Mission by Mathews MXB Dagger Crossbow Review
Russ Chastain 08.06.14
The Hawke scope is only a little more than 9 inches long, is variable from 1x to 5x, and has red or green illuminated crosshair. The illumination is not very bright for either color, but sometimes all you need is just a touch. Objective size is 32mm, and of course it features multiple aiming points for multiple distances. There are five Xs in the reticle, for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 yards, and there are additional marks below for extreme range shooting (but please don’t shoot at game at long range with any kind of bow).
Mounting the scope was easy, as there is a picatinny optics rail above the trigger and the scope already had Weaver-type rings installed.
Extending the stock to fit my long arms was not difficult, although the manual didn’t tell me how to do it. Simply remove four screws (two per side) and move the butt forward or backward to suit you. I set mine in the longest available position; two other positions are available, in 3/4″ increments.
The arrow retainer grips arrows very tightly, and I won’t worry about losing a strung arrow. I like that the spring steel retainer came with a rubber dampener on it, to reduce vibration and noise.
From the factory, the limbs are set at maximum power, which means a 220-pound draw weight. This makes for a bit of a grunt when cocking, as the cams don’t provide relief until you’re almost at the end of the draw.
The pistol grip and trigger are set farther forward than my old crossbow, and I like it. What I don’t like is that the safety is located far behind the trigger, and can’t be disengaged by your shooting hand when you’re gripping the bow in shooting position–so the safety must be released before you get into shooting position.
The base for the removable quiver can be mounted in one of four positions: above or below the bow, right or left of center. I chose above the bow because I plan to use a sling, and I put it on the right because I’m right-handed.
Best of all was the size, as I dearly love the narrow width of the limbs on the MXB Dagger. I think I’m going to love carrying the MXB Dagger in the woods this fall.
Shooting the Dagger
I first shot the Dagger through a couple different chronographs, and the average speed with the supplied 22″ arrows and 100-grain field points was 320 fps. I then set about zeroing and testing the scope.
I found the scope to be good at compensating for drop with the scope set more or less to the 320 fps setting (which is about 2.75x). When my groups began to grow inexplicably, I checked and discovered that the scope was very loose on the rail. I tightened it all down and went back to work. Every shot was well within “minute of whitetail” and the elevation compensation of the Hawke scope did just fine. I didn’t shoot beyond 50 yards, which is way too far for bow hunting anyhow.
I’m not sure why it came loose, but it may have been operator error. I can’t swear that I tightened it down securely when I originally installed the scope.
I’m happy with the accuracy of this crossbow. At 50 yards the group measured 3″, and I think it’s just fine for deer hunting.
It is a bit loud, but that could possibly be tamed using a crossbow silencer kit.
The trigger is the worst thing about this crossbow. It’s extremely heavy. In fact, my RCBS trigger pull scale tops out at 8 pounds, and the MXB’s trigger weighs more. I estimate the trigger pull at 9 to 10 pounds. Mission says they’re averaging at 8 to 9 pounds, so it’s not just me, and the MXB’s trigger is not adjustable.
Conclusion
The Mission by Mathews MXB Dagger is a good crossbow, and I like it. It’s not perfect, but what is? It’s certainly the best one I’ve tried to date, and I’m looking forward to chasing some critters with it in the woods this fall.
MXB Dagger Specs:
- Speed: Rated up to 340 fps with 385 grain arrow; I measured 320 fps with 412 grains
- Draw weight rating: max 220 pounds (adjustable down to 125)
- Power stroke: 10″
- Finish: Lost AT camo
- Bowstring: Zebra™ Hybrid
- Weight without scope: 6.56 pounds
- Widest point uncocked: 20″
- Widest point cocked: 18″
- Total length: 31″*
- MSRP: $799 (CAMO – crossbow only) or $899 (Tactical – crossbow only)
- Manufacturer: Mission Archery
*The overall length can be 3/4″ or 1.5″ shorter; I have adjusted my stock as long as it will go.
XB Pro Package Contents:
- Hawke XB-1 1.5x-5x 32mm SR etched reticle, variable power 2-color illuminated reticle scope & rings.
- Scope weight: 1.058 pounds with rings and flip caps.
- 3 Mission® 22″ Crossbow Arrows with half-moon metal nock.
- Mission® MX-3 Quiver (Lost AT™ or Black finish).
