by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Sen_X AR-6 Tactical Arrow Repeating Crossbow.
This report covers:
- What I got
- What it is
- Whaaaaat?
- Robin Hood?
- Some assembly required
- Laser designator
- Operation
- Cocking
- How powerful is it?
- The arrows
- The story of the Robin Hood
- The sound
- Why?
- The plan
- Show us what you got
Merry Christmas!
What I got
This is the surprise I mentioned a few days ago — my Christmas present from Pyramyd AIR — the Sen-X AR-6 Tactical Arrow Repeating Crossbow. It arrived several days ago. I told you about this bow back in August, in Part 1 of my report on the 2019 Pyramyd AIR Cup. I even showed you a picture of me shooting it.
Back in August I said BB wanted to own one. Now, thanks to the generosity of Pyramyd AIR, I do!
What it is
The AR-6 is a 6-shot repeating crossbow pistol. In all ways it is a crossbow, except that it is a repeater that is held in the hands like a pistol instead of against the shoulder.
It’s not powerful, but more of a fun thing. It can generate up to 12.66 foot-pounds with heavy arrows and shoots in the 220 f.p.s. region with lighter ones.
Oh, and did I mention that it’s accurate?
Whaaaaat?
Okay, BB, you have our attention! Yes, this quiet little crossbow is so accurate that, as I was getting used to it, I almost shot a Robin Hood!
These two shots were taken from about 20 feet distance. The target was the bull above them. One arrow scraped some paint off the other!
Robin Hood?
That is when one arrow goes into the back of another — like the shot Robin Hood made to win the archery contest in the story. I’ll return to that in a moment, but first let me tell you about setting up the bow.
Some assembly required
The bow comes to you in three main pieces, with the limb (the bow) being separate from the crossbow deck. The repeating mechanism is the third part. When I first saw that I thought I was in trouble, but fortunately they sent a paracord stringing aid in the box and I had the bow attached to the deck and strung in 20 minutes.
The repeating mechanism went right on with two bolts and I was ready to shoot! I set up my crossbow target bag in the backyard and let fly from 15 feet. The AR-6 has a front sight post and I remembered from last August to line it up just over the top of the magazine cover spring that sticks up at the rear of the bow. When I use this sight the arrows land in line with the sight but below the aim point.
Laser designator
This crossbow also has a laser designator built in. I have examined it but not yet sighted it in. It is pointing far below the aim point (the sight I just described) at present.
Operation
To ready the bow for shooting if there is an arrow in the magazine you simply cock it. A small leaf spring inside the magazine pushes the arrows down onto the flight deck. Cocking the bow brings the bowstring back behind the bottom arrow, making it ready to fly.
The magazine holds up to 6 arrows. There are slots around the magazine that allow you to check the status of arrows.
Cocking
To cock the bow you press the latch on top of the cocking handle behind the grip with your thumb and then press down on the cocking handle at the back of the bow. It’s not unlike cocking a breakbarrel air rifle. It takes some force to cock, but after a couple arrows you get used to it. It’s no harder than cocking a magnum spring rifle.
The firing safety is a golden bar that sticks out on both sides of the bow above the pistol grip. Once the bow is cocked and the cocking lever and pistol grip are returned to their locked position, push this safety forward and hear a small click. The bow is ready to fire. It took you far longer to read about it than it takes to do it. Because this is a repeater you keep doing the same thing until the magazine is empty. There are slots on both sides of the mag to show you the status. You don’t want to dry-fire the crossbow, as that will damage it.
How powerful is it?
I know the stated power is just 12.5 foot-pounds, but we are not talking about a lightweight pellet. These arrows are 103-grains (or more!) missiles that don’t want to stop, once they are in motion. Look at the bag target above. That is able to stop 400-grain arrows going 440 f.p.s. and these arrows are a quarter the weight and only going half that speed. Yet they sunk in almost 4-inches!
The arrows
I was sent several target arrows. They are the lightest and go the fastest. And truthfully they are the ones I will use the most. I also have three broadhead hunting arrows.
The AR-6 shoots hunting arrows (center) and target arrows.
The story of the Robin Hood
After assembling the bow I was in my back yard with my neighbor, Denny, and we were both learning about the AR-6. I remembered a few things from shooting one at the Pyramyd AIR Cup, plus I had the owner’s manual. That was enough to get us going.
I started us at 15 feet because I didn’t want to miss the bag. I’m sure my fence would stop these arrows, but they might also glance off something and go who knows where. So we started at 15 feet. And both of us did pretty good. We only shot two target arrows each at this time.
