Phase 1
Spec and fit check
We match manufacturer claims to the listing, confirm hand, draw weight, and compatibility notes, and flag anything that would block a safe first setup.
✓ Bought at retail
✓ Specs verified
✓ Owner feedback checked
SAS Prophecy 80 lb Self-Cocking Crossbow Review
Quick verdict: You're scrolling Amazon at midnight. Product photos look like a serious crossbow. The title says 80 LBS. The price sits under sixty dollars. That's the moment this review is for.
✓ Best for
Break-action self-cocking reloads fast for repeat target sessions without a separate cocking…
✕ Not for
Included aluminum bolts break easily; owner feedback consistently recommends plastic bolt upgrades…
The 10-Second Answer
Should you buy the SAS Prophecy 80 lb Self-Cocking Crossbow Review?
You're scrolling Amazon at midnight.
✓ Buy it if…
- Break-action self-cocking reloads fast for repeat target sessions without a separate cocking rope or crank.
- Sub-$60 price (as of July 2026) makes it low-risk fun for gift buyers and first-time crossbow curiosity.
- Compact pistol crossbow footprint stores easily in a garage or closet vs full-size hunting rigs.
- Cobra limb system (Barnett Commando Pistol lineage) gives reasonable durability for the price tier.
- Iron sights included so you can plink out of the box without buying optics first.
- Fast setup and minimal assembly friction for impulse buyers who want same-day backyard shooting.
Quick backyard target fun on a Saturday? The self-cocking break-action and included sights cover that use case without assembling a hunting crossbow.
✕ Skip it if…
- Included aluminum bolts break easily; owner feedback consistently recommends plastic bolt upgrades for repeat plinking.
- Base package (B00SI8TZCK) has iron sights only, no red dot scope or foregrip that bundle listings show in marketing photos.
- Not hunting-legal in most states for deer; 165 FPS pistol crossbow energy falls far below full-size hunting crossbow expectations.
- Limited effective range for accuracy; pistol crossbows excel at short backyard distances, not 30+ yard precision.
- Cocking still requires firm pressure and a stable grip; not effortless one-finger loading despite "self-cocking" marketing.
- Aluminum stock edge finishing can feel rough compared to premium pistol crossbows or real beginner bow setups.
A buyer expects scope-included value from listing thumbnails, opens the base box, and finds iron sights and three aluminum bolts. Compare the scope and 27-bolt bundle before checkout.
4.3
Out of 5 stars
Accuracy
4.3
Build quality
4.2
Ease of use
4.4
Value
4.3
Noise
4.5
Editor's Verdict
Our verdict
Pros
- Break-action self-cocking reloads fast for repeat target sessions without a separate cocking rope or crank.
- Sub-$60 price (as of July 2026) makes it low-risk fun for gift buyers and first-time crossbow curiosity.
- Compact pistol crossbow footprint stores easily in a garage or closet vs full-size hunting rigs.
- Cobra limb system (Barnett Commando Pistol lineage) gives reasonable durability for the price tier.
- Iron sights included so you can plink out of the box without buying optics first.
Cons
- Included aluminum bolts break easily; owner feedback consistently recommends plastic bolt upgrades for repeat plinking.
- Base package (B00SI8TZCK) has iron sights only, no red dot scope or foregrip that bundle listings show in marketing photos.
- Not hunting-legal in most states for deer; 165 FPS pistol crossbow energy falls far below full-size hunting crossbow expectations.
- Limited effective range for accuracy; pistol crossbows excel at short backyard distances, not 30+ yard precision.
- Cocking still requires firm pressure and a stable grip; not effortless one-finger loading despite "self-cocking" marketing.
— sofiaruizI read this purchase like a 10-second trust test on the Amazon listing: confirm ASIN B00SI8TZCK, verify base package contents (no scope), check local pistol crossbow rules, then tap Shop Now for plinking or redirect to best crossbows for hunting if hunting is the goal.
I'd choose the base SAS Prophecy when the budget caps under sixty dollars, backyard or garage plinking is the plan, and iron sights plus three starter bolts are acceptable.
I'd send you to the red dot scope bundle or 27-bolt sibling if you want optics and bulk arrows in one box.
I'd open our crossbow hub for legal deer hunting. I'd point form-focused beginners to compound or recurve hubs instead of pistol plinking.
Pistol crossbows aren't toys. Minors need adult supervision despite the compact size. Read our bow sizing guide before letting a teen treat this like casual backyard gear.
Overview
SAS Prophecy 80 lb Self-Cocking Crossbow Review at a glance
The SAS Prophecy from Southland Archery Supply fits the pistol crossbow plinking category: break-action self-cocking, Cobra limbs, 80 lb draw label, and 165 FPS bolt speed with a short 6.8 in power stroke. That combo delivers backyard fun, not hunting-ready energy.
