NACF/ANSI Standards Draft Version 2.22.18
American National Standard
Voluntary Industry Safety Standards
Criteria for Evaluation of Crossbow Safety Devices
for the Use by Commercial Crossbow Manufacturers
Voluntary Industry Safety Standards
Criteria for Evaluation of Crossbow Safety Devices
for the Use by Commercial Crossbow Manufacturers
Sponsor:
North American Crossbow Federation, Inc. (NACF)
NACF Sponsors:
Barnett Outdoors, LLC
Excalibur Crossbow Inc.
Parker Compound Bows, Inc.
Precision Shooting Equipment, Inc.
Hunter’s Manufacturing Company, Inc. dba TenPoint Crossbow Technologies
NACF Supporters:
American Crossbow Federation
Bass Pro Shops
Cabela’s
International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA)
Ken Jeffries & Associates, LLC
North Country Marketing
Owens Outdoor Sales
W.L. Baumler Company
Proposed:
Approved:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
Abstract: This Standard provides procedures for evaluating (a) crossbow trigger safeties and (b) crossbow components intended to provide protection for the fingers, thumbs and hands of recurve and compound crossbow users. In the interest of user safety, these tests are structured to aid designers and manufacturers of crossbows in delivering safe performance for crossbow users.
An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. The data presented in ANSI/NACF Standard ______________ is directed solely to the needs and interest of commercial manufacturers of crossbows. It does not provide techniques or specifications for design or manufacturing nor does it imply that crossbows not meeting this Standard are necessarily unsafe.
Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus and other criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary. Their existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether s/he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and in no circumstances provides an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations shall be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be recovered or withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of approval. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information of all standards by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute.
Published by:
North American Crossbow Federation
1325 Waterloo Rd.
Suffield, OH 44260
North American Crossbow Federation, Inc. (NACF)
NACF Sponsors:
Barnett Outdoors, LLC
Excalibur Crossbow Inc.
Parker Compound Bows, Inc.
Precision Shooting Equipment, Inc.
Hunter’s Manufacturing Company, Inc. dba TenPoint Crossbow Technologies
NACF Supporters:
American Crossbow Federation
Bass Pro Shops
Cabela’s
International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA)
Ken Jeffries & Associates, LLC
North Country Marketing
Owens Outdoor Sales
W.L. Baumler Company
Proposed:
Approved:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
Abstract: This Standard provides procedures for evaluating (a) crossbow trigger safeties and (b) crossbow components intended to provide protection for the fingers, thumbs and hands of recurve and compound crossbow users. In the interest of user safety, these tests are structured to aid designers and manufacturers of crossbows in delivering safe performance for crossbow users.
An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. The data presented in ANSI/NACF Standard ______________ is directed solely to the needs and interest of commercial manufacturers of crossbows. It does not provide techniques or specifications for design or manufacturing nor does it imply that crossbows not meeting this Standard are necessarily unsafe.
Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that the requirements for due process, consensus and other criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary. Their existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether s/he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and in no circumstances provides an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations shall be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be recovered or withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of approval. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information of all standards by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute.
Published by:
North American Crossbow Federation
1325 Waterloo Rd.
Suffield, OH 44260
Forward
(not a part of American National Standard ____________)
(not a part of American National Standard ____________)
This Voluntary Industry Performance Standard provides the crossbow designer and manufacturer with recommendations for test procedures to evaluate crossbow trigger safeties and components intended to provide protection for the user’s fingers, thumbs and hands. Test parameters are intended to simulate conditions by users that could result in accidental firing or injury to the user’s fingers, thumbs or hands.
In order to comply with the voluntary standard or a portion thereof, a crossbow must perform in such a manner as to meet the minimum acceptable test result for the subject mechanism. It should be noted that each test may not be relevant for all crossbows. The presence of a given test does not require that the subject mechanism be a component of a crossbow in order for the crossbow to be in compliance.
