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The Bolts Used with Crossbows
the former never seeming to feel the full energy of the bow-string of
a powerful crossbow.
Even bolts suitable for a large sporting crossbow require to be from
2 1/4 to 2 1/2 oz. in weight. Fig. 77, p. 126.
In order to give a sufficient substance for the thick string of the
crossbow to act against, the height of the bolt at its butt-end was the
same as the diameter of the bowstring, which
was usually 1/2 in. thick.
The bolt was then tapered forward to a slightly increased size, which
caused the fore-end of its shaft, over which the sheath of the iron head
fitted, to be 5/8 in. thick.
This gradual preponderance of weight towards its point was a necessary
feature in the short length of a bolt for a crossbow, in order to give
it a proper balance.
The fact of the bolt being tapered as described, also caused the head
and butt only of the bolt to rest on the grooved stock
of the crossbow ; hence friction was reduced, and a longer flight given
to the missile than would otherwise have been the case.
As the recovery of the bolts and arrows discharged in warfare could
not well be expected, especially by the vanquished side, and as immense
numbers were required, they were but of plain construction, for a bestowal
of high finish would have been a waste of money and labour.
On the other hand the bolts and arrows intended for killing deer, or
for target practice, were made with great nicety, their smoothly hammered
steel points being shaped with particular care, and their shafts had always
three feathers, the bolts and arrows used in war usually having only two.
Crossbow bolts for military service
were often winged with thin strips of wood, leather, skin or horn, instead
of with goose or swan feathers.
In some instances a bolt had its feathers, or the material that took
the place of feathers, fixed on spirally, so as to cause the shaft to rotate,
with a view to its maintaining a true direction in transit through the
air.
This spinning bolt was called a ' Vireton,' from the French word ' Virer,'
to turn, but I do not find it is more accurate than the usual kind, or
has so long a flight.
A simple and effective method of winging crossbow bolts in former times
was as follows. A fine slit was sawn a few inches up the centre of the
shaft
The Crossbow
> Chapter 4 > Bolts
Used with Crossbows > p.17 |
