equally to the destruction of a single enemy, at the moderate range - to the archer - of 80 to 100 yards, or at much longer distances in the case of groups of horse or foot.

It will be understood from what I have written that its weight and size, and tedious manipulation, were the drawbacks of the crossbow in open battle, and that its heavy bolt, great power and accuracy, and its convenience for the defence or attack of fortifications, were its advantages.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 The Crossbow   >  Chapter 1   >   Military Crossbow   >   p.10