Mission MXB 320 Review – a Crossbow By Matthews

Model	Draw Weight	Stroke	Velocity	Suggested Arrow Length	Crossbow Length / Weight
Mission MXB 320 Check price on Amazon.com	180/150/120/100 lbs.	12"	320/290/260/225 FPS Crossbow Academy: ballistics, sighting, tuning	22"	31" / 6.5 lbs.

Mission MXB-320 Package Contents

As many other Mission models offer, the Mission MXB-320 available in four package levels: the Beginner, Basic, Hunter and Pro. All include 3 custom weighted arrows, a scope and a quiver. The varying package levels are differentiated by the quiver (a Bohning Lynx quiver on the Beginner package and a Mission MX3 quiver for the other three package levels) and by the optic supplied. A more detailed breakdown of the optics can be found below in the Optics section.

Kinetic Energy of the MXB-320

The MXB-320 is capable of generating speeds up to 320 fps. Using a 400 grain projectile, this translates to about 91 ft. lbs. of energy as the bolt leaves the crossbow. This should be sufficient for many of the most popular game animals in North America.

Use our arrow ballistics calculator for more valuable information.

Ballistic Data For The Mission MXB 320

Your actual results will vary slightly depending on weather, and significantly with arrow weight change. See our Crossbow Ballistics Guides section for a complete understanding of how we conducted our tests and why this data matters.

Design, Safety, Comfort and Accuracy

The MXB-320 utilizes a light-weight frame with an adjustable butt stock. The forward grip offers nice, solid hand placement while also providing a guard above the grip to keep hands and fingers clear of the string. Innovative X-cams add to the ease of cocking this crossbow and also reduce the recoil when fired. The MXB-320 is available in 4 colors/patterns: Tactical black, Lost AT, a pink camo pattern and a snow pattern (the snow pattern may be a bit bright for most hunting applications). The MXB crossbows also feature the BIAS (Bridge Integrated Accuracy Support) rail which includes a beveled arrow track and bridge along the centerline to aid in increased accuracy.

The MXB-320 in the Field

Taking the MXB-320 into the field was a great experience. With its light weight and ease of cocking, we never got tired of shooting the MXB-320. The light recoil provided by the X-cams made the 320 very quiet and the adjustable butt stock and comfy forward grip made the MXB-320 feel like it was just an extension of the shooter. We found the 320 to be very accurate, and given the fact that the scope mount is integrated into the frame, we don’t expect any big changes to that accuracy over time. The lack of a stirrup and integrated RS Tread made this crossbow very easy to cock, even in the confines of a tree stand and ground blind. Like other MXB models, the absence of a stirrup means that when raising or lowering the crossbow from a tree stand, the rope attaches to the rear of the crossbow. We really liked that as the crossbow was always pointed away from you.

Quietness of the MXB-320

The 320 is exceptionally quiet, resulting from the lessened recoil of the X-cams. There is no snap when fired but rather more of a low thump, more like a vertical bow might give. All of the MXB models share this quiet design, but the 320 takes it to the next level.

Cocking the MXB-320

The MXB-320 is ultra-easy and smooth to cock. When cocking, the auto safety is automatically engaged as the crossbow is fully drawn. The combination of the RS Tread and the PCC, or Positive Cocking Control, yields incredible ease in cocking the 320. The PCC provides a deep rope groove to secure the rope when cocking and the location of it (underneath rather than above) ensures there is no chance of the string hooks riding over the rail. The RS-tread is machined into the back pockets of each limb and makes for a comfortable foothold. Due to the fact that there is no stirrup, this places the crossbow a little further from your body, meaning less strain as you will not have to lift or stretch as high to fully cock the bow.

Quality of the Optics

Each package offered by Mission (Beginner, Basic, Hunter, Pro) comes with a different scope. The base package (Beginner model) comes with a Hawke 4×32 wire reticle, non-illuminated scope. Taking a step up from there, the Basic includes a Hawke 3×32 MAP wire reticle, non-illuminated scope. The next level is the Hunter, coming standard with a Hawke 1×32 SR, Etched reticle illuminated scope. The final and the top-of-the-line package, the Pro, includes a Hawke XB 1.5 – 5 SR, Etched reticle variable speed 2 color illuminated scope and match grade rings. Having illumination is very handy and certainly helps out in low-light situations.

See our detailed guide on how to sight-in your crossbow

What Arrows to use with the MXB-320

Each MXB-320 package comes standard with three 22” arrows. As with all MXB models, you must use aluminum half-moon nocks in place of plastic. The power exerted onto the arrow will shatter plastic nocks and possibly splinter an arrow…not a good situation during firing! Our testing was done with 400 grain arrows…going a bit lighter might give you a bit of increase in speed.

You can also learn more about crossbow arrows and take a look at our broadhead recommendations

Mission Warranty and Customer Service

Mission offers a standard lifetime warranty for the original purchaser on everything except for wear items. You must register the crossbow, but this can be done online and is fairly simple and straightforward. Cosmetic damage from use is not covered.

Overall Thoughts

The MXB-320 is an excellent choice for almost any hunter, but we think it is a superior choice for the smaller-framed hunter. The light weight and short overall length make this a great hunting companion for hunters not wanting to lug a lot of weight around and for those hunting in tight quarters. The PCC and RS Tread make the 320 very easy and comfortable to cock in a wide range of shooting positions and also make it comfortable to shoot all day at targets. Overall, the MXB-320 is a very capable crossbow, and at an MSRP of only $599 (crossbow only), you are getting a great crossbow at a very reasonable price. Take a look at today's amazon.com price on this crossbow and check out our top 10 crossbows rankings for more.