Safety first
- Always follow your crossbow manual. These steps are general.
- Keep fingers below the flight deck and clear of the string path at all times.
- Point the bow in a safe direction.
- Never dry fire. Never pull the trigger without an arrow loaded.
- Set the safety as soon as the bow is cocked, if it does not set automatically.
Method 1: Rope-sled cocker
Rope cocking roughly halves the effort of hand cocking and keeps the string centered.
- Place the bow nose down with your foot in the stirrup.
- Hook the rope over the stock at the marked point and attach the hooks to the string on each side of the rail.
- Stand upright and pull the handles evenly up and back, using your legs and back, until the string latches.
- Confirm the safety is on, then remove the rope cocker.
Method 2: Built-in crank (ACUdraw family)
Crank systems like ACUdraw (Rampage XS), ACUdraw Silent (Titan 400, RDX 410) and ACUdraw De-Cock (Fury 410) live inside the stock.
- Engage the crank handle as your manual describes.
- Attach the claw or hooks to the string if required.
- Turn the crank until the string latches into the trigger.
- Confirm the safety, then stow the handle and release the strap if applicable.
Method 3: ACUslide
ACUslide, on the Venom X, Stealth 450, Flatline 460 and Nitro 505 families, is TenPoint's integrated crank that also de-cocks. The general process is similar to other crank systems: engage, crank until the string latches, confirm safety. Follow TenPoint's instructions precisely.
How to unload or de-cock
If your bow has ACUslide or ACUdraw De-Cock, follow the manual's de-cocking procedure to let the string down under control. If not, the safe way to unload is to fire an arrow with a field point into a proper target or a discharge bag. Never try to let the string down by hand.
Which method is right for you?
Rope cocking is cheapest and lightest. Cranks are easier on the body and quieter to use in a stand. De-cocking systems add safety and convenience at the end of the day. See the ACUdraw cocking device guide for upgrades.
Common cocking mistakes
- Cocking with the string off center, which can hurt accuracy and wear the string unevenly.
- Letting fingers drift above the flight deck while handling the string.
- Forgetting to confirm the safety is on after cocking.
- Loading an arrow before you are ready to shoot, especially while climbing or walking.
- Trying to let the string down by hand. This is dangerous. Use a de-cocking system or fire into a discharge bag.
Most cocking accidents come from rushing. Build a slow, identical routine and follow it every time, even in the excitement of a hunt.
Cocking in a tree stand or blind
Many hunters cock on the ground before climbing, then unload before climbing down. Check your state's rules and your safety harness instructions, and never climb with a loaded crossbow. Use a haul line to raise and lower the bow, uncocked and unloaded.
Cranks are easier to use seated than rope cockers, and quieter systems such as ACUdraw Silent are designed for this exact situation. If you plan to re-cock in the stand often, a crank bow such as the RDX 410 or an ACUslide bow like the Stealth 450 makes life easier.
How much effort does each method take?
Hand cocking is the hardest and least consistent. A rope sled roughly halves the effort and centers the string. Crank systems reduce effort much further, to the point where most hunters, including youth and those with shoulder issues, can cock comfortably. If cocking effort is holding you back, the aftermarket ACUdraw cocking device is sold with adapters for Wicked Ridge models.
After cocking: loading and carrying
Once the bow is cocked and the safety is on, only load an arrow when you are in position and ready to hunt. Seat the arrow fully against the string, with the correct nock orientation for your bow, and make sure the arrow retention spring holds it. Keep the bow pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot.
If you need to move, climb or cross an obstacle, unload first. That habit prevents most accidents and protects your gear too. If your bow does not de-cock, carry a discharge bag for this purpose.
Which cocking system fits you
If you want the least effort, a built-in crank with de-cocking is the simplest daily routine. TenPoint lists ACUslide on bows like the Venom X and Flatline 460. If budget is the priority, the built-in ACUdraw on the Wicked Ridge Commander M1 and Rampage XS gives you crank cocking at the lowest prices we track, without de-cocking.
For a direct look at how the two Wicked Ridge systems compare, read Fury 410 vs RDX 410. If you already own a bow and want an upgrade, our ACUdraw cocking device guide explains the listed adapters for Wicked Ridge models. Whatever the system, practice the full cock and de-cock routine at home before your first hunt.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cock a crossbow by hand?
How do you uncock a crossbow without shooting it?
Is ACUslide the same as ACUdraw?
Related reading
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