F-Series Crossbow Owner's Instruction Manual Includes models F-300, F-300+, F-325 and F-340 Thank you for purchasing your new Fred Bear F-Series Crossbow! Before you begin shooting, please read this manual carefully. Without proper knowledge and instruction, you could damage your crossbow, or cause injury to yourself or others. If any part of this manual is unclear to you, contact the Customer Service Department at 1-866-556-2754. After you have read this entire manual thoroughly and understand it completely, save it for future reference. Then, enjoy shooting! At Fred Bear Archery we try hard to ensure that our products are of high quality and free of problems, such as manufacturing defects or missing parts. However, if you have any problems with your new product, PLEASE DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE STORE. Call us at: TOLL FREE 1-866-556-2754 (THIS IS A CONSUMER ONLY NUMBER) Fax Number: 1-866-873-3537 Or write us at: CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT., P.O. Box 889, Evansville, IN 47706 Please provide model number and/or part number (not just the KEY/ITEM number) of the product and/or part when you call or write. These numbers can be found on the product, packaging, and/or in this Owner's Manual. Table of Contents Specifications .................................1 Parts ...............................................1 Safety Guidelines ...........................2 Assembly ........................................3 Operation........................................5 Troubleshooting..............................9 Care & Maintenance.....................10 Warranty & Registration ............... 11 2L-6851-01 Escalade® Sports products may be manufactured and/or licensed under the following patents: 5,141,689, 5,392,756, 5,501,208, 5,718,212, 5,894,835, 6,142,132, 6,155,243, 6,460,528, 6,588,411, 4,649,889, 4,739,744, 4,748,962, 4,774,927, 4,957,094, 5,020,507, 5,040,520, 5,054,462, 5,495,843, 5,678,529 Additional patents may be pending. One or more of the listed patents and/or pending patents may cover specific product. ! WARNING! FAILURE TO READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW ALL GUIDELINES STATED HEREIN COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR CROSSBOW, AND/OR INJURY OR EVEN DEATH TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS. Specifications PIN Brand Product Name Spec. For Length Spec. For Width Limb Style Wheel Configuration String Type Camo Pattern Draw Weight Feet Per Second Accessories AFB8949300 Fred Bear F-300 31" Length 28" Width Quad Limb Round Wheel Synthetic Realtree Xtra Brown 150LB 300 Fiber Optic Pin Sight AFB8949301 Fred Bear F-300+ 31" Length 28" Width Quad Limb Round Wheel Synthetic Realtree Xtra Brown 150LB 300 Red Dot Sight 2 Arrows w/Field Points Black 4 Arrow Quiver AFB8949325 Fred Bear F-325 31" Length 28" Width Quad Limb No Let Off Cam Synthetic Realtree Xtra Brown 175LB 325 Red Dot Sight 2 Arrows w/Field Points Camo 4 Arrow Quiver Rope Cocking Unit AFB8949350 Fred Bear F-340 33" Length 28" Width Quad Limb No Let Off Cam Synthetic Realtree Xtra Brown 175LB 340 Red 3 Dot Sight 4 Arrows w/Field Points Camo 4 Arrow Quiver Rope Cocking Unit Parts A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. (1) Main Frame and Stock Assembly (1) Prod and Limb Assembly (1) Prod and Limb Assembly Mounting Screw & Washer (1) Cocking Stirrup (1) Front Sight Bracket (model F-300 only) (1) Front Sight Pin (model F-300 only) (2) Front Sight Mounting Screws (model F-300 only) (2) Front Sight Mounting Washers (model F-300 only) (2) Cocking Stirrup Retaining Screws (1) Rear Peep Sight (model F-300 only) (1) Red Dot Sight (models F-300+, F325) (1) Red 3 Dot Sight (model F-340 only) (1) Quiver (models F-300+, F-325, F-340) (1) Quick Detach Quiver Mount (models F-300+, F-325, F-340) (2) Quiver Mount Allen Screws (models F-300+, F-325, F-340) (2) Arrows with Field Points (models F-300+, F-325, F-340) (1) Hex Key (1) Rope Cocking Unit (models F-325, F-340) (1) Cable Saver (1) Quiver Dovetail Mount Bracket (models F-325, F-340) (1) Quiver Dovetail Mount Bracket Screw (models F-325, F-340) If you are missing any of the above parts, contact the Customer Service Department at 1-866-556-2754. 