Cobra System Self Cocking Pistol Tactical Crossbow, 80-Pound

I purchased for a cool kid toy ,(I am 76), and in consideration of a potential future need for a WMD. After due consideration and following many prepper U-Tube videos I figured a Cross Bow Pistol would meet my imaginary survival/self defense needs better than some automatic fast firing gun powder weapon that requires registration with the agencies I am trying to escape from and announces for miles around; "Hey Zombies, I've got weapons, ammo, and other resources".I selected the fiberglass model with Red Dot sight and all the accessories. The product and accessories meet my expectations. I was a little disappointed that the red dot sight was in a little box taped to the side of the pistol box.As others have mentioned Stringing the Bow is NOT POSSIBLE without cheating, I couldn't even get the loop to fit on the end piece with out any tension. After reading reviews and watching U-Tube instructions I modified the auxiliary string method. I attached a length of high strength twine to the bow and pulled as much tension as possible before tying off. I then cocked the bow using this string. Putting the supplied OFFICIAL string on was now very easy.I tried it out with the included mechanical sight and was very impressed and happy with my choice. After a few test shots to align the sight It was more powerful and accurate than I would have anticipated. I fired my last 2 shots of that day from 15 yards into a 1 in group right on the target spot; which, I think that is amazing for a non shooter with shaky old man aim.The next plan was to evaluate with Red Dot Sight and was mostly disappointment. The instructions for mounting were not complete enough for an inexperienced Bow Smith to follow. I eventually figured I had to remove the existing mechanical sight from the rail. Then after more issues, found I had to cut down the the screw from the mechanical sight elevation adjustment. The Red Dot sight brackets still did not fit to the rail, either it was bent or just poor quality. I eventually added shims between the mounting brackets and sight to get a good straight fit on the rail. Adjusting the Red Dot was more difficult than anticipated. I never did get a good alignment or repeat-ability before I broke/lost the 4 arrows I brought with me. I plan on evaluating on another time and with no improvement I will remove the Red Dot and reinstall the mechanical sight. Overall I don't recommend the Red Dot option based on my experience so far. It appears to be a low cost add on instead of a tested system as implied.Arrow Quality! Since there have been other comments I will also. The 3 arrows that were included in the box appeared to be good quality I made several shots using the 3 to align the mechanical sight and they were fine with no damage. I eventually lost all 3 from low/missed shots resulting in them burying in the ground. I opened a pack of the accessory 36 included in the kit. They turned out be more penetrating in my make shift target as well as surrounding infrastructure, (see above on trying to align Red Dot). They also broke more easy with the plastic ends shattering or points breaking off.So, overall a good choice for my needs.

If you honestly came to see reviews of this to see if it really is as cool as it is, remember, it is a freaking hand crossbow, of course it is awesome.Before you buy this, make sure to order more bolts, if you think 30 is enough, you are wrong...LOL...this thing shoots sooo hard it will break some flights and pop off the sharp tips.Be prepared to impale your chest trying to get the bowstring on...i really suggest a pillow on the stomach and some strong abs as this sucka is no joke. Once assembled be prepared to go through the motions of 'What can I really punch through with this?' Cardboard box, Right Through, Cans/Plastic Bottles? Right Through, Drywall? Oh yeah! Decorative Pillows? Yup! Old Solid Core Entry Door? About an inch LOL...takes a little to hone in on aiming, but this thing shoots over 40ft across my basement and sinks into a simple bolt trap I made. I lined a box with more cardboard and plastic but it kept going through, had to throw an old folded over bathmat to get it to stop the bolt.Just buy this, you only live once and you have a lot of fun with it.

I have to admit I didn't have much hope for this item. I knew I was buying a toy and that likely it would behave as a toy.I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. While the materials and the general feel of the item is a bit toy-like, this is not a toy. This is a powerful weapon that should be treated as such.I found the presence of a default "safety" refreshing and useful. The level action to load it is fairly smooth and once one gets the hang of it quite quick.The darts are cheaply made. I purchased several more of them separately and that was an excellent idea because the rear part (fletching I guess it is called, where the little wings are) tends to break or jump out when hitting anything too solid or entering the target at an angle.I intend to either modify them myself or buy better quality ones (or keep buying the cheap ones and just toss them when I am done since they are cheaply made but also very cheap costwise).The Crossbow itself is also made with cheap materials, but it is pretty solid. It may break with more use but I think I would have to abuse it and misuse it a lot for that to happen. We will see in that regard. So far I shot about a 100 bolts with the Crossbow no worse for wear.I mentioned this thing is a weapon. Indeed it is. I don't know if it is powerful enough to kill, but at close range I would not want to be the one to test it. It is also amazingly accurate once it has been sighted properly. When I first got it it shot about 1ft high at 8 to 10 years away. Since I sighted it I have been putting 90% of my bolts in a 5" circle.As soon as the dead rise again, I should be able to do kill headshots without too many problems at shorter distances (I would want a bit heavier bolt however, even though the ones it comes with have surprising penetration).I don't hunt or like even the idea of shooting animals. I would make an exception in the presence of a clearly rabid critter in need of being put down. I am purely a target shooter and for that purpose this Crossbow is a lot of fun. Even my wife is enjoying it. And unlike my Bow and Arrows, I can shot it inside after making sure to prepare an area without precious china around.My eventual goal is to try shooting it at moving targets and try to increase my rate of fire.The bottom line is this: unless you expect to get a professional crossbow, and unless yours is defective, this is a very nice, affordable Pistol Crossbow. It is more precise that it has any right to be for the price and if you buy enough bolts you will have a lot of fun target shooting with it. It has certainly impressed my archery friends with its power and accuracy.

This is badass. Luckily came with an extra string, because I forgot to rosin it up the first time and it’s starting to thread. Haven’t had a chance to zero in the sight yet, but it works well. Might attach a fishing line and use this to bow fish some gar.

String broke after about a dozen shots and the bolts break often when fired, but the bow itself is fairly sturdy and easy to put together

Hard for a kid to cock, and within 4 hours the string frayed until it came off. The arrow also came apart and lost the black piece. Started out absolutely great and exciting, but multiple issues within hours lead to only one star.

Awesome

Nice