The Bullet Shooting Crossbow
bow-string, when the latter is hitched over the catch of the lock. The
lever is hinged to the stock and also to the casing of the lock, fig. 116,
opposite page. It fits into its recess in the butt-end of the stock when
the string of the crossbow has been stretched, or when the weapon is not
in use.
R. The knob fixed to the top surface of the loose end of the stringing
lever. By means of this knob the right hand presses the lever towards and
finally into its recess in the stock, as the bow-string is being stretched
and the bow bent, fig. 117, next page.
S. The spring thumb-catch which secures the end of the lever in the
stock when the string of the crossbow is fully stretched. This catch also
releases the end of the lever from the stock, so that it may be hinged
forward preparatory to stretching the string of the crossbow again after
the weapon has been discharged, fig. 116.
How to Bend the Bow and Stretch the Bow String
(I) In fig. 116, opposite page, the stringing lever is hinged
forward out of its recess in the stock. The loop - which is behind the
pocket of the bow-string - is hitched (by hand) over the catch of the lock,
and the bullet should be in position in its leather pocket.
(II) Hold the butt of the stock firmly in the hollow of the left hand,
the crossbow directed downwards, with its stock near and partly across
the left side of the body. Fig. 117, next page.
(III) Place the palm of the right hand over the large knob of the lever.
Press the knob and lever together (fig. 117, next page), steadily upwards
towards the butt-end of the stock, till the loose end of the lever snaps
into the notch of the spring thumb-catch and is thus safely secured, as
shown in fig. 118, p. 183. |