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In this review, we are looking at two crossbows that honestly shouldn’t really be compared, but that’s exactly why this comparison is interesting. On one end, we have the Steambow M10, a compact, magazine-fed, fast-shooting crossbow built for fun, training, and high repetition shooting. On the other, the CenterPoint AT400, a full-size, high-powered compound crossbow designed for serious hunting applications.

Aside from both launching bolts/arrows, these two platforms sit at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. The goal here is not to declare a winner, but to help you decide which one actually fits your use case, or if you might want both.

Key Differences Overview:

Steambow M10

The Steambow M10 is a compact repeating crossbow designed more for fun, training, and high-volume shooting. It uses a magazine-fed system that can hold 10 bolts, allowing for very fast follow-up shots. Depending on the limb setup, it can reach speeds of up to around 200 FPS and produce approximately 10 to 15 foot-pounds of energy. Its lighter draw weight options and easy cocking system make it beginner-friendly and much less physically demanding to use. Overall, the M10 is best suited for target shooting, casual use, and potentially small game with the right setup.

CenterPoint AT400

The CenterPoint AT400 is a full-size compound hunting crossbow built for serious power and hunting use. Unlike the M10, it is a single-shot platform that focuses on accuracy, penetration, and range rather than fast repeat shooting. It sends arrows downrange at about 400 FPS and delivers close to 150 foot-pounds of energy, putting it in an entirely different class. With its roughly 200-pound draw weight, it requires much more effort to cock and reload, usually with a rope or crank system. This makes it better suited for medium to large game hunting, where power and shot placement matter far more than speed.

Side-by-Side Summary

If you want something lightweight, compact, fast, and easy to shoot often, the Steambow M10 is the better fit. If your main goal is hunting and you need maximum power, longer range, and serious downrange performance, then the CenterPoint AT400 is clearly the more appropriate choice. Even though both are crossbows, they are built for very different types of users and very different shooting experiences.

Power & Performance

The biggest separation between these two comes down to raw power.

• The Steambow M10 delivers up to about 10–15 foot-pounds of energy, depending on limb configuration and bolt weight. It’s comparable to higher-end airguns or paintball-level power.

• The CenterPoint AT400, by contrast, produces close to 150 foot-pounds of energy and launches arrows at around 400 FPS.

That’s not a small difference, it’s an entirely different category.

Real-world comparison:

• M10 = backyard shooting, small game potential

• AT400 = deer, and potentially even elk with proper shot placement

This is essentially the difference between a BB gun vs a hunting rifle in terms of role and impact.

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Shooting Experience:

Steambow M10

• Magazine-fed (10 bolts)

• Extremely fast follow-up shots

• Break-action style cocking (very quick)

• Great for drills, repetition, and skill building

• Minimal effort required

You can realistically fire 10 shots in about 10 seconds, making it a very engaging and fun platform.

CenterPoint AT400

• Single-shot system

• Requires rope cocking or crank system

• Significant physical effort (200 lb draw)

• Slow reload (often 30–60+ seconds)

This is a deliberate shooting experience, not something designed for volume or speed.

Use Case Breakdown:

Steambow M10 – Best For…

• Backyard shooting (with proper backstop)

• Target practice

• Tactical-style drills

• High repetition training

• Casual and frequent use

• Lower-cost shooting (especially with rubber ball version)

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You can even use:

• Rubber balls (low cost, reusable)

• Lightweight bolts

• Indoor-friendly setups (with proper safety)

CenterPoint AT400 – Best For…

• Hunting (deer and potentially larger game)

• Long-range accuracy

• Maximum penetration and power

• Purpose-driven shooting

This is not a casual-use product, you typically bring it out when it matters.

Ease of Use & Physical Demand:

Steambow M10

• Very easy to cock (even at lower draw weights)

• Beginner-friendly

• Lightweight (~compact platform)

• Minimal fatigue

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CenterPoint AT400

• High effort required

• Needs cocking tools (rope or crank)

• Physically demanding

• Slower workflow between shots

Key takeaway:
Anyone can pick up and use the M10 easily. The AT400 requires more commitment, strength, and practice.

