New to archery with question

[Dave550]

I picked up a used crossbow and one of the bolts has something I was hoping someone could let me know the purpose. Thanks in advance. What’s the red thing on one of them?

 

[Asbestos]

Mini Nuke for large game?

 

[Dave550]

I think it may be used for decocking so it doesn’t penetrate my target?

 

[Allsmiles]

Looks very much like a discharge arrow. Most of the time it is plastic or rubber. It keeps the arrow from going in so deep that you break it trying to get it out. Ask me how I know that...

 

[Asbestos]

I think it may be used for decocking so it doesn’t penetrate my target?

I suppose it could be… I’ve intentionally skipped over crossbows during my archery years.

 

[Timber Cruiser]

When my Dad got too old for his compound and switched to crossbow, we always joked that we’d rather take a bolt in the ass than the decocker bolt. His had one piece steel head that looked like it would hurt like hell.