On my second turn I backed up to 20 feet. I now knew what to expect, so I held offhand as well as I could and sighted for the center bullseye on the bag. Then I squeezed the trigger they way you are supposed to. When I shot neither Denny or I could see where my arrows had gone. All we knew from the sound was they had both hit the bag.
When we walked to the bag and saw the arrows I photographed them. I also decided to shoot from farther away, because the AR-6 is quite accurate! In fact, I think I will not shoot two arrows at the same target again, unless the distance is 10 meters or more. Just wait until I get the laser adjusted!
The sound
Crossbows are very quiet to begin with, and this pistol probably sets a record among them for being the quietest. And the impact of the arrow on the bag isn’t very loud. This is a very backyard-friendly piece!
Why?
What is the attraction to the AR-6? Well, if you like to shoot — this is something that’s quiet and relatively short range. Do you remember the WW II German submarine captain who had a BB pistol in his cabin when his boat was captured? Well, the AR-6 is your way to shoot a crossbow in a small urban back yard in complete anonymity and relative safety.
Do you like to throw darts? The AR-6 is just a bigger game of darts. And that is as far as I will go with that. You either understand and see the benefit or the AR-6 is not your cup of tea.
The plan
I will tell you all about this bow and show you everything. I’m just taking it easy today.
I think this AR-6 is a big deal. I plan to write several reports and also to make a video or two, to show you how it works. Today is Christmas, though I’m writing this on Christmas Eve. Yes, there will be another report tomorrow, but I am working half days during the holidays. Just 12 hours instead of 18! Ha!
Show us what you got
I showed you my present. Now show us yours.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas everybody.
Merry Christmas Tom and all the Readership that celebrates this Holiday!
We are lucky to be having a White Christmas to boot!
It is SNOWING and we have WOXOF to boot!
So it is REALLY WHITE!
Early rise for skiing to church and then opening gifts!
Hope you all receive the biggest gift of all with open hearts!
And, a few great wrapped gifts too! B.B. has his unwrapped already!
shootski
B.B.,
Maligayang Pasko Tom! (Merry Christmas!) Didn’t get anything airgun related this Christmas, but I’m very glad that my family is healthy and we have a roof over our heads.
Siraniko
PS Section The arrows: The picture is missing.
Siraniko,
Wow! That was a big one! Thanks.
Merry Christmas,
B.B.
Umarex Gauntlet .22 under the tree for me
MMCM13,
Good one! You know we want to hear about it when you get it going.
Merry Christmas,
B.B.
I received a gift from Pyramyd AIR.
I waited for Christmas sales to order the Diana Mauser K98 PCP pellet rifle but was totally disappointed by the “Coupon exempt Item” sign on the web page after the sales started. So I ordered it anyway thinking it may actually get sold out for Christmas. I voiced my disappointment because they eventually did make it a discounted item shortly after I ordered it. Well sure enough they adjusted the price I paid and compensated me.
I don’t know if the fact that I have accumulated over $39,000. in Bullseye Bucks over the past 10 years played any part in their decision but I doubt it.
They honestly do try to be the best Airgun company and keep their customers totally satisfied. It was not the first time they worked things out with me either. In return I always go to Pyramyd AIR to purchase airguns and equipment and 99 % of the time they have what I am looking for.
I have never been let down or felt I came out on the short end of a deal. A great American Company ! Thank you, and a Merry Christmas to you all. Looking forward to the future with Airguns.
Hope the older guy who runs this Blog hangs in there for us for many more years. OK, so two days older is still older … 😉
Like that top arrow. Looks like you could use it as a ball point pen too.
Bob M.
He could call you “Sonny” being so much older than you, Bob (but we know he never would, lol). Merry Christmas.
Sonny, I mean Bob,
Wasn’t that a nice surprise?
Merry Christmas,
B.B.
BB
“Sonny” Well you got me there. I was expecting a Jr or Young Feller. But I should have used Senior or Respected Elder myself but ‘old man’ is part of my normal vocabulary.
One things for sure the longer you live the more memories you accumulate. And I remember the last time I was called Sonny.
Over 30 years ago while on a regular desert camp out ( Shooting, off roading and stacking up lots of empty beer cans around a camp fire with some old shipmates) someone asked ” I wonder if we will still be coming out here under this tree drinking and hiking when we are in our 80’s ?” Mimicking another friend of ours from New Orleans. I replied ” Lemi told you wat we gonna did. We gonna git som o dem off road walkers, ear trumpets and just be waken on down the road sippen on a cool one fo shor.”
