{"id":16795,"date":"2025-10-20T04:36:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T04:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/20\/repeatable-performance-shot-after-shot\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T04:36:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T04:36:27","slug":"repeatable-performance-shot-after-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/20\/repeatable-performance-shot-after-shot\/","title":{"rendered":"Repeatable Performance, Shot After Shot"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/svg><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>10<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n

Was the scope off, or was it the shooter? My first shot landed a few inches high and left of center \u2014 nearly four inches from the bull. My next shot just missed the lower-left edge.<\/p>\n

McCombie is holding the Ravin R470 crossbow he assembled.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I figured the scope was on. I was getting closer, but needed more stability and better trigger control. Sitting at my shooting bench, I took several deep breaths, stretched my arms and shoulders, and did some finger flexing. I lined the reticle dead center, eased out half my breath, and as the heartbeat ended, I squeezed the trigger.<\/p>\n

\"arrows
R470 shot #3, center right, blasted this clay pigeon at 100 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My \u201cfirearm\u201d was actually a crossbow: the new Ravin R470, launching arrows at about 470 feet per second. I was damned impressed.<\/p>\n

Ravin Crossbow Accuracy<\/h2>\n

Day Two with the Ravin started strong. The company motto \u2014 \u201cThree inches, 100 yards. No Rivals.\u201d \u2014 is their mission in a line. I heard it many times in June 2025 while touring Ravin\u2019s facility in Superior, Wisconsin, with four other writers.<\/p>\n

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GunsAmerica attended the Ravin June 2025 writer\u2019s event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day One, we toured one of the cleanest manufacturing floors I\u2019ve seen. The shop was busy. Employees built about 120 crossbows that day and did the same every day to stock up for fall sales.<\/p>\n

\"Ravin<\/picture>
Ravin employee assembling a crossbow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMinus the strings, every crossbow we make has to be able to do 5,000 shots without wearing out or breaking,\u201d Ravin President Kyle Campbell told us. \u201c5,000 shots with a crossbow is like 350,000 miles with the same vehicle \u2014 almost no one\u2019s going to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ravin Crossbow Cost<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve seen Ravin ads and prices, you\u2019ve probably asked: Why so damn expensive? At the event, I had the same thought when staff showed us the R470 priced at $2,749.99. I thought I could buy a really nice big-game rifle for two grand less.<\/p>\n

True. But touring the facility and using the bows the next day explained a lot. Ravin builds high-tech crossbows from top materials. They consistently put three arrows into a three-inch group at 100 yards and tighter groups at 50 yards \u2014 the ethical hunting range for a crossbow.<\/p>\n

I found myself wondering exactly that the first morning of the event as Ravin staff showed us their newest bow, the R470, priced at a whopping $2,749.99. I thought: Hey, I can buy a really nice big game rifle\u2013for two grand less!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Ravin<\/picture>
Ravin Crossbows HQ, Superior, Wisconsin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Doug Guthrie, Vice President of Product Development, explained the cost bluntly: \u201cPeople ask all the time, why are your crossbows so expensive? Well, it starts with the fact that each crossbow has approximately 140 parts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ravin Crossbow Assembly<\/h2>\n

Day One ended with the writers assembling R470s. I didn\u2019t assemble all 140 parts, of course. With a technician\u2019s guidance, I put together the main components and several smaller features, including the frictionless flight system.<\/p>\n

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Assembling an R470\u2013with the help of a very skilled Ravin technician!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After assembly, the tech wound a proprietary Ravin string around the cams using the HeliCoil system.<\/p>\n

\"weird
Stringing the newly built R470.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HeliCoil cams position dual cables to ride in top and bottom helical grooves. That keeps the cams perfectly balanced. Ravin says the HeliCoil design lets the cams rotate 300 degrees while staying level when drawing and shooting.<\/p>\n

HeliCoil and Testing<\/h2>\n

Once strung, my crossbow went to the testing station, where I shot three arrows while staff chronographed the velocity. Ravin tests every crossbow this way.<\/p>\n

\"McCombie<\/picture>
McCombie is test-firing the R470 he put together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My R470 chronographed at 471 fps. Staff said to expect a slight FPS change with use.<\/p>\n

You may notice I call them \u201carrows,\u201d not bolts. That\u2019s deliberate: everyone at Ravin calls them arrows. Ravin manufactures half a million of their own Ravin arrows each year.<\/p>\n

\"crossbow
Ravin builds 500K crossbow \u201carrows\u201d every year!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ravin Crossbow Range Results<\/h2>\n

Day Two moved to a range 20 minutes north of Duluth, Minnesota. There I smacked a clay pigeon at 100 yards with the R470 I\u2019d assembled the day before.<\/p>\n

\"man<\/picture>
At the range with the R470, Day Two.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I also center-punched a steel target at 100 yards and drilled a pair of 2.0-inch groups at 50 yards using three field-point-tipped arrows.<\/p>\n

About nine weeks after the event, I pulled the R470 from its travel case. The bow and case had banged around a bit \u2014 the case had rolled in my SUV on the drive home from Ravin HQ.<\/p>\n

\"target\"
Black side of the SpyderWeb Targets\u2019 18XL \u201cNo Speed Limit\u201d archery target.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 50 yards, I set the SpyderWeb 18XL \u201cNo Speed Limit\u201d target. From a sandbagged bench, I fired three arrows at the right and center blue bullseye. They grouped just over 2.0 inches and about 2.0 inches to the right.<\/p>\n

I adjusted the windage on the Ravin 100 Yard 550 FPS Illuminated 3x scope. Then I shot again. On!<\/p>\n