Suggestions for improvement of this standard are encouraged and shall be sent to the North American Crossbow Federation at:
The following individuals and organizations recognized as having an interest in the standardization of user safety requirements for crossbows were contacted prior to the approval of this standard. Being listed below is not necessarily indicative of concurrence with the standard as submitted:
[LIST ORGANIZATIONS/INDIVIDUALS CONTACTED]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Scope 5
2. Purpose 5
3. Definitions 5-7
4. Trigger Safety Impact Tests
4.1 Drop Test 7-8
4.2 Rotation Test 8-9
5. Hand, Finger and Thumb Safety Functionality Tests
5.1 Fore Grip Test 9-12
5.2 Safety Wings Test 13-16
5.3 Grip Guard Test for After Market Safety Wings 16-20
NACF Voluntary Standards for Crossbow Safety
1. SCOPE
This Voluntary Industry Performance Standard provides the crossbow designer and manufacturer with recommendations for test procedures to evaluate the performance of safeties and components incorporated into crossbows intended to provide protection for the fingers, thumb and hand of recurve and compound crossbow users. The test parameters are intended to simulate conditions by users that could result in accidental firing or injury to the user’s fingers, thumbs or hands.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard is to provide test procedures that will assist the crossbow designer and manufacturer in evaluating the performance of safeties and crossbow components intended to provide protection for the user’s fingers, thumbs and hands.
3. DEFINITIONS
A. Barrel: Optional component of a main beam or stock, generally positioned between the trigger assembly and bow assembly, that can include an area to load the crossbow arrow.
B. Bow Assembly: An assembly of components that can include a riser, limbs, cams or wheels, and bowstring, and that can propel a crossbow arrow.
C. Bowstring: The cord or thread used in the bow assembly that also propels the crossbow arrow.
D. Bowstring Path: The path the bowstring travels when a crossbow is fired.
E. Butt-Stock: Optional component of a main beam or stock that can include a position to place the user’s shoulders when shooting a crossbow.
F. Cocked: The condition where the bowstring is in the fully drawn position and is being held in this fixed position by the trigger assembly.
G. Crossbow: An archery device consisting of a bow assembly affixed transversely to a main beam in which the bow assembly consists of at least one bow limb and a string, and the main beam is fitted with a trigger mechanism capable of locking the bowstring in a firing position at full draw. The crossbow arrow rests longitudinally on or above the main beam and has one end (the nock end) in contact with the bowstring when drawn and loaded. The bowstring is drawn by the user’s own force or with assistance from a device. The crossbow is fired when the user pulls the trigger lever, thereby releasing the string and propelling the arrow by the elastic characteristics of the bow limb(s), which transfer their energy to the arrow.
H. Crossbow Arrow: A projectile, generally with a long, thin, cylindrical design, fletched at the end with feathers or vanes, that is intended to be shot from a crossbow.
I. Dry-Fire: The condition that occurs when the bowstring is released from the cocked position without a crossbow arrow loaded.
J. Fire: The positioning of the trigger safety such that the trigger lever can be pulled and the bowstring released to shoot a crossbow arrow.
K. Fore Grip: Optional component of a main beam or stock that can include a position to place the user’s fore-hand when shooting a crossbow.
L. Grip: Optional component of a main beam or stock that can include a position to place the user’s trigger hand when shooting a crossbow.
M. Impede: To interfere with or slow the progress of.
N. Limbs: The flexible arms of a bow assembly that stores energy when the bowstring is drawn.
O. Loaded: The condition that occurs when the crossbow is cocked and a crossbow arrow is positioned against the bowstring ready to be shot.
P. Main Beam: The main support component of a crossbow that includes a bow assembly and a trigger assembly that holds the bow assembly in the cocked position. It can also include other items such as a stock, barrel, fore-grip, butt-stock and other related components.
Q. Safety Wings: An optional device or structural feature of a crossbow that includes a flange or lip that extends both laterally and longitudinally above the sides of the fore grip area, providing both a visual and tactile reference to deter the user’s fore hand, fingers and thumbs from entering the bowstring path.
R. Safe: The positioning of the trigger safety such that it does not allow the bowstring to be released when the trigger is pulled.
S. Stock: Optional component(s) of a main beam that can include a barrel, fore-grip and butt-stock.
T. Trigger Assembly: An assembly of components that can include a trigger lever, trigger safety, latch and other related components that allows the bowstring to be held in the drawn position and released.
U. Trigger Lever: The component of a trigger assembly that the user pulls to release the bowstring.
V. Trigger Pull Force: The amount of force required to pull the trigger lever to release the bowstring.
W. Trigger Safety: The component of a trigger assembly that, when in the “Safe” position prevents the trigger assembly from releasing the bowstring when the trigger lever is pulled and, when in the “Fire” position, releases the bowstring when the trigger lever is pulled.