And as I rose to get another beer someone says, in a tired old mans voice ” Eah Sonny, can you fetch me one o dem cool ones from that there ice box while yup?”
Spent the morning checking out my eye lids for any holes. Nothing but mud and rain outside.
And yes that was a nice surprise, especially when I never really asked for anything. Just suggested that they add something like, “Except for special occasions and Holliday sales” after the “Exempt from coupons” statement on the web site.
Bob M
To one and all I wish a Most Blessed Christmas! I thank all of you for sharing this with me!
BB
I see that there is a target model and a hunters model that sales for a little more.
Which do you have?
And Merry Christmas BB and all.
GF1,
I’m pretty sure it’s the target model. But I can replace the limb with a hunting limb.
B.B.
BB
Do the other limbs come with it or do you have to buy them separate?
And here read this.
“Laser designator
This crossbow also has a laser designator built in. I have examined it but not yet sighted it in. It is pointing far below the aim point (the sight I just described) at present.”
I’m thinking the laser is sighted for a farther distance than you shot at. I’m thinking maybe 25 yards.
GF1,
You buy the limbs separate.
If the laser was for farther distances it would be too high close in. Think of a drooper.
B.B.
BB
Nope the other way around. If it was too high close in you would hit low out at distance.
Remember the projectile will drop from where it leaves the gun.
Use your two pointing fingers. Have the right hand finger be the barrel and your left finger the laser impact point. Hold your left finger higher above your right finger by say a foot. Now hold both at a chair close to you. Then point both at a table across the room. Tell me where you think the arrow will hit. High or low.
Now do the other way like I’m saying the laser needs to be sighted. Now hold your left finger which is the laser below your right finger. Look at the same chair close to you. Then look at the table across the room. Your barrel is now pointed up higher then the the dot.
A laser will only allow the projectile to impact one sight in distance. All the other distances the laser will need to be above or below the impact spot.
Try the finger thing and tell me what you think.
GF1,
I have to think about this but I think you are right. I always think in scope terms and the laser isn’t a scope.
B.B.
BB
You have the cross bow there with you? If so just point it at a chair by you and kind of see where the barrel is pointing.
Then point the laser across the room and see how the barrel is pointed. I bet it’s pointing up higher than the laser dot.
Try and let us know what you see when you get a chance.
GF1,
I just figured it out and you are right. The laser stays straight and the arrow falls in flight. At some distance the lines intersect.
B.B.
BB
Yep. Good explanation. That’s what I was trying to say.
Now all you got to do is shoot at some targets at different distances. When the arrow impacts were the laser points you found out what distance they have the laser zeroed at.
I’m thinking they already pre-sighted the crossbow in some way for a certain distance.
Ho! Ho!Ho!Ho!!! Merrrryyy Christmas, everyone! Hope all have a happy, healthy, fruitful holiday and a very Happy New Year! Santa missed my drop-off point so I have to drive to Pueblo( 140 mi. one way) to pick up my new Condor SS in 22 and 25 cal next week. Oh, darn it, now I will have to spend the start of the new year learning all about a new gun!
Merry Christmas to one and all!
Bruce
B B B,
Aahh! That’s awful! If that is too much of a burden for you, there is always RRHFWA. 😉
RR- Yes, it is a fearsome task, but I will trudge along, following your great example of preservation of our treasures! By the way, I had heard that you were running out of room. I could be of help with your overflow.
B B B,
It is not so much that I am running out of room as it is I do not wish to add more rooms. I can only give but so many the attention they deserve. I guess I will always make room for one of the older ladies, but the young ladies usually are not ready to settle down.
I am considering building a “spa” when I retire.
I usually do not have difficulty with finding homes for the ladies who decide they wish to live elsewhere, but I will keep you in mind.
RR- Crumbs! I will except even crumbs!!!
B B B – LOL! We will see what we can do for you. 😉
I’m sure I’ve said it before that this site is where I start every morning. There is just soo much info to be gleened from Tom and everyone else on subjects that cover a WIDE range of topics,not only air guns. THANK YOU Mr. Gaylord for all the work that keeps so many of us coming back! I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a better New Year than 2019! By the way, there is a gift under the tree that is not too big but very heavy. Pellets maybe? I’m running a little low on 25 JSB’s.
Rk,
Thanks for the kind words. And Merry Christmas.
B.B.
Merry Christmas everyone! Please have a beautiful day.
B.B., that is a really interesting crossbow pistol that looks like it would be extremely fun to use! I’m looking forward to learning more about it.
Best to all,
Will
WILL,
Merry Christmas.
I am really looking forward to shooting this bow a lot more!
B.B.
BB
It’s our savior’s birthday!
