buckhead Elite 3 Pin Sight. I'm having trouble sighting her in. It was perfect before but I needed one w the pin sight for low light. She's set at about 35 lbs.

I also shoot this one: Barnett Lady Raptor
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJW9G9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ebD0Cb1DAYA5G

I Fletch all our bolts and arrows.

The one that I posted is this one:

Armory Replicas Denali Mountain Wild Game Hunting 150 lbs Recurve Crossbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JRG9X4C

The one that I posted is this one:

Armory Replicas Denali Mountain Wild Game Hunting 68.0 kilograms Recurve Crossbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JRG9X4C

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^(I'm a bot) ^| ^Feedback ^| ^Stats ^| ^Opt-out ^| ^(v5.1)

I have a Goat Tuff fletching jig. Half price compared to a Bitzenburger. Does a great job. I'll probably buy what's considered a better one later, but I'll always have this one. Super simple , works great, and I get compliments on my arrows. Goat Stuff Fletching Jig

This one is great, it is three point quiver so it is not unbalanced and it has that nice little pocket.
http://www.amazon.com/NuoYa001-Archery-Waterproof-Accessories-Reflective/dp/B00LHD1YEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418690250&sr=8-1&keywords=back+quiver+three+point

Two examples:

https://www.amazon.com/Spectre-Compact-Take-down-Survival-Arrow/dp/B003O98OJI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1488232334&sr=8-2&keywords=compact+bow

https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Tactical-Survival-draw-Right/dp/B01JZBB0RQ/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1488232334&sr=8-9&keywords=compact+bow

Are there any more that would fit a similar purpose?

The CenterPoint Sniper 370 has been getting really good reviews all over the internet. I'll most likely be picking one up after the first of the year. They'll probably go back down to $275 after the holidays.
CenterPoint Sniper 370 - Camo Crossbow Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7KULFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lLDtybMT1VSYY

So yes a large crossbow which is designed to be used with two hands is probably your best bet for home defense without a PAL. You can buy them on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001MT5XAA/ref=pd_aw_sbs_1?pi=SS115&simLd=1

There is quite a variety on amazon, just make sure it has a stock (designed to be used with two hands, no pistol crossbows) and is at least 20 inches overall. I also recommend getting some razor tipped hunting arrows for self defense, and some extra strings and string wax so you can practice with it to learn how to cock it and how to accurately hit a target.

This is an intimidating weapon, in all likelihood if you brandish a ready to fire crossbow at an imminent threat they will back off, and not make you actually shoot them, but remember that whenever you use a lethal weapon for self defense you must be prepared to shoot if necessary. If you are unwilling to shoot and potentially kill this person you shouldn't use a lethal weapon for self defense, or it might be taken from you and used against you. You should only use this weapon in a threatening manner if there is an obvious and credible imminent threat to your life or the life of another innocent person.

If you do end up having to shoot the attacker, be aware that they may not be completely or immediately incapacitated by a single shot, be prepared to flee with your family and call police from a safe place if necessary (preferably call police before shooting becomes necessary). You should also lawyer up immediately in case you do end up having to use lethal force in self defense, you will face a legal challenge to the necessity of that use of lethal force.