JerseyPerson14

I really do not know why the crossbow went out of favor. I understand that if guns back then were like modern guns then yes they would phase out crossbows, but those old muskets jammed easy, were not accurate, and very slow reload. The crossbow was complete opposite.

Then again the crossbow was outlawed by the vatican. Maybe that is the reason. They felt it was too easy to kill someone with, so was very dangerous to them for the peasantry to possess such a weapon.

A crossbowman could carry a sword or ninja stars.

PADDYBOY

[quote=JerseyPerson14;15785]I really do not know why the crossbow went out of favor. I understand that if guns back then were like modern guns then yes they would phase out crossbows, but those old muskets jammed easy, were not accurate, and very slow reload. The crossbow was complete opposite.

Yep, but look at how far guns/rifles have advanced since then, !
How far can you take a crossbow (without turning it into a gun)
Maybe someone saw the potential in guns ?

Komrade

If I remember correctly, the musket was essentially made idiot proof at some point. Any shmuck could be given rudimentary training in how to operate it and instantly have the power to bring down an armored target.

Crossbows on the other hand take a lot of effort to load and training to shoot. It doesn't take a muscle man to pour powder and ball down a barrel, but it takes quite a bit of strength to pull a bowstring back on a crossbow or longbow.

philosalexandros

so war is for sissies just kidding

spaniard

Well that's hard to guess.

Neither Crossbow nor Redcoat's Musket...
It was the one who used them WISELY, ACCURATELY AND TIMELY.
It works........hmmm!!!