Crossbows and bows are primarily used as sporting equipment. In many countries, they are also allowed for hunting.
Bows and crossbows are similar in that arrows are accelerated and shot through a string that is drawn by a bow.
However, in a crossbow, the drawn string is secured by a lock. This can be released by a trigger, which accelerates and shoots the arrow. The lock allows energy to be stored.
The crossbow is superior to the bow in two ways: With a crossbow, the shooter does not have to exert force to draw the string when shooting. In contrast, with a bow, the string must be drawn by hand, meaning the shooter is physically tense at the moment the arrow is released. Secondly, the crossbow has a central column - the counterpart to the stock of a rifle. This central column has a shoulder rest, allowing the weapon to be aimed with repeatable accuracy. Finally, a sight can be mounted on this central column.
Due to these advantages, it is significantly easier to shoot accurately with a crossbow than with a bow. Precise shooting with a bow and arrow requires much more practice.
However, the bow also has advantages compared to the crossbow: It can be drawn by hand. Drawing a crossbow usually requires more force, and without a drawing aid, it is often impossible to draw the weapon. A bow allows for intuitive aiming, which, while requiring more practice, makes the process from drawing to aiming to releasing the shot much faster than with a crossbow. Therefore, arrows can be shot at shorter intervals with a bow. In its simplest construction, a bow consists of two parts, the string and the bow itself. A crossbow consists of many more parts, making it more susceptible to damage.
Making precise shots with a crossbow is easier than with a bow and arrow, as it can be consistently held in the same position. Additionally, a sight or at least open sights can be mounted on the stock of the crossbow. With a bow, the experience, body control, and intuition of the shooter are crucial for success.
How strong both the bow and the crossbow are depends on their respective designs.
Both weapons can be designed as compound and recurve weapons.
According to the Weapons Act (WaffG Annex 1 Section 1 Subsection 1 Point 1.2.2 No. 1.2.2.), objects that are designed to shoot solid bodies at a target, whose driving energy is provided by muscle power and can be stored by a locking device, are equated with weapons - this applies to crossbows, but not to bows. This means that the crossbow is a weapon in the sense of the Weapons Act, while the bow is a sports and play device. A bow is therefore freely available for purchase, without age restrictions. To purchase a crossbow, one must be at least 18 years old.
In contrast to air guns, there are no proof marks and no restrictions on the energy with which arrows may be shot with crossbows.
Carrying in public is generally possible without a weapon permit as well as without a small weapon permit. However, it is not permitted to carry them at public events or in weapon prohibition zones.
At a shooting range or on private property, as long as it can be guaranteed that the arrows do not leave the property, shooting with a bow and arrow as well as with a crossbow is possible. In the forest, for example, it is not allowed.
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