I sold bows and arrows, and crossbows once. I’ve “fired” them all. They’re actually quite fickle, and dangerous. There is a lot of maintenance required, and lots of things that can go wrong. With crossbows, for example, the bolt must weigh a certain weight, or it could simply shatter from the energy in the string, sending shrapnel everywhere.
Arrows can shatter too (carbon fiber ones.) I’ve seen some amazing injuries from that.
I’m not a fan of the bow. With the draw weights so high, you pretty much need a compound bow to hunt decent sized game.
The crossbows are awesome, when used properly.
Both have pretty short range, and are outperformed in almost every area by firearms.
IMO. They’re hobby toys.