Does This Crossbow Make All Others Obsolete?

Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 15, 2025

The Article Body

Introduction

The raccoons have been winning. For the past month, it’s been a nightly battle for control of my workshop trash cans. I'd sit on my back porch, my trusty old single-shot crossbow across my lap, waiting. Last Tuesday, I finally got a clear shot at the ringleader. A clean miss. By the time I fumbled to cock the string, grab another bolt, and re-aim, the entire masked bandit family was gone, leaving me with an overturned can and a deep sense of frustration. It was in that moment I realized my problem wasn't my aim; it was my rate of fire. That’s what sent me down the rabbit hole and led me to the Repeating Adder Crossbow. A crossbow with a 5-shot magazine? It sounded like something out of a video game. But I had to know: is this a legitimate tool or just a tactical gimmick?

Does This Crossbow Make All Others Obsolete?

My hands-on review of the Repeating Adder Crossbow. I tested its 5-shot magazine for speed, accuracy, and real-world durability. A game-changer?

GO TO AMAZON

The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

The Repeating Adder is a brilliantly engineered and ridiculously fun tool that fundamentally changes the game for target shooting and pest control. While it won't replace a high-powered hunting crossbow, its rapid-fire capability makes it an indispensable tool for homesteaders, preppers, and anyone who values speed and innovation.

Our Rating Breakdown

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Draw Weight: 130 lbs
• Velocity: Up to 270 FPS (Feet Per Second)
• Magazine Capacity: 5 Bolts
• Cocking Mechanism: Underlever Cocking Arm
• Power Stroke: 7.5"
• Frame: Steel
• Stock: AR-15 Style (Adjustable)
• Included: 15x 7.5" Carbon Bolts, Red Dot Sight, Foregrip, Sling

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Adder arrived in a surprisingly compact box. Everything was neatly packed in dense foam—no rattling, no damaged parts. My first impression upon lifting the main body out was one of substance. This doesn't feel like a toy. The steel frame has a satisfying heft, and the polymer components, like the pistol grip and magazine, feel tough and well-molded, not cheap or brittle.

Assembly was straightforward, taking me about 20 minutes with the included tools. The instructions were clear enough, and the process mostly involved attaching the limb assembly to the main stock and mounting the accessories. The adjustable AR-style stock was a fantastic touch, allowing me to get a perfect, comfortable cheek weld right out of the box.

Putting It to the Test: Real-World Performance

I set up my standard archery target at 25 yards in my backyard. The real magic begins with the cocking lever. You break the lever down, and a claw grabs the string. You pull it back up, and with a satisfying click, it’s cocked. The whole motion is fluid and takes about two seconds. Then, the most incredible part: you just push the lever forward again, and it automatically loads the next bolt from the top-loading magazine.

The first time I emptied all five bolts, I was laughing out loud. I sent five bolts downrange in under 15 seconds. The red dot sight needed some minor adjustment, but once zeroed, the Adder was remarkably accurate. At 25 yards, I was consistently getting 2-inch groupings. The bolts hit with a significant thump, easily burying themselves halfway into my dense foam target. This isn't just a plinker; there's real power here.

I spent the next hour just cycling through the magazine, testing the reliability of the loading mechanism. Not a single jam or misfire. The only ergonomic quirk is that the underlever can get in the way of a traditional bipod, but with the included foregrip, it’s a non-issue.

What Real Users Love (The Pros)

• The 5-Shot Repeating Action: This is the star of the show. It's fast, reliable, and incredibly satisfying to use.
  • Why this matters to you: It means instant follow-up shots for pest control or no downtime between shots when you're just having fun at the range.
• Effortless Cocking System: The underlever design is ingenious. It's fast and requires far less strength than roping or cranking a traditional crossbow.
  • Why this matters to you: Less fatigue means more shooting. It also makes the crossbow accessible to a wider range of body types and strengths. I could cock this all day without breaking a sweat.
• Tactical & Modular Design: The adjustable stock and Picatinny rails allow for a high degree of customization with lights, lasers, and optics.
  • Why this matters to you: You can set up the crossbow to perfectly fit your body and your specific needs, whether for home defense scenarios or varmint hunting at dusk.

Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)

• Limited Power: At 130 lbs, this is strictly a small-game and target-practice crossbow. It is not suitable or ethical for hunting large game like deer.
  • Why this matters to you: If you're looking for an all-in-one hunting solution, this isn't it. You must understand and respect its power limitations.
• Proprietary Bolts: The 7.5" carbon bolts are specifically designed for the Adder's magazine system.
  • Why this matters to you: You can't just run to Walmart and grab any crossbow bolts. You'll need to stock up on the specific bolts made for this model, which can be less convenient.
• Plastic Magazine: While it feels durable now, the long-term longevity of a polymer magazine under constant spring pressure is a valid concern.
  • Why this matters to you: This is the one part I'll be keeping a close eye on over the years. It’s the component most likely to fail first, though it has held up perfectly in my testing so far.

