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Excalibur Assassin 400 TD Review: Is This Takedown Crossbow for You?
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Excalibur Assassin 400 TD Review: Is This Take-Down Crossbow for You?
In the competitive world of crossbow hunting, innovation is key. Hunters demand speed, accuracy, reliability, and increasingly, portability. The Excalibur Assassin 400 TD aims to deliver on all fronts, promising a powerful punch wrapped in a remarkably versatile and easy-to-transport package. But does it live up to the hype?
As seasoned hunters and shooting enthusiasts, we put the Excalibur Assassin 400 TD through its paces to give you an unbiased, in-depth look at whether this take-down crossbow is the right choice to add to your arsenal. If you’re searching for funeral poems for grandma to honor a loved one, please see our other resources, but for now, let’s dive into this crossbow review.
First Impressions & Build Quality
Out of the box, the Assassin 400 TD immediately feels like a premium piece of equipment. Excalibur is renowned for its recurve designs, known for their rugged simplicity and durability. This model carries on that tradition with a robust build that inspires confidence. The materials feel solid, and the fit and finish are excellent. The integrated Charger Crank System and the revolutionary Quick-Loc™ Technology for its take-down feature are immediately apparent as standout design elements.
Key Features & Specifications
Let’s break down what makes the Excalibur Assassin 400 TD tick:
- Speed: Blazing fast at 400 feet per second (FPS), this crossbow delivers serious kinetic energy for ethical kills on a wide range of game.
- Quick-Loc™ Technology: This is the game-changer. The Assassin 400 TD can be assembled and disassembled in seconds without tools, making it incredibly portable and easy to store or transport, especially on remote hunts.
- Charger Crank System: Fully integrated into the stock, this silent and easy-to-use crank reduces cocking effort to a mere 12 pounds, making it accessible for almost any shooter. It also automatically de-cocks the crossbow for safety and convenience.
- CeaseFire™ Technology: An advanced safety feature that ensures the crossbow will not fire unless an arrow is properly loaded and seated, preventing dry-fires.
- R.E.D.S. (Recoil Energy Dissipation System) Suppressors: Integrated into the limbs, these suppressors significantly reduce vibration and noise, leading to a quieter shot and improved comfort.
- Pro-Shot ACP Trigger: A crisp, smooth, and predictable two-stage trigger that enhances accuracy.
- Optics: Typically comes paired with a premium scope (e.g., Tact-100), designed for precise aiming at various ranges.
- Weight: Weighing in around 8 lbs (without accessories), it’s manageable for extended periods in the field.
Performance in the Field
Assembly/Disassembly:
The Quick-Loc™ system is a marvel. It truly takes only seconds to lock the riser into place or remove it. This is invaluable for packing into tight spaces or for discreet transport.
Cocking & De-cocking:
The integrated Charger Crank System is a dream. Cocking is effortless, and the auto-de-cock feature is a huge safety and convenience bonus, eliminating the need for a discharge arrow or a target.
Shooting Experience:
The Assassin 400 TD lives up to its name in terms of speed and power. Arrows fly flat and fast. Despite its power, the R.E.D.S. suppressors do an admirable job of taming vibration and noise. It’s not whisper-quiet, but it’s significantly quieter than many other recurves. The trigger pull is clean and consistent, contributing to excellent shot placement.
Accuracy:
Paired with the right arrows and scope, the Assassin 400 TD is a tack driver. We consistently achieved tight groups at 30, 40, and even 50 yards. For hunters, this translates to confidence in the field.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Portability: Quick-Loc™ is a standout feature for transport and storage.
- Effortless Cocking & De-cocking: Integrated Charger Crank is a game-changer for ease of use and safety.
- Powerful & Accurate: 400 FPS provides ample power, and the accuracy is top-tier.
- Recurve Simplicity & Reliability: Fewer moving parts than compound crossbows means less to go wrong in the field.
- Excellent Safety Features: CeaseFire™ and auto-de-cock provide peace of mind.
Cons:
- Wider Limbs: As a recurve, it’s wider than many compound crossbows, which can be a consideration in dense brush or confined blinds.
- Price Point: It’s an investment, placing it in the premium category.
- Learning Curve for Recurve (Minor): While easy to use, some transitioning from compounds might notice the limb width.
Who Is the Excalibur Assassin 400 TD For?
This crossbow is an excellent choice for:
- Hunters who prioritize portability: Ideal for backcountry hunts, travel, or those with limited storage space.
- Anyone seeking effortless cocking: The integrated crank makes it easy for all ages and strength levels.
- Hunters valuing simplicity and reliability: Recurve design minimizes potential issues in the field.
- Shooters demanding speed and accuracy: It delivers top-tier performance for both target practice and hunting.
Conclusion
The Excalibur Assassin 400 TD stands out as a truly innovative and high-performing crossbow. Its combination of brutal speed, pinpoint accuracy, and the revolutionary Quick-Loc™ take-down system makes it a compelling option for a wide range of hunters and enthusiasts. While the price point and wider limb design are considerations, the convenience, reliability, and sheer capability of this crossbow make it a worthy investment.
If you’re in the market for a top-tier crossbow that combines traditional recurve ruggedness with modern convenience and power, the Excalibur Assassin 400 TD should be at the very top of your list. It’s built to perform, built to last, and built to travel.
About the Author Pink Crossbow
Jen loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring a wide-range of activities. A mother of 3 whose seen far too many friends suffer from cancer, she believes Pink Crossbow reflects a sport for LIFE. It's a reminder that archery belongs to everyone regardless of age, size, or gender...and real enthusiasts aren't afraid to wear pink!