Cool, I'll be waiting.

Here you go Dan.

http://www.alcheminc.com/crossbow.html

Its a version of a crossbow meant to hunt small game and birds.  The earliest I can find is 16th century.  More of a nobility weapon.

wait... it shoots stones.... not made from them right  ???

Quote:

    Greetings, Bjarn,                                                                     
       A "stonebow" is a type of crossbow that typically has a stock shaped somewhat like a question mark  {  ?  } with the bow mounted at the top of the question mark and the straight end ( near the dot ) held against the shoulder. The bow is generally made of steel. The purpose of the oddly shaped stock is to allow clearance for the stone. Instead of launching a bolt down a track or rails, the stonebow launches a golfball sized stone or clay ball. I believe they were primarily designed to hunt birds, although you could probably take rabbits or other small game with it. Of course, it kills by impact force alone. Oddly enough, the effect is rather like a stone launched from a sling! ( Although much less skill is required to use it. )                     
      I saw one in a display case at a museum once ( If I remember correctly, it was Flemish ) and it was VERY nicely made and probably expen$$$ive. I guess we'll just have to stick with our beloved slings
but it doesn't hurt to daydream about fun "exotica!"                   
                                                                                                     
      Roy, thanks for the link! I will check it out!   .......Dan

Well I have a copy of the book , and just last year talked to someone here in the States that made steel bows.   So nothing to be sorry about.

I have the ability to make my own bow from a spring, just not the time.

How did you like the 100# ?

I was thinking around the same poundage.