The right crossbow, which will cater to both beginners and pro hunters alike, should focus on the basics. The ease of use, which tackles the assembly, handling, and shooting processes, should be convenient for hunters from all levels. This is why the Rocky Mountain RM-405 crossbow may have the right construction and enhancements to deliver the basics!
- Scope is inferior
- Plastic construction may not be durable
- Stock part cannot be adjusted
- Lightweight construction
- Accurate and fast
- Easy to assemble
- Can cater to disabled hunters
- Scope is inferior
- Plastic construction may not be durable
- Stock part cannot be adjusted
- Lightweight construction
- Accurate and fast
- Easy to assemble
- Can cater to disabled hunters
RM-405 Crossbow Basic Technical Specifications
- Draw Weight: 200 lbs.
- Kinetic Energy Output: 139 ft/lbs.
- Power Stroke: 14.5"
RM-405 Crossbow Details
Novice and veteran crossbow shooters alike deserve gear that isn't only easy to use, but offers power and flexibility as well. The Rocky Mountain 405 seems to be a favorite, considering how this choice tackles all those needs in one neat package. Let us get to know more about this crossbow below:
Ease of Assembly
Although fairly easy to assemble (the RM-405 does come with an informative manual), it wouldn't hurt to know some key essentials when setting up this crossbow. Here are the important details you'd need to know:
- Inspect your crossbow for any visible defects or damage (just so you can have this checked by a pro-shop as soon as possible).
- The RM-405's cable slide has a protective label. Remove this tag before assembly.
- You can now attach the cable slide onto the crossbow's power cables once the protective label is taken off.
- Make sure to generously apply string lubricant to the power cables, cable slide, and crossbow string before assembly.
- The cable slide can only be inserted into the barrel's slot if it is properly lubricated.
- The actual crossbow unit can be attached onto the barrel tip only after the crossbow string and cable slide have been properly installed.
- Make sure that the crossbow string is resting just right on the top surface of the barrel. You would know you've done this right if the cable slide will align onto the cable slot.
- Once the unit and strings are in place, secure the frame towards the barrel with screws. Make sure that the screws are outfitted with flat and lock washers.
- Locate the two slots found just right at the bottom of the crossbow's frame. These are where the foot stirrup's legs will go into.
- Make sure that the foot stirrup is secured with screws.
Checking the Crossbow Technology
Here are the some nice shooting enhancements found in this crossbow:
- Limb Dampeners and Dual-String Suppressors - these enhancements allow lesser noise and vibration generation from the crossbow's string.
- One Piece Stock - the actual crossbow unit is made out of just one piece. This allows for easier assembly, as noted earlier.
- Lighter Body Weight - the RM-405 makes use of a plastic stock. This means that holding the entire crossbow (it's just 7.4 lbs.!) is lighter and easier when compared to other alternatives.
Focusing on Safety
Rocky Mountain is a manufacturer known for integrating excellent safety features on their products. The RM-405 has several, which makes it a good choice for even beginners to use. The dry fire system in this option is impressive, which makes use of automatic engagement right after you cock the crossbow. Additionally, this crossbow has an ambidextrous safety switch for an extra layer of security that every hunter deserves.
RM-405 Crossbow Firepower Check
At 405 feet per second, the RM-405 offers just enough force that is both manageable and strong enough to bring down big targets. As such, this crossbow is a good option if you're hunting elks or even bears. Additionally, this crossbow package comes with superior Carbon Express Piledriver arrows. These 442 grain arrows fully complement the crossbow's specs, a great tandem that hunters can rely on when hunting those pesky targets.
Construction and Durability
What makes this crossbow a hit among novice shooters is its weight. At just 7.4 lbs., you are actually getting better control without losing out on shooting and firepower enhancements. For comparison, previous releases from Rocky Mountain (like the RM-390) are heavier in nature.
Do take note that the reason why the RM-405 is lighter is because of the material used. Some parts, such as the shooting rail, are made out of hard plastic. This isn't such a big issue, but may be for purists or hunters who'd want their crossbows made out of heavy metal. Still, it's a trade-off from decreased durability to gain additional manageability and control.
Also, the one-piece construction of this crossbow does offer excellent assembly. As seen above, installation is set at minimal steps, which is a breeze even among novice shooters. Subtle ergonomic enhancements, like the rubberized grip and adjustable foregrip offers extra convenience for different kinds of hunting preferences.
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
As mentioned earlier, the set 405 feet per second rating of this crossbow offers excellent speed and firepower to take down bigger targets. Accuracy as well is excellent as well, with the RM-405 able to register pinpoint and consistent shots. At set distances of 65 yards, the potential to shoot at the same mark is high with this crossbow.