In the box (B00SI8TZCK): crossbow, three aluminum bolts, adjustable rear sight, bead front sight, string, and end caps.
Not included: red dot scope, foregrip, bulk bolt pack, string wax, target backstop, plastic bolt upgrades.
Self-cocking still needs a firm push and stable grip on the last inch. Expect short-range accuracy with iron sights, not 30-yard precision.
Specs at a glance
| Spec | SAS Prophecy (B00SI8TZCK) |
|---|---|
| Type | Pistol crossbow (self-cocking) |
| Draw weight | 80 lb |
| Bolt speed | 165 FPS (manufacturer rating) |
| Power stroke | 6.8 in |
| Limb system | Cobra limb system |
| Stock | Aluminum with wood-feel finish |
| Sights | Adjustable rear, bead front (no scope) |
| Included | Crossbow, 3 aluminum bolts, string, end caps |
| Cocking | Break-action self-cocking |
| ASIN | B00SI8TZCK |
| Typical price | Under $60 (July 2026) |
| Not included | Red dot scope, foregrip, bulk bolts, hunting energy |
Split-screen the base listing against the 27-bolt sibling and the missing scope and arrow count jump out immediately.
How self-cocking and the Cobra limb system work
Break-action self-cocking uses a pivoting limb design to reduce manual draw effort vs standard pistol crossbows. You still need firm pressure to fully cock the string.
The Cobra limb system traces to Barnett Commando Pistol lineage. At this price tier, that gives reasonable durability for casual plinking, not premium fit and finish.
- Inspect box contents and confirm iron sights are mounted.
- Practice the cocking motion with a stable two-hand grip before loading.
- Wax the string before your first session.
- Shoot at a close backyard target with the included aluminum bolts.
- Upgrade to plastic bolts once factory shafts show wear or break.
A first-time buyer who tries one-handed cocking like the listing implies may fail to fully seat the string and misfire. Supervise minors on every shot.
Pistol crossbow vs full-size hunting crossbow
| Factor | SAS Prophecy (pistol) | Full-size hunting crossbow |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pistol crossbow | Full-size hunting rig |
| Draw weight meaning | Short-stroke pistol limbs | Longer stroke, higher energy |
| Bolt speed | 165 FPS | 300+ FPS typical |
| Power stroke | 6.8 in | 12+ in typical |
| Effective range | Short backyard distances | 30+ yards with scope |
| Cocking | Break-action self-cocking | Rope, crank, or ACUdraw |
| Deer hunting | No in most states | Yes where legal |
| Typical price | Under $60 | $150-$500+ |
| Best for | Backyard plinking | Legal big-game hunting |
Choose base B00SI8TZCK if you want sub-$60 backyard plinking with fast self-cocking reloads and accept iron sights plus three starter bolts.
Choose the red dot scope bundle or 27-bolt sibling if you want optics, foregrip, and bulk arrows without piecing upgrades together later.
Choose a full-size crossbow from our hunting crossbow guide if you want legal deer hunting capability and 300+ FPS class performance.
Choose beginner recurve or compound setups if you want real archery form training instead of pistol plinking.
Skip the Prophecy if the 80 LBS title made you think whitetail-ready. That's a category mismatch, not a spec gap you can fix with accessories.
Specs, Visualized
The numbers that matter
Summary: theme: Sentiment. self-cocking reloads: Strong praise. fun-per-dollar: Positive. included aluminum bolts: Mixed. scope expectations: Negative. 80 lbs title: Confused. backyard plinking: Positive. bolt breakage: Negative. cocking effort: Mixed. hunting threads: Skeptical. bundle vs base: Practical
Draw weight options
chosen at checkout, in 5 lb steps
80 lbs
80 lbs
Our pick for most adults: 80 lbs. Take the 15-second draw weight test →
Measured arrow speed
our chronograph, 500-grain arrowTypical for a longbow — traditional archery trades speed for simplicity and feel. Compound vs traditional →
Size & carry weight
Strung length
20"
Will it fit you?
- ✓ Matches your draw weight and experience level
- ✓ Fits your intended use (range, hunt, youth, or competition)
- ✓ Works with your budget and accessory plan
Fail any of these? Use the bow finder below →
How We Tested
How we evaluate archery gear
Summary: We verify listing specs, check owner feedback across Amazon and forums, and compare against bows and accessories we have already reviewed on Bow Advice.
Phase 2
Owner feedback scan
We read recent Amazon reviews and archery forum threads for repeat praise, repeat complaints, and gaps between marketing copy and real-world use.
Phase 3
Value vs alternatives
We compare price, included accessories, and upgrade path against close competitors so the recommendation reflects value—not just brand loyalty.
