At longer distances, my arrows were well within a 3-inch circle, even out to 100 yards. Once the crossbow was initially zeroed, I was dead on at 20, 30 and 40 yards, with shots close enough to dead center to require sending one arrow downrange per target. The scope is set up for distances ranging from 20 to 100 yards in 10-yard increments. My review sample was only 3 inches high at 10 yards on the first shot, and before the session was over I was dangerously close to “Robin Hoods” at all distances. The scope must be mounted by the consumer, which means shooting must begin at 10 yards for initial zero, but once the mount screws are tightened permanently, it shouldn’t take more than three or four shots to get on target. Shooters will also love the compact red-green illuminated nine-reticle scope provided with the Ravin R26 package. The quiver then snaps into place on either side of the stock, giving shooters their choice of left- or right-handed arrow storage. The mounting screw is built into the unit and is easily hand-tightened. The crossbow package includes six arrows - double the amount included by most manufacturers - and the quiver mount is a simple one-screw system that takes all of five seconds to secure. For more information: There’s more to like about the Ravin R26, too.Other features: Available in new Predator Dusk Camo self-storing cocking crank ambidextrous cocking and un-cocking system ambidextrous safety and QD quiver mount.Axle-to-axle width: 5.75 inches cocked, 9.25 inches uncocked.Cocking device: Integrated crank device with self-storing handle.Sight: nine-reticle, red-green illuminated scope provided.Trigger pull: 4 pounds dry-fire inhibitor.

Arrows: 20 inches, proprietary nock six arrows included in package.

Even shooters with extremely long fingers will be protected by the cleverly designed foregrip. I especially like the foregrip-flange assembly, which keeps the shooter’s hands and fingers well below and away from the string. Also, the scope has a black matte finish, serving the same purpose. Other great features of the Ravin R26 is the new Predator Dusk Camo color, which is essentially a black matte finish that deer won’t pick up at a distance because there is no chance for morning or afternoon sunlight to reflect off the limbs or stock. The 9.5-inch power stroke generates arrow speeds of 400 fps, well above most other larger, longer, wider crossbows. The crossbow can easily be cocked while standing or sitting, in a stand or blind, with a draw weight of only 12 pounds.

The ratchet handle fits tightly into the stock, and the cocking sled is also part of the trigger mechanism. The Ravin R26 includes an integral cocking system that is outstanding. No matter how confined the space (certain blinds and stands come to mind), the R26 will fit the situation, giving hunters more range of motion and ease of operation than many other crossbows on the market. This, my friends, is a crossbow that is ideal for still-hunting, stalking, stand hunting or blind hunting. Not only that, but its 5.75-inch axle width made it noticeably slimmer and more compact.Īt only 6.5 pounds with scope and three-arrow quiver attached, the R26 is what I’d call a real and true “tactical” crossbow: slim, trim, easy to carry and - as we’ll discover later - accurate to three inches at 100 yards. I could easily hold the crossbow in one hand, and the entire, fully assembled unit was shorter than my arm. As soon as I pulled the R26 out of the box, I knew Ravin was on to something special with this crossbow introduction.

Ravin crossbow crank