A cocking system for retracting a string carrier on a crossbow that is substantially silent during operation. The cocking system includes a string carrier with a catch that is moveable between a closed position that engages a draw string, and an open position that releases the draw string. The string carrier slides along a center rail between a released configuration and a retracted position that locates the draw string in a drawn configuration. A trigger is positioned to move the catch from the closed position to the open position to fire the crossbow when the string carrier is in the retracted position. The cocking system includes a retaining mechanism that retains the string carrier in the retracted position while permitting a draw string to disengage and fire an arrow.

A crossbow includes a center rail defining a projectile axis, a draw string coupled with a first cam and a second cam, the draw string configured to move between a released configuration and a drawn configuration, a string carrier slidably coupled with the center rail and configured to selectively engage with the draw string to move the draw string between the released configuration and the drawn configuration, and an arrow rest configured to engage with a projectile to suspend the projectile over at least a portion of the center rail and configured to reposition the projectile relative to the center rail. During operation of the crossbow, the projectile engages the crossbow at two points of contact including the arrow rest and the draw string.

A crossbow includes a center rail defining a projectile axis, a draw string coupled with the first cam and the second cam, the draw string configured to move between a released configuration and a drawn configuration, and a string carrier slidably coupled with the center rail. The string carrier is selectively engages the draw string and moves between a forward position and a retracted position. The crossbow includes a trigger assembly having a trigger and a trigger pawl operatively coupled to the trigger. During operation of the crossbow when the string carrier is in the retracted position, the trigger pawl is in an operating position and is operatively engaged with the string carrier. During operation of the crossbow when the string carrier is not in the retracted position, the trigger pawl is in the operating position and is operatively disengaged from the string carrier.

A crossbow includes a center rail defining a projectile axis, a stock coupled with the center rail, a draw string coupled with the first cam and the second cam, the draw string configured to move between a released configuration and a drawn configuration, and a string carrier slidably coupled with the center rail. The stock includes a retaining mechanism that protrudes at least partially from the stock. The string carrier includes a pin and is selectively engages the draw string and moves between a forward position and a retracted position, where the draw string is in the drawn configuration when the string carrier is engaged with the draw string and in the retracted position. The retaining mechanism is configured to selectively engage the pin to retain the string carrier in the retracted position.