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Crossbows for Left-Handed Shooters: Safeties, Cocking Handles and Scope Knobs
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If you're left-handed, here's the good news first: you can shoot almost any crossbow. Unlike a compound bow, there's no left- or right-hand model to buy. The catch is in the small stuff - which side the safety, the crank and the scope knobs are on - so it's worth checking a few details before you pick one, whether at a shop or while comparing crossbows on Amazon.
Short answer: most crossbows work fine for lefties. Before you buy, check where the safety is and whether you can reach it with your left-hand thumb, which side the cocking crank fits, whether the stock has a cheek piece on one side only, and where the quiver mounts. Some makers sell left-hand parts - TenPoint, for example, sells a kit that adds a safety knob to the left side of its ACUslide crossbows.
First: left-handed or left-eye dominant?
What matters most on a crossbow isn't which hand you write with - it's which eye you aim with. Most people shoot from the shoulder on the same side as their dominant eye. Here's a quick test:
- Stretch your arms out and make a small triangle with your hands.
- With both eyes open, look through the triangle at something across the room.
- Close one eye, then the other. The eye that still sees the object in the triangle is your dominant eye.
If you're left-eye dominant, you'll probably be happiest shooting from your left shoulder - and everything below applies to you, even if you're right-handed.
The safety
This is the big one. Most crossbow safeties are built to be pushed with a right-handed shooter's thumb. Some sit in the middle on top of the stock, so either thumb works. Others are on one side.
- Check where it is and try working it with your left thumb without shifting your grip.
- Look for a left-hand option. TenPoint sells a left-hand safety kit that adds a second safety knob to the left side of the trigger box. It fits its crossbows with the ACUslide cocking system, except rail-less models with a TriggerTech trigger.
- Don't modify the trigger or safety yourself. Use the manufacturer's own parts, installed the way they say.
The cocking crank
Built-in and add-on cranks often go in on one side of the stock. That doesn't always matter - you're not holding the crossbow to shoot while you crank - but it can affect how comfortable it is to cock in a blind or a stand. If you can, try it before you buy. A plain rope cocker works the same for either hand.
Cheek piece and stock shape
Some stocks have a raised cheek piece or comb on one side, shaped for a right-handed shooter's face. When you shoot from the left side, your cheek might rest on the flat side or an edge, and your eye won't line up with the scope the same way every time. That hurts accuracy. Look for:
- a symmetrical stock or a centered comb;
- an adjustable comb or length of pull, so you can get the same eye position each shot;
- a grip that feels natural in your left hand with your fingers and thumb well below the rail.
Scope knobs
On most crossbow scopes, the windage knob is on the right and some have a focus (parallax) or speed knob on the left side. As a lefty, the left knobs end up near your face. That's usually fine, but check that nothing presses on your cheek or gets bumped when you settle in. Sighting in works exactly the same - see how to sight in a crossbow scope.
Quiver, sling and extras
- Quiver: many crossbows mount the quiver on one side. Check if it can move to the other side, or hang it so it doesn't hit your hand or cheek.
- Sling studs are usually centered, so they're fine for either side.
- Cocking-rope storage, bipods and lights - check that they don't get in your way when you shoulder it on the left.
A quick in-store test
Say you're at the counter with a crossbow in your hands (uncocked, of course). Shoulder it on the left side and check:
- Can you reach and work the safety with your left thumb without changing your grip?
- Does your cheek sit the same way every time, with your eye right behind the scope?
- Do any knobs, the quiver or the crank touch your face or hands?
- Can you comfortably cock it (rope or crank) the way you'd do it in the field?
If it passes all four, it'll work for you. Our crossbow buying guide covers the rest - weight, width and triggers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a left-handed person shoot a crossbow?
Yes. Crossbows aren't made in left- and right-hand versions the way compound bows are. Lefties mainly need to check the safety location, the crank side, the cheek piece and where the quiver mounts.
Are there left-handed crossbows?
Not usually as separate models. Instead, look for an ambidextrous or centered safety, a symmetrical stock, or a left-hand kit from the maker - TenPoint, for example, sells a left-hand safety kit for its ACUslide crossbows.
Should I shoot from my left shoulder if I'm left-eye dominant?
Most people do best shooting from the side of their dominant eye. Try the triangle test in this article to find yours.
Does the scope need to be different for a lefty?
No. The same scope works and you sight it in the same way. Just make sure the side knobs don't press on your cheek.
Sources and further reading
- TenPoint: left hand safety kit for ACUslide - adds a left-side safety knob; fit notes
- TenPoint: how to safely handle and shoot a crossbow - grip and safety basics
- National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) - bowhunter education
- Hunter-ed.com official hunter education courses - safe handling
How this guide was written: Based on manufacturer product pages and safety FAQs (including TenPoint's left-hand safety kit page) and general crossbow design. Model features change, so confirm the details for any crossbow in its own manual.