Han Dynasty Crossbow

When Chinese crossbows are brought up, the first that comes to mind is usually the repeating crossbow. Although an awesome invention, today i want to talk about the Han Dynasty Crossbow used most common during the era. No less brilliant in its simple, effective means of trigger release, this bow packs a nice punch and uses regular arrows as opposed to shorter quarrels.

There are similarities to the much later medieval European crossbows in how the bow, or prod, is bound to the tiller with cord. As a matter of fact, its nearly identical and begs the question; Was there some influence somehow? Hard to say given there is no evidence of Han Dynastic culture being even remotely familiar to medieval European inventors, but nonetheless, they appear the same. One big difference is the stock, or tiller. The Han stock stops right behind the trigger and completely lacks the rear section extending to the shoulder on the Euro version. In effect, it feels like a giant pistol crossbow but doesn't take too long to get used to shooting given its ease of use and accuracy.

Another big difference is the length of power stroke. The Han is very much the same as the draw length of a bow and arrow, and in fact, being fitted with a horse bow, this one could be detached and seamlessly used as a horse bow should one choose.

Now the coolest part of the Han is the trigger. Originally made of cast bronze, the trigger has two hooks very much like the euro version which are set in place by pulling back the sight which sticks up just behind them. The trigger resembles a sort of curved rectangle and looks a bit like a modern firearm trigger complete with trigger guard. Did i mention ther entire trigger mechanism is set inside an enclosed steel casing which is set inside the tiller. These were mass produced in the thousands to arm the Han Dynasty army and became a formidable and crucial piece in their arsenal.

Han Dynasty Crossbow

Han Dynasty Trigger Mechanism

Han Dynasty Crossbow