If anything, the scope that comes with this crossbow may be subpar. The 4x32 scope does offer enough aiming capability. Its built-in features allow for a choice of a blue or red hue to combat light conditions. Even if it's resistant to all sorts of elements, there are other scopes out there that will offer better compatibility and results when paired with the RM-405.
Practical Hunting Usage
What may be the best benefit that the RM-405 has to offer is that it is really easy to use. There are little to no adjustments needed to be made when setting up or shooting this option, allowing shooters to simply focus on the hunt. Also, its lightweight feature is a really nice touch, making it easy to manage even during hunts with harsh environmental conditions. Its power and accuracy are excellent as well, in which hunters can definitely rely on when its needed the most. If anything, there are lots of features that can be improved in this crossbow. But if it's just focusing on the basics, then the RM-405 is a great crossbow to have and rely on during hunts.
RM-405 Crossbow Accessory Check
These are the various accessories that come with this reliable crossbow:
- Rope Cocker
- Rail Lubricant
- Quiver - quick-detach side mount quiver that is able to hold up to 3 crossbow bolts
- Silencing Enhancements - crossbow is pre-installed with dampeners and string stoppers
- 4x32 Scope - comes with interchangeable blue or red illumination
- Crossbow Bolts - 3 442 grain Carbon Express Piledriver arrows
- Field Points - 3 100 grain field points paired with the included crossbow bolts
Miscellaneous Information on the RM-405 Crossbow
Here are other essential tidbits that will help you make the most out of this crossbow:
Is there any way to adjust the foot stirrup?
Yes. But the first thing you need to make sure is to safely let the 2 foot stirrups out. You'd be able to see if you did this right if you can actually see the flat spots of the foot stirrup. From there, adjust to the right spacing then re-install and tighten the screws to your preferred adjustment.
Is the side quiver designed to be ambidextrous?
Yes. The quiver is designed to be mounted on the side. To help you out with the orientation, placing the quiver under the front of the crossbow will be aligned to the left. From under, it will align towards the right.
Why the RM-405 Crossbow is Recommended
Here are some really excellent reasons on why you ought to get this crossbow:
Really Easy to Use
There really isn't much to adjust or customize with this crossbow. The basics matter in the RM-405, and this crossbow delivers it in a reliable fashion. From assembly to shooting, both beginners and pro shooters are in for a treat with this crossbow.
Great Crossbow for Disabled Shooters
Highlighting how easy it is to use, the RM-405 works great even among disabled hunters. The lightweight nature of this crossbow makes it manageable for disabled people, offering great opportunities and an overall exciting hunting experience.
Accurate and Fast
The power and speed this crossbow delivers are both excellent. As a starter crossbow, novice shooters will get to learn and experience how a powerhouse crossbow performs. Pro shooters can rely more on how accurate the RM-405 is, with this crossbow able to deliver powerful and accurate shots when it matters the most.
Interchangeable String Stops
It's a minor observation, but still a benefit! The RM-405 comes with interchangeable string stops, allowing dampeners to be aligned to a shooter's preference. This means that this crossbow work's to a shooter's style, for even the minuscule details will help make each shot count!
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the RM-405 Crossbow
On the other hand, you may need to be aware of these potential problems this crossbow may bring to the plate:
The Importance of Greasing
This is a really subjective issue, but there seems to be a real need to remind shooters to grease this crossbow before assembly. The string portion, particularly, needs to be generously lubricated to avoid potential damage to the crossbow. This reminder may be in part on just how easy this crossbow can be assembled. More often than not, the simple and basic essential of lubrication can be forgotten - make sure you don't!
Stock Isn't Adjustable
The one-piece stock construction offers a great benefit when it comes to the setup process. But the consequence of having a really easy assembly process can be found in the lack of adjustability. True, this crossbow can be adjusted on some parts, such as the foregrip. But losing the option to adjust certain parts on the stock may seem to be lacking, especially among seasoned shooters. This is a subjective issue, but may be relevant among crossbow purists.
Plastic Strength
The RM-405 hard plastic construction does seem to be sturdy enough. But again, shooters used to metal finishes may be wary of the plastic feel when shooting.
The Scope Needs to Be Replaced
There's no other way to say this - the RM-405 has a scope that is inferior when compared to the other parts and accessories of the crossbow. Consider replacing the scope with something better instead.
Read More
Need to know more about the RM-405 crossbow? These are some interesting and informative links to check out!
- Advocacy RL has a nice video review on the RM-405.
- Get the right information straight from the source. Here is the RM-405 official manual to get some legitimate references from.
- This Crossbow Reddit thread proves that the RM-405 is a great starter crossbow recommendation.