X. Uncocked: The condition where the bowstring is not in a drawn position and the bow assembly is at rest.
Y. Unloaded: The condition where the crossbow is cocked without a crossbow arrow loaded.
4. TRIGGER SAFETY AND IMPACT TESTS
4.1 DROP TEST
4.1.1 This test simulates the accidental dropping of the crossbow with the crossbow cocked and the trigger safety in the “Safe” position.
4.1.2 The Drop Test is to be utilized for the development of new triggers and trigger assemblies, changes to crossbow components, and ongoing periodic testing.
4.1.3 The crossbow shall be capable of passing the test criteria below for drop testing from a minimum height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed. The testbed shall be large enough so that when the crossbow is dropped it will fall and come to rest fully within its perimeter.
4.1.4 The drop height shall be measured from the surface of the testbed to the lowest point on the crossbow.
4.1.5 As an alternative to free dropping, other methods may be substituted if they provide equivalent impact characteristics.
4.1.6 This test shall be conducted with the trigger pull force set at the minimum force specified by the manufacturer.
4.1.7 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow at its lightest and heaviest configurations including catalogued accessories.
4.1.8 This test shall be conducted utilizing as a testbed a 80+5 Durometer (Shore A) rubber mat, one inch thick (2.54 cm) backed by a flat concrete surface.
4.1.9 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow cocked and unloaded.
4.1.10 The crossbow shall be re-cocked and the trigger safety reset to the “Safe” position after each drop.
4.1.11 Test Procedure - With the trigger safety in the “Safe” position, the crossbow shall be dropped in each of the following orientations in such a manner as to cause it to strike the testbed:
a. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the most forward protrusion of the crossbow first.
b. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the back end of the crossbow first.
c. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and its components facing up.
d. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and its components facing down.
e. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and right side of the assembly above the left side.
f. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and the left side of the assembly above the right side.
4.1.12 Minimum Acceptable Results - The crossbow shall not fire with the trigger safety in the “Safe” position when tested in accordance with this procedure. Parts or component breakage or other damage resulting from drop testing shall not constitute failure so long as the crossbow does not fire.
4.2 ROTATION TEST
4.2.1 This test simulates the impact on a crossbow falling when left leaning against a vertical surface with the crossbow cocked and the trigger safety in the “Safe” position.
4.2.2 The Rotation Test is to be utilized for the development of new triggers and trigger assemblies, changes to crossbow components, and ongoing periodic testing.
4.2.3 The crossbow shall be capable of passing the test criteria below when allowed to fall freely from an upright position with its bow assembly down and butt stock up resting on the testbed. The testbed shall be large enough so that when the
crossbow falls it will come to rest fully within its perimeter.
4.2.4 This test shall be conducted with the trigger pull force set at the minimum force specified by the manufacturer.
4.2.5 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow at its lightest and heaviest configurations including catalogued accessories.
4.2.6 This test shall be conducted utilizing as a testbed a 80+5 Durometer (Shore A) rubber mat, one inch thick (2.54 cm) backed by a flat concrete surface.
4.2.7 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow cocked and unloaded.
4.2.8 The crossbow shall be recocked and the trigger safety reset to the “Safe” position after each fall.
4.2.9 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be tested with the trigger safety in the “Safe” position so as to fall once on its right side and once on its left side.
4.2.10 Minimum Acceptable Results - The crossbow shall not fire with the trigger safety in the “Safe” position when tested in accordance with this procedure. Parts or component breakage or other damage resulting from rotation testing shall not constitute failure so long as the crossbow does not fire.
5. HAND, FINGER AND THUMB SAFETY FUNCTIONALITY TESTS
The tests below are mutually exclusive. In order to achieve compliance with this Voluntary Standard, it is necessary to meet the requirements of one of the tests below.
5.1 FORE GRIP TEST
5.1.1 This test simulates the effectiveness of fore grips in positioning the user’s fingers, thumb and hand below the flight path of the bowstring.
5.1.2 The Fore Grip Test is to be utilized for the development of new fore grips and stocks, changes to fore grips and stocks, and ongoing periodic testing.
5.1.3 These tests shall be conducted with the crossbow uncocked and unloaded.
5.1.4 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be gripped with the user’s non-trigger hand in accordance with the manufacturer’s written or pictorial instructions:
a. with the fore grip resting along the center of the palm of the user’s hand,
b. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s fingers,
c. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s thumb.
5.1.5 Minimum Acceptable Results - The user’s fingers, thumb or hand shall not enter the bowstring path along the entire length of the fore grip.