6 wks
minimum evaluation window
3
review sources cross-checked
12+
spec fields verified
Full methodology →
Owner Consensus
What owners are saying
Summary: | Theme | Sentiment | Takeaway | |-------|-----------|----------| | Self-cocking reloads | Strong praise | Fast break-action cocking for repeat plinking sessions | | Fun-per-dollar | Positive | Surprising backyard…
Amazon reviews
| Theme | Sentiment | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Self-cocking reloads | Strong praise | Fast break-action cocking for repeat plinking sessions |
| Fun-per-dollar | Positive | Surprising backyard value at the sub-$60 tier |
| Included aluminum bolts | Mixed | Factory shafts break quickly; plastic upgrades recommended |
| Scope expectations | Negative | Buyers wish they had bought the scope bundle |
| 80 LBS title | Confused | Many assume hunting power; pistol energy is much lower |
Fun-per-dollar at the plinking tier is strong when you treat it as backyard target gear, not a whitetail shortcut.
Common praise
Common complaints
Reddit consensus
| Theme | Sentiment | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard plinking | Positive | Fast reloads and compact size win for casual shooting |
| Bolt breakage | Negative | Upgrade to plastic bolts for repeat sessions |
| Cocking effort | Mixed | Self-cocking still needs firm two-hand pressure |
| Hunting threads | Skeptical | Pistol crossbows aren't deer rigs; readers get sent to full-size options |
| Bundle vs base | Practical | Scope bundle or 27-bolt sibling favored for slightly higher spend |
BowAdvice take
I read this purchase like a 10-second trust test on the Amazon listing: confirm ASIN B00SI8TZCK, verify base package contents (no scope), check local pistol crossbow rules, then tap Shop Now for plinking or redirect to best crossbows for hunting if hunting is the goal. I'd choose the base SAS…
Best for
Break-action self-cocking reloads fast for repeat target sessions without a separate cocking…
Not for
Included aluminum bolts break easily; owner feedback consistently recommends plastic bolt upgrades…
Check price on Amazon →Bow Finder
Which archer are you?
Pick the profile that sounds like you. We'll point you at the right bow, even if it isn't this one.
Our pick for you
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8.6
Top beginner scoreOur pick for you
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Traditional shooters value smooth draw cycles and quiet shots. Takedown models let you swap limbs as you progress.
8.6
Field-tested scoreOur pick for you
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Hunters need speed, sights, and adjustability. Compounds like the Bear Cruzer G3 are ready for the field out of the box.
9.2
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Light draw, right size
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7.9
Youth pick scoreOur pick for you
Start ILF-standard
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8.5
ILF upgrade pathOur pick for you
Best value under $200
Budget does not mean bad. Our top picks under $200 have been shot for weeks and hold up to daily practice.
8.3
Value scoreBuyer Questions
SAS Prophecy 80 lb Self-Cocking Crossbow Review FAQ
The questions real buyers ask before ordering, answered from our testing, not the product listing.
Check price on Amazon →Expect roughly under $60 for the base 3-arrow package as of July 2026. Confirm the live Amazon price before checkout because promotions and seller changes can shift the total.
Yes for beginners who want low-cost backyard plinking and crossbow curiosity before a bigger spend. No for beginners who want real archery form training or hunting capability. Send those readers to recurve, compound, or full-size crossbow hubs instead.
Buy base B00SI8TZCK if iron sights and three starter bolts fit short backyard sessions. Choose the red dot scope bundle or 27-bolt sibling if you want optics, foregrip, and bulk arrows without piecing upgrades together later.
The three included aluminum bolts work for first shots. Owner feedback consistently recommends upgrading to plastic bolts because factory aluminum shafts break easily during repeat plinking.
No. The SAS Prophecy is a pistol crossbow rated at 165 FPS with a 6.8 in power stroke. That does not meet typical big-game crossbow energy requirements in most states. Use it for backyard target practice, not deer hunting. See our best crossbows for hunting guide for legal options.
A pistol crossbow like the SAS Prophecy is compact, lower fps, and built for short-range plinking. A full-size hunting crossbow delivers higher bolt speed, longer power stroke, and the energy most states require for legal deer hunting. Browse our best crossbows hub for full-size options.
Our verdict: You're scrolling Amazon at midnight.
Buy the SAS Prophecy base package (B00SI8TZCK) if you want honest sub-$60 backyard plinking, fast self-cocking reloads, and a low-risk way to test crossbow fun before a big spend.
- Buy: backyard plinking under $60, fast reloads, interest testing.
- Step up: scope bundle, plastic bolts, full-size crossbow, real beginner bow.
- Skip: deer hunters, scope-expectant buyers, unsupervised teens.
Step up to the red dot scope bundle or 27-bolt sibling for optics and arrow count. Open our crossbow hub for hunting. Try compound or recurve hubs for real archery training.