First to 500: New Ravin Lineup Sets Crossbow Speed Mark

Like Cal Ripken’s 2,632-game Iron Man streak in baseball and the Boston Celtics’ eight straight NBA championships, some figures and records are so astounding that they may never be topped.

In the archery hunting world, one such figure historically has been ‘500,’ as in bolts flying 500 fps. In recent years, crossbow manufacturers have been inching closer and closer to that previously untouchable velocity, and now Ravin Crossbows has hit the bull’s-eye with its R500 Series.

Announced today, the R500 Series features four crossbow models capable of launching 400-grain bolts a blistering 500 fps thanks to the company’s proprietary HexCoil Cam System. What’s even more impressive is that the bows feature a very compact frame, coming in at 28 inches long and only 3.6 inches wide axle to axle when cocked (7.6 inches uncocked).

The pinnacle of the new series is the R500E Sniper (pictured above), which features Ravin’s new Electric Drive System that allows a hunter to cock and uncock the bow simply by pushing a button, as well as an Adjustable Turret Scope that comes with a single crosshair that can be adjusted to different shooting distances automatically by simply turning the elevation turret. The Electric Drive, which operates on a 12-volt battery, can be easily detached from the stock for storage or recharging. In addition, the bow can be cocked and decocked manually using the R500 Draw Handle. Both loading/unloading methods operate via Ravin’s VersaDrive Cocking System, which features an internal clutch designed to allow you to safely stop cocking or uncocking the bow at any point.

The R500E Sniper, which weighs 9.9 pounds, also comes with a scope level to help ensure balanced shots; six .001-inch premium bolts, six fieldpoints, quiver and more. Available in Slate Gray, the bow is shipped fully assembled and pre-tuned. MSRP is $3,749.99.

Other models in the series include:

R500 Sniper

Individuals who want the same great features as the R500E Sniper but also want to save a few dollars should check out the R500 Sniper, which comes without the Electric Drive System. Instead of push-button loading and unloading, the bow string is cocked and uncocked using the handle and VersaDrive system. The R500 Sniper comes with the Adjustable Turret Scope, six .001-inch bolts, six fieldpoints, quiver and other accessories. Suggested retail price is $3,449.99.

R500E

The R500E, which weighs 9.9 pounds, features the Electric Drive System for seamlessly cocking and decocking the bow, as well as Ravin’s 100-yard Illuminated 550 FPS Scope, six .003-inch bolts, six fieldpoints, quiver and more. MSRP is $3,349.99.

R500

For hunters who don’t want or need all the fancy bells and whistles, Ravin also offers the R500 in a base model. Featuring the same sleek, compact design of the other models, the R500 comes with the VersaDrive Cocking System and handle (Electric Drive not included), as well as the 100-yard Illuminated 550 FPS Scope rather than the Adjustable Turret Scope. The bow weighs 8.4 pounds, with the ready-to-shoot package including six .003-inch bolts, six fieldpoints, quiver and more. The MSRP is $3,049.99.

Ravin’s 500 Series crossbows can be pre-ordered now at ravincrossbows.com, with the bows shipping starting in spring.