IMO, For the money a Barnett Quad 400 (150 lbs draw) is a good investment. Watch out with Sportsman's guide..many times they are selling refurbished ones and not new! I own one of these weapons with a 4 power crossbow scope and it has helped keep the meat locker full for the past three winters. FYI--use good quality aluminum shafts with real feather flights like the Horton AP055 MX for hunting and good quality three bladed broadheads (I use Muzzy tri blades) if you expect accurate and solid lethal hits. Graphite bolts may fly faster but they are no wheres near as stable in flight and do not seem to hit anywhere near as hard as the aluminum shafts do.

They say 60 yards for a crossbow like this one but I wouldn't shoot at game and feel comfortable much beyond 40 yards...and it would have to be a perfect opportunity with little or no wind/breeze and proper angle on the animal for me to take a shot that far.

Let me tell ya..with a good aluminum bolt and those Muzzy heads they pass right through white tails and don't even appear to slow down. A shot through the ribcage will stop them in short order. The farthest I've had any travel after being hit is about 40 yards..then they do the weeble-wobble and fall down.

One advantage to a crossbow (besides the obvious ones) is that the animal doesn't even seem to notice it's been hit most times and just flinches at the noise of the bolt hitting the ground on the other side of them and before they know what's happening they are dead.

As with any weapon...PRACTICE with a crossbow is crucial to success! Get you one of those 4x4 block targets and put some holes in it! Sacrifice a few of your "hunting" shafts and broadheads to hone your skill. They will fly way different than "practice" shafts.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!