To confidently nickname this crossbow the king of all crossbows is no mean feat. Before I came across it, I had always wondered if there was a crossbow that could bring down the Cape buffalo with a single shot.
I sometimes pick quarrels with hunters who keep wounding animals because of their low power weapons. For instance, the crossbows I have owned since I got interested in hunting could only be used for small and medium-sized games such as bucks and the like.
Attempting to shoot big games like the Cape Buffalo was inhumane. Without enough power, such animals simply get wounded. It might take several shots before disabling them. And you know this may not always take seconds.
With the Barnett Ghost 410 crossbow, I doubt if there is any animal that can escape its wrath. For small games, the arrow literally pierces through flesh and bones and emerges on the other side having accomplished the mission.
For the more giant game, I have witnessed deep penetrations that instantaneously stop the animal in its tracks. This is actually what you expect with a weapon rated at 410 fps shooting velocity and 150 pounds kinetic energy.
Below is a comprehensive Barnett Ghost 410 review. I want to be detailed enough, so you get to know everything you need to.
BARNET GHOST 410 CROSSBOW REVIEW
Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow Package
First things first – when you order the Barnett Ghost 410, expect the following items:
- The Barnett Ghost 410 compound crossbow
- 3 x 32 four-reticle illuminated crossbow scope
- Three 22” Easton bolts with field points
- Assembly hardware and tools
- Quick-detach quiver
- Padded crossbow sling
- Extra recoil pad
- Rope-cocking device
- User manual
- Warranty card
Assembling this crossbow is surprisingly easy. I was able to get everything set in less than 5 minutes. Considering the foot stirrup is designed as part of the riser, and the fact that the scope comes already fixed on the stock, the assembly process is greatly simplified.
All you have to do is fasten the riser to the stock using a single Allen key, followed by fastening the quiver mount to the underside of the crossbow using double screws.
Easy, isn’t it?
Also, consider taking a few moments to confirm whether the scope is accurate. If you have a bipod, that would be great to test the scope. Human arms are known to be shaky most of the time.
Barnett Ghost 410 Build
This is a chief consideration when it comes to the selection of a crossbow. The design engineers at Barnett have my full respect for this expertly designed weapon.
First of all, the crossbow is light enough to ensure your left arm does not get shaky as a result of fatigue during the aiming and shooting period. It employs what we call the Carbonlite Riser Technology.
Light weight is also essential when you think of how long you may need to carry the crossbow around.
The crossbow weighs only 7.3 pounds, thanks to the Barnett Ghost 410 CRT.
No hunting expedition is straightforward. From experience, on average, it may take hours of searching before single out your prey of choice. And then comes the shooting.
This is why the bulk of the crossbow is constructed from lightweight carbon material. This also enhances the stability and balance of the weapon. The shoulder is made heavier than the front end to make sure that your aim remains when drawing. Most powerful crossbows are known to have heavier fronts.
The axle to axle width is only 20 inches, and therefore younger hunters will have no problem in using this crossbow. This also spells compactness, which in turn points to ease of transportation. With such a short width, you will find it more than enjoyable to maneuver in tight spots such as tree stand or hunting blind.
Barnett Ghost 410 Design
You definitely would want a weapon that is stylish enough for a quick selfie in the woods. The Barnett Ghost 410 is not left behind in this aspect. The sleek design will carry away any generation Y hunter.
It features an all-black finish. At least this gives us a break from all the camouflage models we are all so used to.
Looks would not mean anything without proper functionality. And that brings us to performance.
Barnett Ghost 410 Performance
As earlier disclosed, the crossbow can attain shooting speeds of up to 410 feet per second. You no longer have to wait until your target prey stands still. The arrow will catch up with that buck within fractions of a second. Such power guarantees you accuracy up to a range of about 80 yards.
The 410 fps shooting speed is made possible by the 185 pounds draw weight. Usually, the higher the draw weight, the higher the shooting speed, and the higher the shooting speed, the greater the kinetic energy released by the arrow. For this crossbow, the kinetic energy stands at 150 pounds. This is lethal enough to kill all manner of game instantly. A higher draw weight like this also makes it easier to hold a draw as you wait for the best shot.
In addition, the trigger mechanism of this crossbow is appropriately smooth, such that you only need a little pressure to fire a shot. The trigger has a crisp break for added accuracy.
The point-blank range for this crossbow is 70 yards. Beyond this distance, 2% of the kinetic energy released is lost for every 10 more yards the arrow travels. You may know that the average kinetic energy required to take down a large variety of game if 75 FPKE.
An arrow shot from the Barnett Ghost 410 will have to travel quite a distance before its kinetic energy drops from 150 to 75.
The high draw weight is manageable, thanks to the rope cocking mechanism added to the crossbow. By using the Barnett Ghost 410 crank cocking device, the draw weight is reduced from 185 pounds to a mere 90 pounds.
