If your Ravin crossbow isn’t firing properly—or won’t shoot at all—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues reported by new and experienced users alike. Fortunately, the solution is often simple, and it usually comes down to how the bolt is nocked onto the string.
At Farmstead Outdoors, we’ve helped countless customers troubleshoot Ravin crossbows. Based on our experience, there’s one main reason your Ravin won’t shoot—and it’s easy to fix.
Most Common Cause: Bolt Not Fully Nocked
The number one reason a Ravin crossbow won’t shoot is because the arrow (bolt) isn’t fully snapped onto the string. Even if the crossbow is fully cocked, it will not fire unless the nock is completely engaged with the string.
When loading a Ravin crossbow:
- Make sure you push the bolt in firmly until it clicks into place.
- You should feel and hear a distinct “snap” when the nock engages.
- If the bolt can be pulled out easily, it’s not fully seated—and the crossbow won’t shoot.
This issue is especially common with brand new crossbows, where the nock and string may require a bit more pressure to engage due to tight tolerances.
Step-by-Step: How to Load the Bolt Correctly
- Cock the Crossbow Fully
Use your crank to draw the string all the way back until it locks into the fully cocked position. - Insert the Bolt into the Rail
Slide the bolt into the center rail of the crossbow. - Align the Fletching Correctly
Always insert the bolt with the white (odd) fletching down. If it’s facing up, you risk damaging your roller rest or stripping the fletching off during the shot. - Push the Bolt Until It Clicks
Apply firm pressure to push the bolt all the way in. You’ll hear and feel a snap when the nock is correctly engaged with the string. - Double-Check
Gently try to pull the bolt back out. If it moves easily, it’s not seated properly. Push it in again until it locks.
Why This Matters
Ravin crossbows are designed with safety features that prevent the bow from firing unless the nock is fully engaged. This helps avoid dry fires, misfires, and damage to your equipment.
If the bolt isn’t properly nocked:
- The crossbow won’t fire at all, or
- It could fire inconsistently or inaccurately, causing poor shot placement
By ensuring the nock is locked onto the string, you’re protecting your crossbow and improving accuracy.
Rare but Possible: Other Causes
While incorrect nocking is the issue in 99% of cases, here are a couple of less common things to check:
- Damaged nock: If your nock is cracked or broken, it may not engage the string properly.
- Obstruction in the rail: Make sure the rail is clean and free of debris before inserting the bolt.
- Improper cocking: Ensure the string is fully cocked and the safety mechanism is engaged.
But again, in most cases, if your Ravin crossbow won’t shoot, an improperly seated bolt is the culprit.