1 H S Q F K,L UCO D R I G E J B M N T A P Figure 2A. Parts Safety Guidelines Safety Switch Each F-Series Crossbow is equipped with an automatic, ambidextrous safety, which engages every time the crossbow is cocked. The safety must be released before each shot. This, as with any other mechanical device, does not guarantee total safety, as no safety device is a substitute for common sense and safe handling. The crossbow trigger is only to be pulled when the safety is in "fire" position and never when it is in the "safe" position or anywhere between "safe" and "fire." Do not attempt to alter or modify the safety or the trigger mechanism. If the safety will not release, push the trigger pull forward, then release the safety catch. General Safety Guidelines The following guidelines should be followed at all times: · Treat your F-Series Crossbow with the respect that is due any bow or sporting firearm. It can be dangerous if handled improperly. · Before use and prior to loading an arrow, check your crossbow thoroughly for worn, loose, damaged or missing parts. This will help you avoid malfunctions and possible injury. · Never point a crossbow at anything you do not intend to shoot. When in the field or hunting be especially aware of your target, and keep in mind that hunters wear camouflage clothing which makes them difficult to identify. · Never "dry-fire" a crossbow (never pull the trigger without an arrow properly positioned on the string). This can result in damage to the crossbow's limbs, strings or cables, and could possibly cause personal injury. Dry-firing your F-Series Crossbow will void the warranty. · Never release the safety until you are ready to shoot. · Never attempt to shoot any projectile other than arrows specifically designed for your F-Series Cross bow which have an overall length of 20" or more, a minimum mass weight of 400 grains, and a minimum outside diameter of .300". · Never expose your crossbow to extreme heat, such as in an enclosed automobile or trunk on a hot day. Excessive heat may damage the limbs and strings of your crossbow. 2 · Have the bow string replaced by a professional at the first sign of significant wear. · Do not attempt to modify the safety mechanism or other parts of your F-Series Crossbow in any way. · Before shooting, make sure that when the limbs relax they will not strike a tree or other obstacle. · Inspect your arrows regularly for signs of wear, splits, dents or anything that might weaken them. Tremendous stress is placed on crossbow arrows as they are released and damaged arrows could break causing damage to the crossbow or resulting in personal injury to the shooter. · If you are carrying hunting broadheads, always carry them in such a way that the sharp edges do not cause a threat to the shooter. All sharp edges should be completely encased in a sturdy quiver when not shooting. · Never place any part of the body into the path of the string or limb travel when your crossbow is cocked. Always keep your thumb and fingers below the Flight Deck and out of the path of cables and strings when firing the crossbow. ! Assembly WARNING! EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING A CROSSBOW. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Your F-Series Crossbow should be assembled in the following order. Attach the Cable Saver Before installing the Prod and Limb Assembly to the Main Frame Assembly, install the Cable Saver. 1. Snap the two grooves on the Cable Saver onto the power cables so the circular portion of the Cable Saver is facing up and is centered. Figures 3A, 3B. Figure 3A. Cable Saver Installation, Top view Figure 3B. Cable Saver Installation, Bottom view Attach the Cocking Stirrup to the Prod and Limb Assembly Before installing the Prod and Limb Assembly to the Main Frame Assembly, install the Cocking Stirrup. 1. Insert the Cocking Stirrup into the Prod and Limb Assembly with the notches facing the underside of the crossbow. 