When is a Bull-Pup Design Better than Conventional?

When perusing the crossbows available from leading manufacturers, hunters come across some models with a “bull-pup” style stock that differs somewhat from a conventional design. This simply means that the stock is shorter in length than with standard models, giving the overall weapon a more compact size, while still maintaining a longer power stroke. Hunters getting into tight spots in the tree or wanting to maintain as small a profile as possible when hunting in semi-open areas might want to consider selecting a crossbow with a bull-pup stock.

Mechanically, there is one difference with a bull-pup, that some might consider a slight disadvantage. With conventional design, which most crossbows feature, cocking mechanism is mounted directly above the trigger, and is in direct contact with it, so that there is an instant, uncomplicated release. With a bull-pup, to maintain the power stroke, the hunter has to draw the string back, past the trigger, to the cocking mechanism. That mechanism must then be connected to the trigger with a linkage, creating one more moving part that is subject to malfunctioning. Quality crossbows are made with tough, durable linkages, and they rarely cause problems, however.

We suggest you choose a bull-pup only with specific reasons for doing so. If a compact design or a smaller profile is essential to bagging the big one, the bull-pup is a good choice. Otherwise, a conventional stock and trigger set up will likely provide greater durability and reliability.

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