I have a silly math thing going on. What is the correct group size measurement for multiple Robin Hoods all going exactly through a single hole? Seems to me it is .00 inches. Most folks who shoot targets competitively have done it with 5 shot groups at 10 meters I suspect. I have done it and I hardly am a professional. Maybe electronic scoring is required to overcome tears ruining the actual holes made.
I’m curious.
Deck
Deck,
I have no idea! 🙂
B.B.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Jim M.
And a very merry Christmas to all here. Blessings of airguns and similar toys to you all!
Anyone else been catching “A Christmas Story” on the Tele? (Ralphie/Red Ryder/,….”shoot your eye out”) It is a usual Christmas tradition here. I will have it off and on,.. catch it a various parts in between or maybe even watch the entire thing. Bottom line,…. it is the fall back, go to, must see for the 12/25 day.
Hope that everyone had a good one. My RW probably took up the next 6 Christmas’ to my self,… so nothing new to show here. Then again,……… ? 😉
Chris
Yup, watched it this morning 🙂
Geo,
While I can relate directly with most of it,…. my experience’s are about 10 years ahead of that,…. being near,… too near,…. 60 now. I would give that movie a late 50’s, early 60’s time frame. Late 50’s is my guess.
Any of you historians out there,… feel free to jump in and set me straight. Car models? Other indicators?
Chris
Chris,
Around 1947-48 is my guess. I have been to the Higbees in the beginning of the movie. It’s in Cleveland.
B.B.
BB,
Thank you! Well,… I guess I was a “wee bit off” on that guess,……… 😉
Hey,…. I wasn’t even thought about at that time! 🙂
Chris
Actually, the Christmas Story was portrayed to have been in 1940-ish Hammond, Indiana.
The Parker family’s 1937 Oldsmobile Six four-door touring sedan is a prominent supporting character. Older than you thought huh?
I cheated, wikipedia, early 1940’s
Benji-Don
A Merry and Blessed Christmas to all – much health to you and many more years of airgunning to enjoy!
AKA “FawltyManuel” – the Mrs’ iPad “outed” me.
No new guns for me…but I got some liquor and a puzzle box. I figure I’m going to drink and try and open it.
Edw,
:),…….. LOL! You got some real “primo” ones in there! Good luck with all of that!
Chris
Edw
Or try opening it and when you can’t drink. 😉
Either way have fun. 🙂
B.B., and all
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you. No new airguns for me lately, I do have quite a few that need some exercise along with myself. I ordered an assortment of slugs and will report on those when I get them. I waited too long on the FX slugs and they are on back order, I really want to try those. I wish my RAW 1000 was a bit more backyard friendly but my range is too short anyway, I guess that will have to wait for the snow to melt at the cabin.
Looks like the blog handles that were changed like mine go back through time not just the new entries. Not a big deal for my name but has me confused about who’s comment I am reading.
Benji-Don
Don,
Thanks for the correction on “A Christmas Story”. Keep us posted as to any slug results. I am very interested in them,… with regards to anything that I currently have,.. (stock,… .25 M-rod, .22 Maximus, now regulated,.. and .25 HP RW).
Chris
Don
Yep same here with the names as to trying to know who is who.
I wonder why some stayed as they were and some have thier actual names now.
Don,
My HM1000X likes a little leg room also. Fortunately I have enough and I also do not have to worry about whether she is backyard friendly. Someone in my “neighborhood” went through a couple hundred rounds with his AR Christmas Eve. I would probably have to bring out a 105mm to get my neighbors’ attention.
Please do keep us updated on the slugs.
B.B.,
Great blog. I can picture you having an enjoyable time with this crossbow. Although not powerful, I have no doubt it can be lethal. I have seen a single shot crossbow that is like this one. The owner believe it can be useful in a survival situation. If it can be shot accurately I expect it can be. The British take rabbit and wood pigeons (to eat) with their sub 12 fpe rifles. That razor sharp broad head bolt can slice through blood vessels. It kills by hemorrhage (as you well know; I am just thinking through my fingers) so the area with the most blood vessels is the kill zone. Of course, being able to find the animal is another issue if it travels out of sight.
Have you ever heard of George M. Stevens. He lived in Arkansas. He wrote a book, published in 1978, titled “Crossbows From Thirty-Five Years with the Weapon”. It is out of print, but can be found on re-sale sites.
Here is something you may find interesting. It is the patent Sevens was awarded for a repeating crossbow.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US3125998
I hope you continue to enjoy you new crossbow.
~ken
Ken,
I’m going to look for that book! Thank you,
B.B.