5.2 SAFETY WINGS TEST
5.2.1 This test simulates the effectiveness of safety wings in positioning the user’s fingers, thumb and hand below the flight path of the bowstring.
5.2.2 The Safety Wings Test is to be utilized for the development of new safety wings and stocks, changes to safety wings and stocks, and ongoing periodic testing.
5.2.3 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow uncocked and unloaded.
5.2.4 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be gripped with the user’s non-trigger hand in accordance with the manufacturer’s written or pictorial instructions:
a. with the fore grip resting along the center of the palm of the user’s hand,
b. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s fingers,
c. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s thumb.
5.2.5 Minimum Acceptable Results - The safety wings, along the entire length of the fore grip, shall:
a. impede the user’s fingers, thumb and hand from entering the bowstring path, or
b. provide a tactile reminder that the user’s fingers, thumb or hand are not in the correct position and have migrated towards or into the bowstring path.
5.3 GRIP GUARD TEST FOR AFTER MARKET SAFETY WINGS
5.3.1 This test simulates the effectiveness of safety wings in positioning the user’s fingers, thumb and hand below the flight path of the bowstring.
5.3.2 The Grip Guard Test is to be utilized for the development of new grip guards and fore arm stocks to which grip guards have been affixed, changes to grip guards and fore arm stocks to which grip guards have been affixed, and
ongoing periodic testing.
5.3.3 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow uncocked and unloaded.
5.3.4 This test shall be conducted with the grip guard installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.3.5 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be gripped with the user’s non-trigger hand in accordance with the manufacturer’s written or pictorial instructions:
a. with the fore grip resting along the center of the palm of the user’s hand,
b. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s fingers,
c. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s thumb.
5.3.6 Minimum Acceptable Results - The grip guard,along the entire length of the fore grip, shall:
a. impede the user’s fingers, thumb and hand from entering the bowstring path, or
b. provide a tactile reminder that the user’s fingers, thumb or hand are not in the correct position and have migrated towards or into the bowstring path.
2. Purpose 5
3. Definitions 5-7
4. Trigger Safety Impact Tests
4.1 Drop Test 7-8
4.2 Rotation Test 8-9
5. Hand, Finger and Thumb Safety Functionality Tests
5.1 Fore Grip Test 9-12
5.2 Safety Wings Test 13-16
5.3 Grip Guard Test for After Market Safety Wings 16-20
NACF Voluntary Standards for Crossbow Safety
1. SCOPE
This Voluntary Industry Performance Standard provides the crossbow designer and manufacturer with recommendations for test procedures to evaluate the performance of safeties and components incorporated into crossbows intended to provide protection for the fingers, thumb and hand of recurve and compound crossbow users. The test parameters are intended to simulate conditions by users that could result in accidental firing or injury to the user’s fingers, thumbs or hands.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard is to provide test procedures that will assist the crossbow designer and manufacturer in evaluating the performance of safeties and crossbow components intended to provide protection for the user’s fingers, thumbs and hands.
3. DEFINITIONS
A. Barrel: Optional component of a main beam or stock, generally positioned between the trigger assembly and bow assembly, that can include an area to load the crossbow arrow.
B. Bow Assembly: An assembly of components that can include a riser, limbs, cams or wheels, and bowstring, and that can propel a crossbow arrow.
C. Bowstring: The cord or thread used in the bow assembly that also propels the crossbow arrow.
D. Bowstring Path: The path the bowstring travels when a crossbow is fired.
E. Butt-Stock: Optional component of a main beam or stock that can include a position to place the user’s shoulders when shooting a crossbow.
F. Cocked: The condition where the bowstring is in the fully drawn position and is being held in this fixed position by the trigger assembly.
G. Crossbow: An archery device consisting of a bow assembly affixed transversely to a main beam in which the bow assembly consists of at least one bow limb and a string, and the main beam is fitted with a trigger mechanism capable of locking the bowstring in a firing position at full draw. The crossbow arrow rests longitudinally on or above the main beam and has one end (the nock end) in contact with the bowstring when drawn and loaded. The bowstring is drawn by the user’s own force or with assistance from a device. The crossbow is fired when the user pulls the trigger lever, thereby releasing the string and propelling the arrow by the elastic characteristics of the bow limb(s), which transfer their energy to the arrow.
H. Crossbow Arrow: A projectile, generally with a long, thin, cylindrical design, fletched at the end with feathers or vanes, that is intended to be shot from a crossbow.
