SHOT Show 2019: Traditions Introduces Crackshot XBR

Traditions broke the mold with their Crackshot XBR, an odd melding of firearm and bow.

Superficially, the Crackshot XBR looks like an inline muzzleloader—except for the quiver holding three bolts strapped to the side. The unique gun(?) uses the expanding gases from a .27-caliber blank to propel the hollow bolts at approximately 385 feet per second.

The bolts (they look more like crossbow bolts than arrows) are equipped with standard arrow threads, so you can use whatever field points or broadheads you prefer. At 30 yards, the arrows are said to deliver 94 foot-pounds of kinetic energy for plenty of game-taking performance, but so far, no state’s fish and game department has given the gun their seal of approval.

As with other innovations, time will tell, and you may just have to wait until the "firearm" starts shipping in May to get a ruling from your state’s DNR on what season the implement qualifies for.

No one trick pony, the Crackshot also ships with a 16.5-inch .22 caliber barrel for rimfire fun when you don’t want to fling arrows. The whole kit and caboodle has an MSRP of $449 for a black synthetic stocked Crackshot, and $499 for the Kryptek Highlander Reduced Camo model.

The proprietary XBR blanks will retail at $24 per 100 count.