Below are two performance graphs for the Barnett Ghost 419 CRT Crossbow. The first one shows the reduction in speed of the arrow as it travels away from the shooting point. The second one shows the reduction in the kinetic energy of the arrow as it travels closer to the target.
Barnett Ghost 410 Bolts
The Barnett Ghost 410 comes with three carbon arrows, each weighing 400 grains and measuring 22” in length. Such arrows are of high quality and very powerful. In the event you want to add to your number of arrows, do not go below this standard, at least to maximize the potential of the Barnett Ghost 410.
Noise suppression
Compound crossbows are generally noisier than recurve crossbows. The underlying reason for this is the high speeds with which compound crossbows fire the arrow. This leaves quite some residual energy which changes to audible vibration.
Such noise can scare away the prey, causing it to suddenly jerk out of position, meaning you may not hit your target. But with a speed of 410 fps, the arrow will almost certainly reach the prey before the noise startles it. By the way, what is the speed of sound? Food for thought.
If you are not a fan of such complex calculations, the easier option is to invest in dampeners. These are purchased separately – they do not come with the crossbow package. The dampeners reduce the noise significantly by causing the vibrations to die out faster.
Quality of optics
You‘ll rarely hunt in the most favorable conditions 100% of the time. Winter may at times find you in the woods. The atmosphere during such periods can be too foggy to allow you to spot your prey easily.
Even during sunny days, it is normal to run late in the woods after a whole afternoon of hunting. I am sure you understand that some animals are most active at dawn and dusk. These are what we call the crepuscular animals. We also have the nocturnal animals which come out at night. Think of coyotes, hogs, raccoons, hares, and deer, among others.
The bottom line is that the importance of night vision cannot be over-emphasized.
The Barnett Ghost 410 scope is simply the best. Being a 3 x 32 four-reticle device, you can hunt in total darkness without many limitations in visibility. Its light gathering ability is top notch.
On top of that, the scope shows no foggy effects on the peripherals. It produces a clear image from end to end.
You will not have to tune the windage and elevation of this scope now and then. It holds its dead-zero for quite a period – the rigors of hunting having been taken into account.
Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow Safety standards
This is the last thing you would want to compromise when it comes to crossbows. Think of how destructive the speed of 410 fps can be. If it can take down an animal, what about your finger or even a fellow hunter?
Accidental firing is not uncommon with novices. To counter this, the Barnett engineers included the automatic anti-dry fire mechanism. When cocked, the crossbow cannot fire unless the arrow is in place.
Another safety feature in the Barnett Ghost 410 is the finger guard mechanism. While your hand is on the fore grip, a mistaken slip may place the fingers right in the path of the string. It pains to visualize the impact of the cable on your tiny fingers.
The fore grip is also of the pass-through type, allowing you to hold the stock firmly.
The crossbow is also fitted with a safety switch that only disengages when the arrow is correctly fitted. There is absolutely no chance of firing without the arrow in place.
Durability
Barnett does not take chances with quality and they are confident with whatever machine they place in the market. The Barnett ghost 410 comes with a 5-year warranty cover. This, however, excludes the cable and the string. These may at times break or get damaged depending on how you handle them. Replacing them should not be a big problem as there are hunting stores aplenty in almost every state.
Some users have reported a number of Barnett Ghost 410 string problems. I cannot verify these claims since I have not yet experienced any issues throughout the years I’ve been using the crossbow.
Barnett ghost 410 Crossbow case
The best soft case for the Barnett Ghost 410 is the Model 17083. I like it because of its extreme durability. Its pockets can comfortably house the four 22” bolts. If you’re keen on hard cases, try the SKB Hu8nter Series Crossbow Case.
Barnett Ghost 410 Crossbow Pros and Cons
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Better safe than sorry
To wind this up, I will concur with this saying that is fast gaining ground among the hunters: If there is an animal you cannot hunt with the Barnett Ghost 410, then you cannot kill it with any other crossbow.
This Barnett crossbow is a big name in the industry. Novices and experts alike desire it. If you do so too, prepare to dig deeper into the pocket. I would not bat an eyelid regarding purchasing one.
With it comes the confidence of a powerful weapon in your hands – no more returning to your camp feeling disappointment by the many misses you made.
Before you buy it, kindly remember to check your state laws regarding ownership of crossbows. This weapon is notoriously famous for having a complicated legal status. This is because it can be used for lethal purposes, similar to firearms.
Some states do not have any specific regulations regarding the crossbow. For those states with laws, the guidelines vary so widely I cannot get into the topic now. In a nutshell, there may be restrictions on minimum ages for possession, restrictions on the sale of both crossbows and bolts, and other minute details regarding the use of the crossbow in hunting.
Just make sure you stay on the right side of the law. The arm of the government may prove as lethal as your Barnett Ghost 410.
Have you experienced any Barnett Ghost 410 problems? Please share it with us in the comments section below. Also, any thoughts on this Barnett Ghost 410 CRT Crossbow review will be welcome.