2. Tighten the two Cocking Stirrup Retaining Screws into the holes on the bottom of the Prod and Limb Assembly, securing the Cocking Stirrup. Figure 3C. Figure 3C Cocking Stirrup installation 3 ! WARNING! MAKE SURE THAT THE STIRRUP IS INSTALLED WITH THE NOTCHES TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CROSSBOW. THE SCREWS THAT ARE INSTALLED IN STEP 2 SHOULD TIGHTEN DOWN THROUGH THE PROD AND LIMB ASSEMBLY AND INTO THE NOTCHES. INSTALLING THE COCKING STIRRUP IMPROPERLY COULD RESULT IN THE STIRRUP DETACHING FROM THE CROSSBOW DURING COCKING, AND MAY RESULT IN INJURY. Attach the Prod and Limb Assembly to the Main Frame and Stock Assembly 1. Slide the Prod and Limb Assembly into place on the Main Frame Assembly making sure the circular portion of the Cable Saver aligns with the under portion of the inner Main Frame. The string should be resting on the Flight Deck. Figure 4A. 2. Secure the Prod and Limb Assembly to the crossbow Main Frame Assembly with the single Prod and Limb Assembly Mounting Screw & Washer provided. Make sure that the Prod and Limb Assembly is tight to the frame without play. Figure 4A. If there is any movement between the Prod and Limb Assembly and the Main Frame and Stock Assembly, stop the assembly of your crossbow and call the Customer Service Department at 1-866-556-2754. To detach the Prod and Limb Assembly from the Main Frame and Stock Assembly, reverse the steps above. Cable Saver Figure 4A Prod & Limb Assembly installation Install the Pin Sight (Model F-300) 1. Place the Front Sight along the Main Frame Rail over the two holes towards the front end of the Main Frame on the left side. The Front Sight Bracket should angle towards the front of the crossbow, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4B. 2. Secure the Front Sight Bracket to the Main Frame using the two Front Sight Mounting Screws and Front Sight Mounting Washers provided. 3. Install the Pin Sight to the Front Sight Bracket in the slot furthest to the rear (the pin may be moved to another slot later during the sighting-in process). The Pin Sight should be installed so the Front Sight Bracket is between the lock washer and the tightening barrel. Figure 4C. 4. Attach the Rear Peep Sight to the dovetail mount on the top of the Main Frame by sliding it on from the rear. Figure 4D. Figure 4B Front Sight Bracket installation Figure 4C Pin Sight installation Figure 4D Rear Peep Sight installation 4 Figure 5A Red Dot or Red 3 Dot Scope Installation Install the Red Dot or Red 3 Dot Scope (Models F-300+, F-325, F-340) 1. Slide the scope onto the dovetail mount on the top of the Main Frame. 2. Tighten the two screws on the scope, securing it to the frame rail (you may move the scope along the rail to obtain a desired distance from your eye prior to tightening). Figure 5A. Attach the Quiver (Steps 1 & 2 for models F-325 & F-340 only. For model F-300+ begin at step 3.) 1. Remove and discard the front flat head screw in the underside of the Main Frame. Figure 5B. 2. Attach the Dovetail Mount Bracket using the 1" long flat head screw provided. Figure 5C. 3. Secure the Quick Detach Quiver Mount to the Dovetail Mount Bracket on the underside of the Main Frame, near the Prod and Limb Assembly, with the two Quiver Mount Allen Screwsprovided. Figure 5D. 4. With the underside of the crossbow facing you, and holding the quiver at a 45º angle to the installed Quick Detach Quiver Mount, insert the button on the quiver rail into the middle hole on the Mount, and twist the quiver clockwise until it snaps securely in place. Figure 5E. Figure 5B Remove screw and discard (F-325 & F-340) Figure 5C Dovetail Mount Bracket installation (F-325 & F-340) Figure 5D Quick Detach Quiver Mount installation (F-300+, F-325 & F-340) Figure 5E Quiver attachment (F-300+, F-325 & F-340) Operation Follow the instructions below for safe and enjoyable operation of your new F-Series Crossbow. Cocking by Hand 1. Move the Safety Switch to the "Fire" position. 2. With the crossbow facing down and resting on the Cocking Stirrup, place your foot completely through the Cocking Stirrup and grasp the string in each hand next to both sides of the stock. Use your hands as guides next to the stock while standing straight up until you hear an audible click in the trigger housing. The string is now locked into the shooting position. After the string is drawn into position, relax string tension slightly to ensure the string latch holds securely. If the string is not held securely, pull back again until you hear the click in the trigger housing. Figure 6A. Cocking with the Rope Cocking Unit (Models F-325, F-340) The effort required to cock your F-Series Crossbow by hand can be significantly reduced by using the F-Series Rope Cocking Unit (#7516-000). This accessory also enhances accuracy by ensuring perfect left-to-right string alignment every shot. 1. ...