Crossbow Authority

Crossbow glossary

What Is Dry Fire?

Dry Fire: Releasing the string without a bolt loaded, which can seriously damage a crossbow.

By Marisol Vega, Senior Outdoor Equipment Writer & Research Editor. Manufacturer figures vary; check your crossbow's manual.

Dry firing means releasing the trigger with no bolt on the string. Without a bolt to absorb the energy, the limbs and string can be damaged, and parts can fail dangerously.

Never dry fire a crossbow. Some models include anti-dry-fire systems, but treat them as a backstop and never as permission.

Why Dry Fire matters

Dry firing is the most damaging mistake a crossbow owner can make. Without a bolt to absorb the energy, the limbs and string can be damaged, and parts can fail dangerously.

Damage from dry firing is often excluded from warranty coverage, so a single mistake can cost you the crossbow.

How to read it on a spec sheet

  • Check whether your crossbow has an anti-dry-fire mechanism, and read what your manual says about it.
  • Treat the feature as a backstop, never a reason to be careless.

Common mistakes

  • Trusting an anti-dry-fire system instead of checking that a bolt is fully seated.
  • Shooting with a damaged or missing nock, which can behave like a dry fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I dry fire my crossbow?

The energy that should go into the bolt is absorbed by the crossbow itself, which can damage limbs, string or cams and can be dangerous. Stop using it and have a qualified technician inspect it.

Does a dry fire void the warranty?

Many manufacturers exclude it. Check your warranty terms.

How can I avoid dry firing?

Load a bolt fully seated on the string every time, check the nock, and never cock and pull the trigger without a bolt.

See it in our reviews

Read more in our guides

Related terms

Definitions are general information. Always follow your crossbow manufacturer's manual, and verify local laws with the relevant authority.