Is It Built to Last? Durability and Long-Term Value

This is not a disposable gadget. The core of the Adder is a robust steel frame that feels like it could survive a serious amount of abuse. The limbs are high-quality fiberglass, standard for modern crossbows. The decision to use an AR-style buffer tube for the stock is a smart one, as it’s a proven, durable system.

The biggest question mark for long-term value is the repeating mechanism itself. It's a series of moving polymer and metal parts. However, the design is based on the well-regarded Cobra RX system, which has a good reputation for reliability. My takeaway is that if you keep it clean and properly maintained, the Adder is a solid investment that will provide years of service. It’s a specialized tool, but it's built like one.

Best Alternatives (The Competition)

If the Adder's unique features aren't a perfect match for you, here are two excellent alternatives:

1. For a Traditional Hunter: Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
   This is a more powerful, traditional crossbow designed for serious hunting. What you lose in speed, you gain in raw power for taking medium to large game ethically.
2. For a Silent Pest Control Specialist: Benjamin Marauder Air Rifle
   If your main goal is backyard pest control, a high-quality PCP air rifle offers similar power, is even quieter, and has cheaper, more available ammunition.

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the realistic effective range of the Adder?
  For accurate, ethical shots on small game, I would keep it within 30-35 yards. For target practice, you can have fun pushing it out to 50 yards, but you'll see a significant bolt drop.
• Can I use the Adder Crossbow for deer hunting?
  Absolutely not. In most states and provinces, its 130 lb draw weight is below the legal minimum for deer. It lacks the kinetic energy for an ethical harvest on large game.
• How durable is the 5-shot plastic magazine?
  It's made of a tough, reinforced polymer. In my testing, it has been flawless. While metal would feel more reassuring, the polymer keeps the weight down and seems perfectly adequate for the job. I wouldn't worry about it for normal use.
• Is the Repeating Adder Crossbow difficult to assemble?
  Not at all. If you can assemble IKEA furniture, you can assemble this. It took me about 20 minutes using the included hex keys and following the clear, illustrated manual.
• Can I leave it cocked?
  No. Like any crossbow, you should never leave the Adder cocked for extended periods (more than a few hours), as it will cause premature wear on the string and limbs and is extremely unsafe.
• Is it legal for home defense?
  Laws vary dramatically by state and city. You must research your local regulations. While it presents a formidable defensive option, you are responsible for understanding its legality in your specific location.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

Last night, I sat on my porch again. This time, the Adder was in my hands. When the big raccoon showed up, I was ready. The first bolt went wide—my fault, I rushed it. But there was no panic. No fumbling. I simply cocked the lever, and the second bolt was ready. The thwack of it hitting the log behind him sent him scrambling for the woods, and my trash cans remained untouched.

The Repeating Adder Crossbow answered a question I didn't even know I had. It's not trying to be the most powerful crossbow; it's trying to be the most useful for high-tempo situations. It’s for the homesteader who needs more than one shot at a coyote harassing the chickens. It’s for the target shooter who wants to spend more time shooting and less time reloading.

If you are a traditionalist hunter seeking a replacement for your deer crossbow, look elsewhere. But if you, like me, appreciate smart engineering that solves a real-world problem—and have a bit of a "cool-gear" streak—then yes, the Adder is absolutely worth it. It’s earned a permanent place in my toolset.

Call to Action

Go ahead and check the latest price and read more user reviews on Amazon. You won't be disappointed.

Audience Growth & Engagement

"Become a WowShopList Insider"

"Love discovering products that are genuinely worth it? I know I do. Subscribe to my exclusive WowShopList Weekly newsletter. Each week, I send one personal email featuring the most unique, innovative, and valuable product I've found—my 'hidden gem' of the week. It's 100% free to join now, and you'll be locked in for life. We plan to make this a paid newsletter in the future, but our founding members will always get it for free."

We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:

• The Only Survival Knife You'll Ever Need? A 3-Year Field Test.
• I Tested 5 "Indestructible" Flashlights: Here's What Broke.
• Building the Ultimate Go-Bag: What the Experts Get Wrong.
• Are Solar Generators Finally Better Than Gas? My Off-Grid Experiment.
• The Best Personal Water Filters for Your Emergency Kit.
• My Search for the Perfect Cast Iron Skillet (And Why I Found It).

Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.