\"target
Two months after the Ravin event, McCombie\u2019s first three shots (right) with the R470 at 50 yards, then with the scope adjusted, shot #4 drilled the bullseye.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I fired several more three-arrow groups at 50 yards. They averaged about 2.5 inches center-to-center.<\/p>\n

I also shot two three-arrow groups offhand from 30 yards. They measured 3.0 inches. With practice, I hope to tighten that toward 2.0 inches.<\/p>\n

\"man
The center three arrows were shot at 50 yards from a rest, the left group at 30 yards offhand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My Garmin C1 Pro chronograph measured 15 arrows leaving the R470 at an average of 466.5 fps. The fastest was 469.1 fps; the slowest was 462.7 fps.<\/p>\n

Cocking, Trigger, and Feel<\/h2>\n

The R470\u2019s Versa-Draw Cocking System is built into the poly stock. I connected the cocking-handle end to a stock attachment point and turned the handle 15 times. That slid the built-in trigger mechanism forward until it clicked into the string.<\/p>\n

\"hand<\/picture>
Cocking handle inserted.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fifteen turns in reverse pulled the trigger mechanism back; the crossbow was cocked. The Versa-Draw has a built-in clutch to prevent over-cocking and an internal break that allows easy de-cocking.<\/p>\n

The Ravin 100 Yard illuminated scope comes standard on the R470.<\/p>\n

\"scope\"<\/picture>
The Ravin 100 Yard illuminated scope is standard on the R470.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The cocking handle worked well, though it took a while to find a comfortable grip. The handle\u2019s points can dig into the palm.<\/p>\n

\"ball<\/picture>
The arrows ride on a pair of ball bearings, AKA Ravin\u2019s frictionless flight system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I slid an arrow down the rail, white fletching down, until the nock clicked into the Track Trigger Firing System. The arrow sat on a cradle of two tiny steel ball bearings.<\/p>\n

The R470\u2019s trigger broke crisply, like a good rifle trigger. The safety operated easily with a thumb push.<\/p>\n

\"trigger<\/picture>
The R470\u2019s trigger performed much like a rifle trigger.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My R470 came finished in King\u2019s XK7 Camo pattern. There\u2019s also a $200-less black option.<\/p>\n

More recently, Ravin debuted the R470E XK7 with an Electric Drive System that cocks and de-cocks at the push of a button. The system uses a detachable 12-volt battery and motor for storage or recharging.<\/p>\n

The R470E XK7\u2019s suggested retail is $2,849.99.<\/p>\n

Consistency and Claims<\/h2>\n

\u201cOur goal is to make the most accurate, reliable crossbows,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cBows with consistent, repeatable results. We are taking the variability out through the high-tech parts and the consistent manufacturing process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Consistent, repeatable results? Based on my time with Ravin, I think Campbell and the company have succeeded.<\/p>\n

\"part<\/picture>
R470 arrows fit into the elongated U of the bow\u2019s Track Trigger Firing System.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

READ MORE HERE: Charles Daly Triple Crown Review<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Specs and Price<\/h2>\n

Specs: Ravin R470 Crossbow<\/p>\n

Speed: 470 fps w\/400 gr. Arrow<\/p>\n

Kinetic Energy: 196 ft-lbs.<\/p>\n

Cams: HexCoil Cam System<\/p>\n

Limbs: Quad Limb Composite<\/p>\n

String: Ravin Proprietary<\/p>\n

Riser: Aluminum CNC<\/p>\n

Stock Material: Polymer<\/p>\n

Draw Force: 17 lbs.<\/p>\n

Weight: 8.4 lbs.<\/p>\n

Length: 26.75\u2033<\/p>\n

Axle-to-Axle, Cocked: 4.3\u201d<\/p>\n

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Available on GunsAmerica Now<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/listings\/search<\/p>\n

Included: 100-Yard Illuminated 550 FPS 3x Scope, 3 Ravin .003 arrows w\/field tips, removable draw handle, and quiver\/mounting bracket.<\/p>\n

MSRP: $2,749.99<\/p>\n

Find more information on Ravin Crossbows here.<\/a> <\/p>\n

\"part
The R470\u2019s substantial foregrip (bottom) keeps the non-shooting hand well below the handguard (above).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Brian McCombie (Writer)<\/p>\n

A full-time writer, Brian\u2019s work focuses on hunting and firearms, day and thermal optics, and other shooting gear. He\u2019s been fortunate enough to hunt much of the USA and Canada. His favorite hunt is chasing Texas hogs at night using a suppressed rifle outfitted with a thermal scope.<\/p>\n

Dream hunt: Alaskan brown bear.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s taken handgun self-defense courses and long-range rifle classes for hunters. Brian continues to dive deeply into the new technologies so much a part of today\u2019s hunting and shooting experiences.<\/p>\n

His top firearms include AR-15\u2019s and AR-10\u2019s, double-stack 1911\u2019s, and lever actions.<\/p>\n

Experience: <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Full-time writer since 1994<\/h3>\n

Has used thermal optics for over a decade<\/h3>\n

Written hundreds of firearm reviews and hunting stories<\/h3>\n

Loves the tech: night vision, thermals, suppressors, apps, etc.<\/h3>\n

Favorite handgun caliber, 10MM AUTO!<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Was the scope off, or was it the shooter? My first shot landed a few inches high and left of center \u2014 nearly four inches from the bull. My next shot just missed the lower-left edge. McCombie is holding the Ravin R470 crossbow he assembled. I figured the scope was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16795"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16797,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16795\/revisions\/16797"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}