I. Dry-Fire: The condition that occurs when the bowstring is released from the cocked position without a crossbow arrow loaded.
J. Fire: The positioning of the trigger safety such that the trigger lever can be pulled and the bowstring released to shoot a crossbow arrow.
K. Fore Grip: Optional component of a main beam or stock that can include a position to place the user’s fore-hand when shooting a crossbow.
L. Grip: Optional component of a main beam or stock that can include a position to place the user’s trigger hand when shooting a crossbow.
M. Impede: To interfere with or slow the progress of.
N. Limbs: The flexible arms of a bow assembly that stores energy when the bowstring is drawn.
O. Loaded: The condition that occurs when the crossbow is cocked and a crossbow arrow is positioned against the bowstring ready to be shot.
P. Main Beam: The main support component of a crossbow that includes a bow assembly and a trigger assembly that holds the bow assembly in the cocked position. It can also include other items such as a stock, barrel, fore-grip, butt-stock and other related components.
Q. Safety Wings: An optional device or structural feature of a crossbow that includes a flange or lip that extends both laterally and longitudinally above the sides of the fore grip area, providing both a visual and tactile reference to deter the user’s fore hand, fingers and thumbs from entering the bowstring path.
R. Safe: The positioning of the trigger safety such that it does not allow the bowstring to be released when the trigger is pulled.
S. Stock: Optional component(s) of a main beam that can include a barrel, fore-grip and butt-stock.
T. Trigger Assembly: An assembly of components that can include a trigger lever, trigger safety, latch and other related components that allows the bowstring to be held in the drawn position and released.
U. Trigger Lever: The component of a trigger assembly that the user pulls to release the bowstring.
V. Trigger Pull Force: The amount of force required to pull the trigger lever to release the bowstring.
W. Trigger Safety: The component of a trigger assembly that, when in the “Safe” position prevents the trigger assembly from releasing the bowstring when the trigger lever is pulled and, when in the “Fire” position, releases the bowstring when the trigger lever is pulled.
X. Uncocked: The condition where the bowstring is not in a drawn position and the bow assembly is at rest.
Y. Unloaded: The condition where the crossbow is cocked without a crossbow arrow loaded.
4. TRIGGER SAFETY AND IMPACT TESTS
4.1 DROP TEST
4.1.1 This test simulates the accidental dropping of the crossbow with the crossbow cocked and the trigger safety in the “Safe” position.
4.1.2 The Drop Test is to be utilized for the development of new triggers and trigger assemblies, changes to crossbow components, and ongoing periodic testing.
4.1.3 The crossbow shall be capable of passing the test criteria below for drop testing from a minimum height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed. The testbed shall be large enough so that when the crossbow is dropped it will fall and come to rest fully within its perimeter.
4.1.4 The drop height shall be measured from the surface of the testbed to the lowest point on the crossbow.
4.1.5 As an alternative to free dropping, other methods may be substituted if they provide equivalent impact characteristics.
4.1.6 This test shall be conducted with the trigger pull force set at the minimum force specified by the manufacturer.
4.1.7 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow at its lightest and heaviest configurations including catalogued accessories.
4.1.8 This test shall be conducted utilizing as a testbed a 80+5 Durometer (Shore A) rubber mat, one inch thick (2.54 cm) backed by a flat concrete surface.
4.1.9 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow cocked and unloaded.
4.1.10 The crossbow shall be re-cocked and the trigger safety reset to the “Safe” position after each drop.
4.1.11 Test Procedure - With the trigger safety in the “Safe” position, the crossbow shall be dropped in each of the following orientations in such a manner as to cause it to strike the testbed:
a. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the most forward protrusion of the crossbow first.
b. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the back end of the crossbow first.
c. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and its components facing up.
d. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and its components facing down.
e. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and right side of the assembly above the left side.
f. Crossbow shall be dropped vertically from a height of 4 feet (1.22 m) on to the testbed with the bow assembly in a vertical position and the left side of the assembly above the right side.
4.1.12 Minimum Acceptable Results - The crossbow shall not fire with the trigger safety in the “Safe” position when tested in accordance with this procedure. Parts or component breakage or other damage resulting from drop testing shall not constitute failure so long as the crossbow does not fire.
4.2 ROTATION TEST
4.2.1 This test simulates the impact on a crossbow falling when left leaning against a vertical surface with the crossbow cocked and the trigger safety in the “Safe” position.