Size & Portability

Steambow M10

• Compact and lightweight

• Can be partially disassembled easily

• Backpack-friendly

• Ideal for mobile use

CenterPoint AT40

• Large, fixed structure

• Not easily transportable without a case

• Designed for field carry, not casual portability

Ammo & Cost of Ownership:

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Steambow M10

• Bolts are smaller and cheaper

• Rubber ball version = extremely low cost

• Less wear and tear overall

• High reusability

CenterPoint AT40

• Arrows are larger and more expensive

• More prone to damage/loss at high speeds

• Requires maintenance and replacement over time

Value Consideration:

Interestingly, both fall into a similar price range (~$400–$500), but value depends on usage frequency:

• M10 → Likely used often → Higher practical value

• AT400 → Used less frequently unless hunting regularly

If something sits unused, its value drops regardless of price.

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Who Should Buy Each?

Choose the Steambow M10 if you…

• Want fun, fast shooting

• Plan to shoot frequently

• Prefer low effort and ease of use

• Don’t need high power

• Enjoy tactical or training-style shooting

Choose the CenterPoint AT400 if you…

• Are hunting (especially deer or larger game)

• Need high power and penetration

• Value accuracy and range

• Don’t mind slower reload times

• Are comfortable with physical effort

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Final Thoughts

These two crossbows are not competitors—they are tools for completely different jobs.

• The Steambow M10 is about frequency, fun, and versatility

• The CenterPoint AT400 is about power, precision, and purpose

If anything, this comparison highlights that you may not need to choose one over the other, you might actually benefit from having both ends of the spectrum covered.

If neither fits perfectly, then the real answer may be to look for something in the middle.

Where to Buy

Both of these crossbows (or similar models) are typically available through:

• Buy Steambow M10 in Canada

• Buy CenterPoint AT400 In Canada

• Buy in the US

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In this table top review, we take a close look at the Steambow B08 .68 Caliber Tactical Crossbow, a compact and versatile system designed for shooting rubber balls, paintballs, or foam projectiles. This model is particularly suited for controlled environments like indoor ranges (such as a sea can setup or even basement or backyard), thanks to its relatively moderate power and flexible ammunition options.

A full shooting test will follow separately, but for now, let’s break down the specifications, features, and what comes in the box.

Specifications

• Model: Steambow B08

• Caliber: .68 (rubber balls, paintballs, foam balls, etc.)

• System Type: Recurve crossbow

• Draw Weight: 35 lbs (standard included limb)

• Velocity: Up to 260 FPS (manufacturer claim)

• Energy: Approx. 7 ft-lbs (up to ~15 ft-lbs with stronger limbs)

• Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds (removable)

• Weight: Just under 4 lbs

• Length: 24.2 inches

• Width: 3.15 inches (body, excluding limb span)

• Height: 8.3 inches

• Materials: Fiberglass, metal, and polymer construction

• Stock: AR-style adjustable (6-position) with cheek rest and rubber butt pad

The B08 is distributed by Steambow GmbH (Austria) and is built on a modular platform compatible with other Steambow systems like the M10.

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Key Features

Modular Platform

One of the standout aspects of the B08 is its modular design. The lower receiver is identical to the Steambow M10, meaning you can swap uppers to shoot either:

• .68 caliber balls (B08 upper)

• Crossbow bolts (M10 upper)

This gives users flexibility to adapt the platform for different uses.

Quick Change Limb System

The included 35 lb limb is easy to swap out:

• Secured by a single bolt

• Can be upgraded up to heavier options (up to ~120 lbs available)

• Allows tuning for power vs. ease of cocking

Magazine-Fed Repeater System

• 8-round removable magazine

• Spring-fed system with follower

• Auto-loading mechanism (not semi-auto, but fast cycling)

The system works by “breaking” or pulling back the stock, which:

• Cocks the string

• Loads the next round

• Prepares the trigger

Cocking Mechanism

• Shoulder-supported operation

• Pull stock inward to cock

• Very easy with 35 lb limb

• Allows relatively fast follow-up shots once familiar

Sighting System

• Fiber optic front sight

• Rear alignment via top trough channel

While simple, it works well for close-range shooting. However, the included Picatinny rails (top and bottom) allow for:

• Red dots

• Scopes

• Tactical accessories

Build & Ergonomics

• Polymer lower with reinforced components

• AR-style adjustable stock

• Adjustable cheek rest

• Rubber butt pad

• Included foregrip (user-installed)

Overall, the Steambow B08 .68 Caliber Tactical Crossbow has a solid, lightweight feel while still maintaining good handling characteristics.

