Killer Instinct Crossbows

Best Crossbow for Hunting - Killer Instinct Fierce 405

We got our hands on another Killer Instinct crossbow. This time it's the Killer Instinct Fierce 405, the best budget crossbow. So now that we've got our hands on the Killer Instinct Fierce 405, we can finally review it.

The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 seems to be the best crossbow for the money in 2024. The Fierce 405 is a budget friendly yet powerful crossbow. The Fierce 405 is very easy to assemble and lightweight.

The pro package includes 1 Fierce 405 crossbow, 1 illuminated scope, 1 rope cocking device, string suppressors, 3-bolt quiver, 3 bolts with field tips, and 1 stick of rail lube. Everything you need to start hunting!

Killer Instinct Fierce 405 Review

First Impressions

The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 looks to be the best crossbow for beginners and seasoned hunters looking for a budget friendly yet powerful crossbow. The Fierce 405 should be reaching speeds of over 400 fps and is very lightweight at just 6.7 lbs.

The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is fairly easy to assemble. We made sure to use the rail lube on the strings and the rail. It's obvious that it's the best crossbow for deer hunting under $500.

Design

Ultra-light composite stock is comfortable and easy-to-manoeuvre.

Custom rubber shock absorbers reduce noise and vibration for increased stealth and performance.

Multi-position butt-pad and the X-LOK adjustable foregrip helps provide customized fit for increased comfort, accuracy and multiple holding options.

Optics

This scope can also be used in low light settings because of the rheostat brightness illumination in red or blue.

The Lumix scope is all set with nitrogen purging to keep it water, shock, and fog-proof. It's got a slick, slim design, perfect for modern crossbows that shoot at speeds of 300+ FPS.

Now, for beginners, this scope is okay, but we've noticed it's more on the basic side. Clarity and sight aren't always top-notch, especially on cloudy days.

If you're aiming for spot-on clarity and sight, we'd recommend checking out the Truglo Crossbow Scope 4X32 IR with weaver-style scope rings. It's fully coated lenses provide maximum brightness and still keeps that handy 4X32 compactness. This Truglo scope is nitrogen purged too, and it's got a sleek non-reflective matte finish to boot.

Cocking

Killer Instinct includes a rope cocking device with the Fierce 405. With a draw weight of 2 pounds, it can be quite the task for some people. Killer Instinct offers a silent crank draw that can be easily detached when needed.

If you're looking for an upgrade the Killer Instinct Compact DSC (Dead Silent Crank) wide sled operates in complete silence and features a compact design. Due to the crank's compact and lightweight nature compared to the included rope cocking device for the Killer Instinct Fierce 405, it is remarkably easy to attach and detach. All in all it's worth the upgrade.

Trigger and Safety Features

The Fierce 405 crossbow comes with a crisp 3.5 pound trigger automatic safety switch. When you cock the Fierce 405 it automatically goes on safety. Nowadays most crossbows will have an automatic safety switch, reflecting the advancements in modern crossbow technology. You will agree with my opinion that it is the best crossbow for hunting for beginners and seasoned bow hunters.

Arrows and Quiver

Includes three Hypr Lite 20-inch crossbow bolts. These bolts weigh 370 grains and are equipped with half-moon nocks.

Comes with a basic 5 arrow quiver. It does the job and at this price point a quiver included is a bonus.

Performance

Before I give the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 a thorough test spin, I want to point out that even though this crossbow comes at an affordable price, Killer Instinct advertises it as having a "dead silent" kit. So, I expect it to be a quiet shooter.

The Fierce 405 can send arrows flying at a whopping 405 feet per second, using the included 20-inch HYPR Lite arrows. In the package, you'll find a total of 3 carbon HYPR arrows with field tips. They're 20 inches long and have a combined weight of 370 grains, including the 100-grain field tips.

This crossbow is equipped with a standard trigger that has a 3.5-pound pull. It comes with built-in safety features like an anti-dry fire mechanism and an automatic safety switch. Considering the budget-friendly price of this crossbow, the trigger feels surprisingly smooth with minimal creep.

As I mentioned in the scope section, I swapped out the 4X32 Basic illuminated scope for the Truglo Crossbow Scope 4X32 IR with Rings. With this scope, we have a perfectly illuminated scope that remains clear in cloudy weather.

Sighting in the illuminated scope from the Killer Instinct is pretty straightforward. Once you've zeroed it in at 20 yards, the other aiming points should also be on target.

Cocking the Fierce 405 with the provided rope cocker should bring the draw weight down to around 100 pounds. For experienced crossbow shooters, this should be a breeze, but it might take some getting used to for newbie crossbow hunters. If you have any shoulder, back, or neck issues, it's worth checking out the "Dead Silent Crank" that Killer Instinct offers for this crossbow.

All that remains is the speed and accuracy assessment, and for this, I chose to utilize only the three HYPR arrows that came with the package. After calibrating the Basic illuminated scope, achieving bullseyes at a distance of 60 yards proved to be a straightforward endeavor. Here's a valuable tip: refrain from repeatedly targeting the same spot, as you're bound to inadvertently split arrows like a modern-day Robin Hood! Attaining 1-inch groupings with this crossbow presents a manageable challenge.

When I put the Fierce 405 to the test with the HYPR bolts over a chronograph, the results were impressive. All three shots clocked in at over 400 feet per second! Specifically, we're looking at 401, 403, and 405 feet per second! Now, I think it is the best crossbow for target shooting.

Recommended Accessories

Arrows and Broadheads

As this package only includes three Hypr Lite 20-inch crossbow bolts, we highly recommend getting an extra set of bolts. The Hyper Lite bolts are great value for the money, a six pack comes very cheap.

Using good broadheads for hunting is a must. You don't want to let a badly injured animal runoff. Therefor it'very important that hunters employ razor-sharp broadheads at the end of their arrows.

As for the broadheads, in our test we used the G5 Outdoors Montec fixed blade broadheads. We've also covered them in our best buy guide and their performance is great! They're very accurate and have great penetration.

Storage And Transportation

Unfortunately the Fierce 405 does not fit the narrow slayer crossbow case. It does fit the 22X36 slayer case. This case is a perfect fit for the fierce 405.

The slayer crossbow case includes 3 external and 1 internal compartment for all accessories you might need to bring with you on a trip. Comes with a top carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Summary

The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is an excellent choice for beginners, newcomers, and even budget-conscious experienced hunters. However, there are a few aspects of the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 that we find less than ideal.

One noticeable issue is the quality of the string suppressors, which may require replacement after some use. Additionally, the Killer Instinct Lumix™ scope 4 X 32, while serviceable as a basic scope, lacks clarity and sight when the weather is less than clear. This can be a bit frustrating. During our tests with the basic scope, we achieved the advertised accuracy of up to 80 feet, but beyond 85+ feet, it begins to lose accuracy.

Despite these drawbacks, the crossbow performs admirably at its price point. It shoots accurately and quietly, with an easy-to-pull cocking mechanism. Its lightweight design and adjustable foregrip, a rarity among beginner-friendly crossbows, make it a standout choice. The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is a high-quality crossbow suitable for newcomers and experienced hunters alike, and it unquestionably delivers great value for its price.

All in all, the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is the best hunting crossbow for the money on the market in 2024. And it is a very good investment for beginners!