Or you will get hurt

I have always paid attention as to how I hold the crossbow when I shoot it, until last night!!

My hands were real cold (forgot my gloves). And as I was walking to the truck I put in my de-cocking bolt and just swung the bow toward the ground and fired it

So glad my thumb is still attached to my hand

But it definitely hurts bad, bruising and swelling go most of the way through it

I will really be careful setting traps later this month to avoid getting my thumb again

WARNING ••••••KEEP FINGERS BELOW HAND GUARD •••••••• WARNING

YES, READ IT AND FOLLOW IT! My uncle did the same thing, except he may never grow a regular thumbnail again. A year after the incident he still can't move his thumb right. He had to get stitches and therapy for it.

Owe! The reverse draw crossbows have a much smaller danger area

Wow, that looks like it really hurts!

Ouch,a hang nail.

My Excalibur can be un-cocked using the rope cocking devise. No bolt or firing of the bow is required. That still wont prevent an injury when shooting it if you let your fingers stick up into the string path.

I have 2 crossbows and had a hand crank put on the first one, the 2nd one had one on it.I use that to release the sting on both and no problems.I always keep my hand and fingers below the rail of the crossbow.Sorry to hear what have happened to the thumb.It take some getting use to hold it like I stated. hope it will heal good.

Wow, MT, looks like that hurt. I hope I am never able to say "I know what you're going through."

Moosetrot

Looks like it was just grazed, could have been a lot worse.

Glad it is not that bad.

Lol, I bet you remember to keep em down next time. Lucky you only got nicked.