As states begin to legalize hunting with crossbows during archery season, the popularity of this primitive weapon has skyrocketed. Also due to this, companies have modernized this ancient design and made it the advanced piece of equipment that it is nowadays. That said, Ravin Crossbows took it to another level with their short, slim bullpup design of the R26 and R29 line.
The R26 and R29 are build with a bullpup design, allowing it to be compact yet powerful.
For the purpose of this article, I will focus mainly on the R26. Keep in mind that the R29 is much the same, just with a longer powerstroke and 29″ overall length which yields higher velocities (430 FPS).
Cocked, the cam to cam distance is only 5.75 inches. Uncocked, as is seen here, it still maintains a slim profile.
As mentioned, the R26 is built around the bullpup design. This means that the trigger is in front of the firing mechanism. This allows the crossbow to keep a shorter overall length while maintaining a long power stroke, leading to higher velocities. Another design feature that is noteworthy is the lack of any kind of string guide, which minimizes friction and helps with accuracy. The trigger is probably the most important part of this bow and it aims to impress with it’s light and crisp 2.5 pound pull weight with zero creep.
The trigger is the highlight of this crossbow. It has a rifle-like feel which makes for a smooth transition for any hunter between archery and rifle shooting.
To cock the R26, you use a hand crank to roll the latch forward, till it connects to the string. Once latched, you use the hand crank to pull the string back. It is a simple, yet ingenious design. Unlike many other crossbows, once cocked there is a way to decock the bow. Simply press the release button in the buttstock and then slowly let the string back into its natural state using the hand crank.
The whole latch assembly travels forward on a rail when cranking to grab the string and then pull it straight back into place.
The R26 and R29 both claim 3″ accuracy at 100 yards. The crossbow scope and 6 bolts are included in the package. The optic can be tuned using the magnification ring to match your bow specifically based on the measured arrow velocity. It comes with a drop compensating reticle for 20-100 yards.
The flight path for the arrow is left completely open, which is conducive for accuracy.
The Ravin Crossbows R26 and R29 are available right now for an MSRP of $1,999.
Specifications and Features
- 13″ powerstroke (R26) and 16″ powerstroke (R29)
- 400 FPS (R26) and 430 FPS (R29) with 400 grain arrow
- 2.5 pound trigger
- simple decocking method
- 5 3/4″ cam to cam cocked width
- 3″ accuracy at 100 yards
- comes with 6 bolts and an optic
- available currently
- $1,999 MSRP (R26) $2,499 MSRP (R29)
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Two questions:
1- is the scope that comes with it have cross hairs for every 10 yards (or so) out to 100 yards and is calibrated correctly?
2- is the stock adjustable to a full 14” length of pull? A friend of mine bought a Barnett with an adjustable stock that was way too short! I actually had to take some threaded rod to bring the but stock back enough to see properly out of his scope!
I talked to a local Ravin distributor and he said they are great crossbows. He as well as others in his industry have a lot of concern over the fact that the limbs only have a 5 year warranty… Other brands have a lifetime warranty.
I liken this to owning an f1 car, its truly the pinnacle of technology, but the operating costs are insane and it doesn’t really give you something that other crossbows dont. Crossbows already shoot straight through a deer and my $900 mission crossbow shoots 3 inch groups at 50 yards. Is there a big following for benchrest crossbow competitions?
No doubt this is a quality crossbow, but without a better warranty, I wouldnt spend two grand on it.
I would like to purchase the R26. What is best price as I’m a veteran on a fixed income ?
Thank You
JT Hankes
A veteran, on a fixed income? You think you deserve a better deal? If you know you can not afford it, don’t bother commenting. Lots of people in the same boat: fixed incomes, want stuff they can not afford to spend on.
In response to your comment JT and not a jerks comment like Willy. I did email Ravin directly. They initially told me veterans get 40% off on their crossbows. I waited a week or so and got back online to order a R29. I was then told the discount is 400.00 not 40%. I’m contacting Ravin again and directing my email to management on the issue. I’m sorry for Willy’s STUPID comment towards your relevant question. I am also a disabled veteran on a fixed income that served my country for over 26 years and did two tours in Iraq. I’d love to comment more on Willy’s lack of ……….I’ll leave it at that.
Thank you for your service my brother!