5thC BC Gastraphetes crossbow SOLD BUT AVAILABLE TO ORDER

This early form of crossbow was developed by the Ancient Greeks some time before 400BC and is spanned by leaning down on the bow to push the slider and trigger back, which then catches on the toothed racks.  This is an established interpretation of this type of crossbow.

It is shot with the stock held against your belly.

Originally these crossbows had a horn/sinew composite bow, but this version uses a linen covered modern composite bow with a relatively long draw, to create a formidable weapon.

Approx 90lb bow weight.

See one being shot here:

Buy additional bolts here

Specification

• This bow is hand spanned.
• Oak stock and slider
• Bronze trigger and rack mechanism
• Modern linen covered composite bow
• Linen string
• Range – around 200m/215yds