I got one of these from sportsmans guide also. Wanted to try it out so I took it outside and shot a bolt into the lawn. The bolt penetrated the ground almost the full length of the aluminum shaft but the black plastic flight snapped off. Next, I took the cardboard bullseye target, that came with the crossbow, outside and leaned it against a maple tree. I stood back about 20 feet, took aim on the bullseye, and let her rip. I missed my mark by about one inch to the left. The bolt stuck into the tree about a half inch but, again, the black plastic flight snapped right off.

Next, I was curious about what kind of distance this thing would shoot. So, after making sure nobody else was around I took a near verticle shot in the field behind my house. It shot nearly out of sight before returning to earth. For a cheap little crossbow pistol this thing zings pretty good.

To me it is easy to string. I just loop the left string loop over the left limb tip. Then, I place the left limb tip on a carpeted floor, holding it at about a 30 degree angle. I place my left foot about 6 inches up from the left limb tip to secure the bow while I pull the right limb tip back toward me and loop the right string loop over the right limb tip. Like somebody else mentioned, wax your string about every 10 shots.

If I need replacement strings or limb tips I will contact sportmans guide customer service. I don't know if they have them for this crossbow but they did for a full size crossbow I got from them.

I would recommend this product.

I bought this mainly to use for caving. I'm modifying it to shoot 4" glowsticks, but it can shoot many other things too. The metal bolts it comes with are decently durable, but I warped one after three shots. I've tried various projectiles, ranging from airsoft BBs to .22 caliber bullets(just the bullet, not the whole cartridge. You can buy them via reloading suppliers). I haven't killed any vermin with it yet, but I'm certain it'll do the job if needed. Overall, you can't beat the power/price ratio provided by this product.

Can't beat the price and it's very accurate.....However: It has a HAIR trigger......and the safety does nothing to prevent firing: don't rely on it.

1. INHERANTLY DANGEROUS: unlike guns, which store its energy in chemical form until released by explosion....a crossbow stores MECHANICAL energy ready to be released at all times when cocked!!!

2. NOT FOR KIDS OR INEXPERIENCED SHOOTERS: I have been practicing archery for years, but the first time it goes off unexpectedly will scare the heck out of you. It has quite a bit of force behind it and IS capable of maiming or killing someone so be careful and NEVER point at a person. ALWAYS POINT IT DOWNRANGE OR BE SORRY!!!

3. All that being said: best fun for $20 you'll ever spend, puts a smile on my face everytime!!! And you can take out small game from a good distance!

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The product may or not be good. I attempted to purchase two of them from The Sportsman's Guide only to find out that it cannot be shipped to my zip code legally. Honestly I wish they had given some sort of warning of linked to a site that let me figure out if I could or not get it. Because of this weeks later I have money still pending in my bank account am still receiving mail telling me the same thing about how it can't be shipped.

I purchased this gun and had nothing but trouble with it. the bow would not stay in place and when I tried to tighten it up the stupid thing broke. You need two people to string it and it has to be assembled. Before it broke, I did get the chance to fire it once, but it didn't even shoot the arrow across the length of my living room. save your money and buy a real bow.