4.2.2 The Rotation Test is to be utilized for the development of new triggers and trigger assemblies, changes to crossbow components, and ongoing periodic testing.
4.2.3 The crossbow shall be capable of passing the test criteria below when allowed to fall freely from an upright position with its bow assembly down and butt stock up resting on the testbed. The testbed shall be large enough so that when the
crossbow falls it will come to rest fully within its perimeter.
4.2.4 This test shall be conducted with the trigger pull force set at the minimum force specified by the manufacturer.
4.2.5 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow at its lightest and heaviest configurations including catalogued accessories.
4.2.6 This test shall be conducted utilizing as a testbed a 80+5 Durometer (Shore A) rubber mat, one inch thick (2.54 cm) backed by a flat concrete surface.
4.2.7 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow cocked and unloaded.
4.2.8 The crossbow shall be recocked and the trigger safety reset to the “Safe” position after each fall.
4.2.9 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be tested with the trigger safety in the “Safe” position so as to fall once on its right side and once on its left side.
4.2.10 Minimum Acceptable Results - The crossbow shall not fire with the trigger safety in the “Safe” position when tested in accordance with this procedure. Parts or component breakage or other damage resulting from rotation testing shall not constitute failure so long as the crossbow does not fire.
5. HAND, FINGER AND THUMB SAFETY FUNCTIONALITY TESTS
The tests below are mutually exclusive. In order to achieve compliance with this Voluntary Standard, it is necessary to meet the requirements of one of the tests below.
5.1 FORE GRIP TEST
5.1.1 This test simulates the effectiveness of fore grips in positioning the user’s fingers, thumb and hand below the flight path of the bowstring.
5.1.2 The Fore Grip Test is to be utilized for the development of new fore grips and stocks, changes to fore grips and stocks, and ongoing periodic testing.
5.1.3 These tests shall be conducted with the crossbow uncocked and unloaded.
5.1.4 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be gripped with the user’s non-trigger hand in accordance with the manufacturer’s written or pictorial instructions:
a. with the fore grip resting along the center of the palm of the user’s hand,
b. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s fingers,
c. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s thumb.
5.1.5 Minimum Acceptable Results - The user’s fingers, thumb or hand shall not enter the bowstring path along the entire length of the fore grip.
5.2 SAFETY WINGS TEST
5.2.1 This test simulates the effectiveness of safety wings in positioning the user’s fingers, thumb and hand below the flight path of the bowstring.
5.2.2 The Safety Wings Test is to be utilized for the development of new safety wings and stocks, changes to safety wings and stocks, and ongoing periodic testing.
5.2.3 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow uncocked and unloaded.
5.2.4 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be gripped with the user’s non-trigger hand in accordance with the manufacturer’s written or pictorial instructions:
a. with the fore grip resting along the center of the palm of the user’s hand,
b. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s fingers,
c. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s thumb.
5.2.5 Minimum Acceptable Results - The safety wings, along the entire length of the fore grip, shall:
a. impede the user’s fingers, thumb and hand from entering the bowstring path, or
b. provide a tactile reminder that the user’s fingers, thumb or hand are not in the correct position and have migrated towards or into the bowstring path.
5.3 GRIP GUARD TEST FOR AFTER MARKET SAFETY WINGS
5.3.1 This test simulates the effectiveness of safety wings in positioning the user’s fingers, thumb and hand below the flight path of the bowstring.
5.3.2 The Grip Guard Test is to be utilized for the development of new grip guards and fore arm stocks to which grip guards have been affixed, changes to grip guards and fore arm stocks to which grip guards have been affixed, and
ongoing periodic testing.
5.3.3 This test shall be conducted with the crossbow uncocked and unloaded.
5.3.4 This test shall be conducted with the grip guard installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.3.5 Test Procedure - The crossbow shall be gripped with the user’s non-trigger hand in accordance with the manufacturer’s written or pictorial instructions:
a. with the fore grip resting along the center of the palm of the user’s hand,
b. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s fingers,
c. with the fore grip resting on the palm of the user’s hand and rotated toward the base of the user’s thumb.
5.3.6 Minimum Acceptable Results - The grip guard,along the entire length of the fore grip, shall:
a. impede the user’s fingers, thumb and hand from entering the bowstring path, or
b. provide a tactile reminder that the user’s fingers, thumb or hand are not in the correct position and have migrated towards or into the bowstring path.