Average person assumes that bolt out of the blue means a lightning bolt. But truth is, this phrase is based upon crossbow bolts fired en masse at invading armies at long range. Using pre-sighted angle for distance, defending crossbow archers shot their bolts into enemy flanks. There are old documents which state German crossbow shooters used blue-painted bolts to minimize visual effect of these deadly weapons.
Are crossbows too modern for serious hunters? Nope. Crossbows have been in use for many centuries before compound vertical bows were were popularized by Fred Bear and his $99.99 Whitetail Hunter of 1979.
Another medieval name for crossbow arrow (bolt) is quarrel. Crossbowman shot their quarrels at game and foe.
I'm an archer who shot a recurve bow 1972 - 2003. Leather back quiver, cedar arrow shafts, turkey feather fletching, etc. I never got excited about modern compound bows, release aides, and carbon shafts. But an unplanned injury left my right elbow partially disabled; I qualify for crossbow use in Maryland, Virginia, and South Dakota. Crossbow is now my choice for taking venison and I love it! No guilt!
For those who have zero disabilities, I encourage crossbow hunting, too. This is a deadly venison-getter that should not be ignored. Horton, Parker, PSE, Ten Point, and Excalibur manufacture well made crossbows for pricing to match any serious hunter. No recoil or un-pleasant BANG make the crossbow quite fun for any age to enjoy!!
TR