What’s Included in the Box

The B08 comes well-packaged with multiple internal boxes and includes:

• Steambow B08 main unit

• 35 lb limb

• Foregrip

• 8-round magazine

• 25 “foam” balls (closer to hard nylon in feel)

• Protective shooting glasses

• Allen keys (for assembly and adjustments)

• String wax

• Extra string

• Mounting hardware

• Instruction manual

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Note:
A small locking component for the upper assembly may come separate and is not clearly explained in the manual, but is required for proper function.

Operation Overview

• Load magazine with up to 8 rounds

• Insert magazine into front housing

• Cock by pulling stock inward

• Fire using single-action trigger

The ball is held in place by a simple groove and string system, guiding it forward during firing.

Performance Notes (Initial Impressions)

• Smooth and reliable operation

• Easy to cock with 35 lb limb

• Suitable for indoor shooting environments

• Compatible with various projectile types

Heavier limbs will:

• Increase velocity and energy

• Require more effort to cock

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Pros

• Lightweight and compact (under 4 lbs)

• Modular system (compatible with M10 platform)

• Magazine-fed repeater design

• Easy cocking with included limb

• Quick-change limb system

• Picatinny rails for accessories

• Comes with useful extras

• Quiet operation

• Reusable ammunition options

Cons

• Higher price point

• No traditional rear sight included

• Learning curve for efficient operation

• Included limb may feel underpowered for some users

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Final Thoughts

The Steambow B08 offers a unique blend of crossbow mechanics and tactical styling, combined with modular flexibility and relatively safe indoor usability. It’s especially appealing for users who want:

• A reusable ammo platform

• Quick follow-up shots

• Expandability with other Steambow systems

While the included 35 lb limb keeps it easy to use and accessible, upgrading the limb will unlock more performance potential for those looking for higher energy output.

Availability

Available through Replica Airguns:

• Buy the Steambow B08 .68 Caliber Crossbow in Canada

• US Archery Buying Options

A full shooting test and performance breakdown will follow in a separate review.

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Today’s unboxing, we’ll call it the March 2026 Unboxing Preview!

I had no idea what was in this box, and honestly, I like it that way. It makes every delivery feel a bit like Christmas. A box shows up from the warehouse, I crack it open, and my job is to let you know what’s inside and what might be coming soon to the store. A lot of the time these are products we’ve never carried before. Not always, but usually there’s at least something new or unexpected in the mix.

As usual, getting into the box was its own little challenge. Good thing I had my “box cutter “ handy. Once I finally got through the packaging, it was clear right away this one had some interesting stuff inside.

What was in the box?

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1) Annie Oakley Lil’ Sure Shot BB Rifle

First out of the box was something a little different: the Annie Oakley Lil’ Sure Shot.

This one is brought to you by Air Venturi / Western Justice, and it’s essentially a Red Ryder-style lever action BB rifle with some nice Western-themed touches. Right away, it stood out with the stained solid wood stock, wood forearm with engraving, and engraved Annie Oakley artwork.

Here are some of the listed specs and features:

• Ammo: .177 caliber / 4.5mm steel BBs

• Action: Lever cocking, spring piston

• Barrel: Smoothbore

• Overall Length: 36.25 inches

• Capacity: 550 BBs

• Claimed Velocity: Up to 350 FPS

• Weight: 3.3 pounds

• Max Shooting Distance: 212 yards

Once I opened it up, it definitely gave me that familiar Red Ryder / Marlin Cowboy vibe, but it feels like it may be just a bit bigger overall. Maybe a slightly longer stock, maybe just a bit more substantial in the hands. I’ll have to compare it side-by-side with a Red Ryder later to know for sure.

A few things I noticed right away:

• It has a metal lever

• Metal frame

• Metal barrel

• A plastic muzzle tip

• A rear sight that appears adjustable

• And surprisingly, a Weaver-style rail on top for mounting an optic

That top rail is actually a nice touch. You could absolutely throw a small scope on this if you wanted to, and why not? It makes for a fun little plinker, and the engraving gives it some real visual appeal too.

