Mission Crossbows, Bolts & Accessories
Which Mission crossbow fits how you hunt, the bolts and strings built for each one, and how to cock, care for and troubleshoot every model. An independent guide - not affiliated with Mission Archery or Mathews Inc.
The Mission lineup at a glance
Mission has released several generations of crossbows - the older MXB series, models like the Dagger and Sniper Lite, and the current Sub-1 family. The fastest way to narrow it down is to decide whether you want a current-production model or already own (or are looking at) an older one. These are the models buyers and owners ask about most.
| Model | Known for |
|---|---|
| Sub-1 | The original Sub-1 Pro-Kit package, the model most buyers compare everything else against |
| Sub-1 XR | Mission's updated Sub-1 package; owners on crossbow forums describe it as quiet and low-vibration |
| Sub-1 Lite | A lighter Sub-1 package, sold in both black and Realtree Edge camo finishes |
| MXB-360 | Earlier-generation Mission crossbow; still widely shot and discussed on owner forums |
| MXB-400 | Positioned above the MXB-360 in Mission's older MXB lineup |
| Dagger | Part of the MXB family, sold as the MXB Dagger |
| Sniper Lite | A lighter-weight model from the same MXB-era lineup |
Not sure which is right? The full models hub lays out every model on this site, and the Mission crossbow reviews hub breaks down what owners say about each one.
Models, Bolts & Parts
What each model takes, which parts wear first, and how to tell a worn string from a tuning problem.
Crossbow Models
Bolts, Parts & Accessories
Common Questions
What buyers and owners ask most often about Mission crossbows, bolts and setup.
Which Mission crossbow should I look at first?
It depends on how recent a model you want. The Sub-1 and its updated Sub-1 XR and Sub-1 Lite siblings are the current, most-searched Mission bows. The older MXB series (MXB-360, MXB-400, MXB-320) and models like the Dagger and Sniper Lite are earlier releases that plenty of hunters still shoot and still need parts for. Start with the models hub and narrow from there.
Who makes Mission crossbows?
Mission is a brand of Mathews Inc., the compound bow manufacturer - see Mission and Mathews for how the two are connected. Mission's own lineup covers both compound bows and crossbows.
What bolt length and weight does a Mission crossbow take?
This varies by model, so match your bolts to what your specific Mission calls for rather than assuming one length fits the whole lineup - Mission sells bolts in 19", 20", 22" and 24" lengths depending on the bow. Always confirm bolt length, total grain weight and nock type before you shoot; the nock is a safety item, since a bolt that doesn't seat correctly against the string is how a dry-fire happens.
How do I cock a Mission crossbow?
Mission crossbows commonly use a rope cocking aid or an optional crank cocking device, depending on the model and package. Always follow the process in your specific model's manual rather than assuming every Mission cocks the same way. For decocking and sighting-in questions, see our decocking guide.
Is Mission a good crossbow brand?
Owners on crossbow forums frequently describe Mission bows as quiet, accurate and low-vibration for the category, and several report shooting the same bow for years without issue. Like any brand, some models suit some hunters better than others, which is why the reviews and comparisons here go model by model - see Mission crossbow reviews - rather than treating the whole lineup as one thing.
My Mission model isn't sold new anywhere current. Can I still get parts for it?
Mission has rotated its lineup over several generations, so older models like the MXB series can roll off current retail listings while plenty of them are still in the field. This guide keeps pages for those models and points you to the accessories most likely to fit, and to Mission dealers for parts questions we can't answer from a public listing.
What's the difference between the Sub-1, Sub-1 XR and Sub-1 Lite?
All three share the Sub-1 name and general platform, but they are sold as distinct packages with different finishes and components. See Sub-1 vs. Sub-1 XR for a direct comparison, or browse each model's own page for what's included in its specific kit.
How does Mission compare to Ravin or TenPoint?
Mission, Ravin and TenPoint are all established crossbow brands with their own design approach and factory package structure. See Mission vs. Ravin and Mission vs. TenPoint for how the current Sub-1 lineup stacks up against each.
Where most Mission buyers start
The two models Mission owners search for most, and the bolts built to match them. Prices move constantly - check the current price on Amazon before you decide.
Sub 1 Crossbow Black Pro-Kit
Mission's Sub-1 Pro-Kit package, the model most first-time Mission buyers compare everything else against. Sold as a complete kit rather than a bare bow.
Sub-1 XR 410FPS Black Crossbow with Pro Package #XK034 Y
The updated Sub-1 XR Pro Package, Mission's higher-spec follow-up to the original Sub-1. Owners on crossbow forums consistently describe it as quiet and low-vibration for the category.
Mission Crossbow Bolts 19" 300gr 3 Pack
Mission's own 19-inch carbon bolt set, built to the tolerances the Sub-1 lineup is set up around. Match bolt length to your specific model before buying.
About This Guide
Mission is a crossbow and compound-bow line from Mathews Inc., the same company that builds Mathews compound bows. The crossbow side of the lineup has run through several generations - the MXB series (MXB-360, MXB-400, MXB-320), the Dagger and Sniper Lite, and the current Sub-1 family (Sub-1, Sub-1 XR, Sub-1 Lite) that most current searches are about.
That lineup turnover is exactly what makes this site useful. It is organised the way an owner or buyer actually searches: by model, by the bolts and parts that fit it, and by the questions that come up once the bow is home - cocking, decocking, storage, and what to do when something isn't working right. Specifications here are drawn from Mission's own product listings, packaging and documented owner reports - nothing is invented to fill a gap.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by Mission Archery or Mathews Inc. and is not endorsed by them. Where a page links to Amazon, that link is an affiliate link and we may earn a commission.