The crossbow has long been a favorite of vintage weapon collectors. Its accuracy and power have been appreciated over the centuries. But is a crossbow really useful in today's world? Can its benefits outweigh those of a more modern, compound bow?

Experts generally give the edge to either the crossbow or compound bow (the traditional-looking Robin Hood bow that’s often slung over one shoulder, but with semi-automated controls), in the following categories:

Accuracy: The crossbow is said to generally be more accurate that a compound bow when it comes to zeroing in on a target. One documented experiment compared accuracy at a distance of 40 yards. The advantage goes decisively to the crossbow when shooting sticks are used in the field. These amount to a stabilizer, which is an option for crossbows only. Another alternative, in the absence of shooting sticks, is a treestand shooting rail. Either way, the crossbow has the edge here.

Energy Efficiency: One test resulted in a compound bow achieving an IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) speed of 340 feet per second. By contrast, the slowest crossbow used in the same test generated an IBO speed of 307 feet per second, and, the tester reported, “significantly more momentum.” Once again, the advantage goes to the crossbow.

First Shot Speed: From a distance of20 yards, both bows were fired at a deer target. The compound’s arrow took 10.3 seconds to hit a target that could show up unexpectedly; the crossbow took just 8.3 seconds. Once again, crossbow wins.

Follow-up Shot Speed: Three arrows were fired from each weapon, one from a sitting position and the second two from a standing posture. The crossbow took 58 seconds to fire three arrows intended to kill prey; the compound did the same thing in just 35.3 seconds. Finally, the compound bow achieves an edge.

Overall, the crossbow appears to have several advantages over the compound variety. One other factor where the compound wins, though: Noise, which can be critical when stalking an animal. Still, the crossbow proved the deadlier weapon.

No wonder enthusiasts of older weapons continue to sing its praises.