I’ve always had a soft spot for these little lever-action BB rifles. They’re just fun. They’re simple, classic, and a great way to introduce younger shooters to safe rifle handling. Rifles like this tend to be a bit easier for beginners since they’re not as quick to wave around as a pistol.

So yes, this one looks like it should be a lot of fun, and I’ll be doing both a Tabletop Review and a Field Test Shooting Review on it soon.

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2) .68 Caliber Nylon Balls (100 Count)

Also in the box was a pack of 100-count .68 caliber nylon balls.

These feel noticeably heavier than the rounds I was using in my earlier T4E TC68 review. The previous ones were around the 2.8 to almost 3 gram range, and these new ones feel more like they’re getting up into the high 3 gram to 4 gram area.

That added weight could make them especially interesting to test in the TC68, since more projectile mass can sometimes translate into more energy on target, even if velocity comes down a bit.

So these should be fun to test out, and as it turns out, they may have arrived for a very good reason…

3) Steambow B08 / .68 Caliber Rubber Ball Crossbow Platform

This was the big surprise in the box, and definitely the highlight item.

If you watched my SHOT Show coverage, then you may remember this one from the Steambow booth. It’s a really cool product: basically a magazine-fed rubber ball shooting crossbow-style launcher in .68 caliber.

I had already gotten a chance to try it at SHOT Show, and Steambow was great about letting us check it out there. So it was pretty exciting to see one show up here for review.

Some of the box highlights:

• Detachable magazine

• 8-shot capacity

• .68 caliber projectiles

• Includes 25 foam balls

• Comes with a 35-pound limb

• AR-style adjustable buttstock

• Protective shooting glasses included

This product has a lot going on in the box. Once I opened it up, there were multiple components and accessories packed inside, including:

• Main body / receiver section

• Foregrip

• AR-style buttstock

• Upper receiver section with included magazine

• 35-pound limb

• Bow string and related accessories

• Lubricant / wax for the string

• Mounting hardware and tools

• Protective glasses

• 25 included foam balls

There’s definitely going to be some assembly involved before I can do a full review, so that will be part of the tabletop video.

The main unit itself feels solid and substantial. It has some good weight to it, and overall it looks like a very cool design. The included 35-pound limb should offer a decent balance between usability and performance. At SHOT Show we were only using a lighter 25-pound setup, which was very easy to draw, great for casual target practice, but obviously not the high-performance option.

One of the things I like about this platform is that it gives you that crossbow-style shooting experience while using reusable .68 caliber balls. That can make it easier and cheaper to shoot compared to bolt-style systems, where each arrow or bolt can get expensive fast, especially if you miss the target and damage one.

And since I now also have those heavier nylon .68 caliber rounds from the same box, I should be able to test both the included foam balls and the heavier options to see how they compare.

This one should make for a very interesting review.

Final Thoughts

So that was the March 2026 mystery box. We’ve got two very different products here:

• The Annie Oakley Lil’ Sure Shot, which looks like a fun, classic lever-action BB rifle in the Red Ryder tradition

• And the Steambow B08 / .68 Caliber Rubber Ball Crossbow Platform, which is something a little more modern, tactical, and definitely unique

Both of these are getting the full treatment, so expect Tabletop Review and Field Test Shooting Review videos for both products.

The Annie Oakley should be a blast to shoot, especially if it performs anything like the other Red Ryder-style guns I’ve reviewed over the years. And the Steambow system looks like it could be a really practical and fun way to enjoy crossbow-style shooting without the cost and fragility of traditional bolts.

I’ve still got a few earlier products to finish up as well, but I’ll be getting to these as quickly as I can.

Thanks for watching another Replica Airguns video. Don’t forget to subscribe, and check the links in the description for products available in our Canada and US stores.

For Canada, visit ReplicaAirguns.ca
For the US, visit ReplicaAirguns.us

And if you’re looking for other products including Airguns, BB guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns, blank guns, and accessories, be sure to check out both stores as well.

