POINTS OF SAFE SHOOTING
Prior to shooting any arrow, users must read the instructions and watch the videos at
www.huntersfriends.com/carbon-arrows-safety to learn how to safely use your arrows and
equipment, and to learn other safe hunting techniques.
Prior to shooting, arrows should always be flexed in a gradual arc and visually inspected for
delamination, splitting or impact crush marks. A damaged shaft could fail completely upon release
and cause injury to yourself or others, and should never be used or loaded. Never shoot a cracked
or damaged shaft.
After loading into the crossbow, do not point the arrows at yourself or others to protect against
inadvertent or accidental discharge.
Do not shoot unless the target is visible and you are aware of what is behind the target area.
Do not shoot at any unknown target. Targets should be specifically designed for crossbow use.
Targets not designed for crossbow use, or targets with hard edges, plastics or metal can cause
ricochet and/or damage to arrows and may lead to serious injury or death.
Be conscious of any other persons in the shooting location. Ensure that all other persons are behind
you in the opposite direction of the target prior to firing a crossbow.
Be conscious of shooting technique and sequence. Careless handling of crossbow and arrows
and/or distractions can lead to serious injury to yourself and others. Remember safety begins and
ends with you. Be responsible, use safe shooting techniques and use safe practices to safeguard
both yourself and others.
Keep all body parts clear of the crossbow string and cable paths during use. Placing your hands,
fingers, thumbs or other body parts in the path of the crossbow string or cables may cause serious
injury. Never place any part of your body into the travel path of the crossbow string or cables. Keep
your front hand and fingers on the forearm of the stock, below the travel path of the string and
cables when firing.
CROSSBOW SAFETY GUIDELINES
The trigger mechanism on the DARTON Toxin RD150 crossbows features a safety that must be in
the “Fire” position in order for the crossbow to be cocked. Once the Toxin RD150 is cocked, the
safety must then be manually engaged. Be sure to reach under the bowstring to engage the
safety.
The Toxin RD100 crossbows will automatically engage to the “Safe” position when the crossbow is
cocked. If you find this did not occur, do not shoot the crossbow, contact customer service
immediately.
An anti-dry-fire safety mechanism is designed into the trigger mechanism to prevent the
crossbow from being fired without an arrow. In the event your crossbow is fired without an arrow
and the bowstring is retained by the dry-fire safety, it must be re-cocked before an arrow can be
inserted. In the event of a dry-fire (crossbow fired without an arrow) and the bowstring is not
retained by the dry-fire safety the bow must be inspected by an authorized dealer or the factory
before being re-cocked or shot.
Do not disengage the safety until the crossbow is pointed in a safe direction and you are ready to
shoot. In the event you do not fire the crossbow after removing the safety, re-engage the safety
mechanism fully to the “Safe” position. NOTE: This crossbow is provided with a safety designed to
prevent accidental discharge. However, a crossbow safety is only a part of the overall safe use of
the crossbow. NEVER RELY ON A MECHANICAL DEVICE TO REPLACE SAFE HANDLING PRACTICES.
Your crossbow should never be pointed at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Never attempt to alter or modify the safety device or trigger assembly in any way. This is a
dangerous practice and will not only void the manufacturer’s warranty but could cause damage to
the crossbow and possible injury or death to the user and/or others.
General Safety Precautions
• Always treat your crossbow with the respect due any sporting arm. Treat every crossbow as if it
were loaded. It can be dangerous or deadly if mishandled.
• Always point crossbow in a safe direction.
• Always know your target and what is beyond it. Never shoot at a target on the horizon if you do
not know what is on the other side.
• Before each shooting session, inspect your crossbow equipment for worn, loose, damaged or
missing parts. Replace any worn, lost or damaged parts.
• Inspect the cables and crossbow string for signs of fraying or broken strands. Replace if any
missing, lost or damaged parts are observed or suspected. Do not use the crossbow if these parts
are missing or damaged. Use only genuine DARTON replacement parts.
• Keep your fingers and other objects away from the trigger and trigger guard area until you are
ready to shoot.
• Do not shoot the crossbow if the bowstring section that the arrow nock rests against is frayed or
missing (this is the center section of the bowstring that has the serving wrapped over it).
• Do not transport a cocked or loaded crossbow. Always use a well designed crossbow case when
transporting your crossbow to help protect it from damage.
• Never dry-fire your crossbow. Shooting without an arrow is damaging to the crossbow and could
cause serious personal injury.
• Always make sure arrow is tightly seated against the bowstring to reduce the possibility of a dry
fire.
• Warning: Failure to index the arrow nock correctly could cause a dry fire and/or injury to the
user or others.
• Always shoot arrows of the recommended weight, diameter, length and nock style for your
particular crossbow model: Arrow Length: 22" minimum for best accuracy.
• Arrow Weight: 400 grains minimum
• Arrow Diameter: 11/32" diameter
• Nock Type: Use Crescent Nocks or Capture Type Nocks only with 11/32” diameter shafts. Any
other diameter shaft requires Flat Nocks.
• Failure to use the correct type of arrow could lead to serious injury or death.
• Never attempt to shoot any projectile other than arrows specifically designed for use in your
particular crossbow model.
• Never place any part of your body into the travel path of the crossbow string or cables. Keep your
front hand on the forearm of the stock, below the travel path of the string and cables when firing.
• Keep the crossbow limbs clear of obstructions such as tree limbs or shooting rests when firing.
Never loan this product to others unless they read and fully understand all usage instructions
and warnings for this product, and have viewed www.dartonarchery.com/safety
• Do not attempt to use this product while under the influence of alcohol, prescription or nonprescription
drugs.
• When hunting from heights, make sure you are using a fall arrest system (FAS) that is certified to
meet or exceed all applicable TMA (Treestand Manufacturer’s Association) standards as tested
and certified by an independent testing laboratory.
• Your crossbow was designed for hunting and target shooting only. Do not use it for any other
purpose.
• Do not leave your crossbow cocked for extended periods of time. To disengage the
crossbow, discharge either a practice arrow or specially designated arrow into an appropriate
target or safely down into soft earth, free of rocks or other debris.
• Replace strings and cables every 2 years or earlier if visible signs of fraying or broken strands are
evident.
• When practice shooting, wear eye protection and be sure your range is located in a spacious area
free of buildings and your target is designed for crossbow use. Bag style targets work well for
practice tipped arrows. High-density foam targets work well for broadhead practice.
RESPECT YOUR EQUIPMENT
It is essential to use equipment appropriate for the game you are hunting. Many problems in the
field are solved easily by a knowledgeable and prepared crossbow hunter.
• Ensure that your crossbow is properly fitted to you and that it meets the legal and ethical
requirements of the game you plan to hunt. Not all states allow for crossbow hunting. Some
states limit the use of crossbows. Prior to hunting, make sure you know the legal requirements
for the location in which you plan to hunt.
• Ensure that the crossbow is in good operating condition by following the instructions contained
within this instruction manual. Make a habit of conducting a pre-use inspection of your
equipment before each trip.
• Purchase arrows that match the weight, diameter and overall length recommended for your
crossbow. Improperly selected arrows that do not match the crossbow correctly can lead to poor
accuracy, damaged equipment, or serious injury or death.
• Make sure that all arrows are properly fitted to your crossbow, are straight and that their points
are sharp and matched to the target or game you’re pursuing.
• Tune your crossbow to the equipment (such as broadheads) you will be using for hunting.
• Keep your crossbow dry, clean and well lubricated. Make a habit of cleaning and caring for your
crossbow after every use.