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I tested another Steambow model in this Field Test Shooting Video, the Steambow AR Series M10 Tactical Crossbow. Like my other Crossbow Field Test videos, I recorded the Chronograph velocity while I was shooting the target so there was no need for separate segments, everything was done in one go with four cameras rolling. I didn’t put a dedicated camera on the Chronograph because I wanted a camera on the target; my camera glasses generally pick up the chrono readings anyway. I only have so many cameras, but everything recorded as planned. If you want the full specs and a closer look at the M10, watch my dedicated Table Top video.

Steambow quotes about 190–200 fps for the AR Series M10. My six chrono readings were 189, 191, 189, 189, 190 and 191, which worked out to a 190 fps average. Using the included 142-grain, 6.5-inch aluminum bolts produced roughly 11.4 foot-pounds of energy, so both velocity and FPE were basically on target with Steambow’s numbers. That’s adequate for small pests, but humane shots always come down to accuracy, you’ll want head or shoulder placement, and I’m not ready to declare any compact crossbow a guaranteed solution for that. Test accuracy for yourself.

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For accuracy I shot six rounds at a paper target 30 feet downrange from my usual seated in the back, hands rested up front shooting position. The first shot from the Steambow AR Series M10 Tactical Crossbow was a few inches low, so I adjusted my point of aim up and ended up with an impressive 1-inch, 4-shot group just left of center. One bolt missed the target entirely, could have been me or a bad bolt (I’ll blame the bolt on that one). Still, for a compact crossbow this was an excellent result, comparable to some pellet rifles.

Overall the Steambow AR Series M10 Tactical Crossbow performed really well. I like the cocking and bolt-feeding system, cocking is simple: shoulder the stock, press the release, then pull the front down using the foregrip for leverage. Even with the higher power of this model you don’t need a lot of strength, and with practice follow-up shots can be quick. I’d add a red dot to the rail to help dial in accuracy and buy a few extra bolts for target practice and hunting. The M10 is one of Steambow’s pricier offerings, but it also has the highest ammo capacity and the most customization options. If you want the ultimate compact crossbow setup, the ability to preload multiple bolts and have extra 10-shot magazines on hand makes the M10 the one to consider.

• Buy the Steambow M10 Tactical Recurve Crossbow in Canada

• Buy Compact Recurve Crossbow in the US

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I’ve tested a few compact crossbows before, but nothing with a multi-bolt loading system like the Steambow setup I’m testing in this video. As with my other Crossbow Field Test videos, I recorded Chronograph velocity at the same time I was shooting the target so I didn’t need two separate segments, I did it all in one pass with lots of cameras rolling. I didn’t dedicate a camera to the Chronograph for this test because I wanted a camera focused on the target; my camera glasses usually capture the Chronograph readings for me. I only have so many cameras, but everything was captured fine. If you want to learn more about the specifications and details of the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II, then watch my dedicated Table Top Video located here.

Steambow lists 180 fps as the claimed velocity for the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical. I consistently measured right around 160 fps, pretty close to the claim. Using the included 142-grain, 6.5-inch aluminum bolts my chrono readings ranged from 159 to 164 fps, averaging 163 fps, which is very consistent. That produced about 8.4 foot-pounds of energy, so both velocity and FPE were a little under Steambow’s stated numbers. That’s enough for small pests, but humane shots depend on accuracy, you’ll want head or shoulder placement, and I’m not fully convinced this bow is always up to that task. You’ll need to judge its accuracy for your own use.

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On elevation (up and down) the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II was fairly accurate. Where it struggled more was windage: I had to aim noticeably to the right to move bolts toward the bullseye. The sight is very basic (a single fiber-optic post just behind of the Picatinny rail), which likely contributed to the windage issue. Despite that, I managed a roughly 4-inch group at 30 feet, with one bolt behaving like a flyer.

Overall the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II performed well. I really like the cocking and bolt-feeding system — cocking is easy by shouldering the stock, pressing the release, then pulling the front of the bow down using the foregrip for leverage. You don’t need to be super strong to do it, and with practice you could get very quick at follow-up shots. I’d definitely add a red dot to the rail to help dial in accuracy, and I’d buy a few extra bolts for target and hunting. The AR-6 Stinger II is pricier than some basic models, but the ability to preload multiple bolts in the built-in clip and unleash six shots in seconds makes the extra cost worth it to me.

• Buy the Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical in Canada

• Buy Compact Recurve Crossbow in the US