Crossbow Review: TenPoint TX 440

Blistering bolt speeds are only the start!

September 10, 2024 By Jon E. Silks

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies celebrates 30 years in the crossbow manufacturing arena this year with the introduction of the new TX 440. The company continues to push forward with innovations in design and technology, always looking to improve and always looking forward!

The TX 440 is absolutely packed with highlights from tip to toe, starting with TenPoint’s new plate-based Twin-Riser Technology. A custom TriggerTech Trigger, Zero-Trac Barrel and GUIDElock bolt rest all work to precisely launch and guide TenPoint’s specialized CenterPunch HPX bolts. The ACUslide MAXX, AR-style thumb safety, a Dry-Fire-Preventor (DFP) device and safety wings make operation simple and safe. Let’s dive in, as there is so much more to cover!

We’ve Got Twins!

The Core of TenPoint’s TX 440 is a set of twins — specifically, symmetrical twin aluminum riser plates, top and bottom, that take the place of a traditional single-piece riser. In addition to reducing the overall weight of the TX 440 by 18 percent, this new Twin-Riser Technology (TRT) is said to reduce riser flex by 70 percent and double the stiffness. TRT creates a unique structure that brings the bolt “inside” where it is protected. A multi-piece limb-pocket system is attached to the riser, and, along with the limb ends, is protected by a set of Limb Dampening Containment (LDC) covers. New Pivoting Limb Pockets (PLP) maintain the critical limb-to-riser interface with precision. TenPoint’s Double Hinge Extreme limbs are split in-structure and made from industry-standard Gordon Composites materials.

No Track, No Problem

Not only is the new Zero-Trac Barrel not a problem, it is a technological advancement. By eradicating the friction and contact applied to a bolt in traditional systems, down-range accuracy on the crossbow is reportedly greatly improved. Bolts are supported at the rear by the nock and near the front by TenPoint’s new GUIDElock bolt rest. The company’s GUIDElock captures the bolt, which rides on two spring-loaded ball bearings that are not subject to wear, and it’s held in place from the top by a retention brush.

A Terrific Trigger

TenPoint has partnered with trigger industry icon TriggerTech to outfit the TX 440. TriggerTech triggers operate without sliding friction using a patented, free-floating roller between the sear and trigger. This custom-built, 3-pound, high-end trigger employs patented Zero-Creep Technology that creates a clean, crisp, “break-like-glass” feel that is designed to improve not only accuracy but the overall shooter experience. Also featured is a Dry-Fire-Preventor, ambidextrous AR-Style trigger safety and grooves on TenPoint’s Alpha-Nock HPX that snap into the trigger housing rather than snap onto the string for a more consistent, durable connection.

Smooth Operator

crossbow-review-tenpoint-tx400-inline — The integrated ACUslide MAXX allows for safe, easy cocking and de-cocking of the TX 440.

TenPoint outfits both their new TRX 515 and TX 440 crossbows with the new ACUslide MAXX. This built-in unit attaches to the TriggerTech Trigger Housing via a high-strength cocking strap and provides smooth, easy and safe cocking and de-cocking. The company’s patented Auto-Brake completely eliminates the possibility of the crank handle free-wheeling during the cocking or de-cocking process. A user can remove their hand at any point, with no other action required, and the handle will stop in place.

Rock-Solid Mounting Platform

The new machined aluminum ACUlock Scope Bridge is dual mounted, front and back, resulting in a 25X stronger platform as compared to traditional scope rails. This allows for full support of heavier scope models, while the full-length, built-in, Picatinny-style attachment rail is much longer than most and makes a wider range of scope adjustments possible. The longer attachment rail also creates enough room for the ambidextrous Quick-Disconnect that mounts TenPoint’s 3-bolt quiver.

The Rest of the Story

In addition to the wave of new features and technologies covered above, there are many others that round out the overall package. An injection-molded, two-section stock has a butt stock with rubber pad and cheek piece, pistol grip and pass-through foregrip, all with rubber inlays for comfort and control. A set of large safety wings sit above the foregrip for added safety, and a bow hook is provided for quick and convenient access. The crossbow’s stock is finished in either Vektra Camo or Moss Green.

What’s in the Box?

The TX 440 comes with the integrated ACUslide MAXX, EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope 3.0, three CenterPunch HPX Carbon Bolts, 3-bolt quiver, bow hook and bubble level.

At the Range

A super-compact footprint will likely be the first thing to grab your attention on this crossbow, followed quickly by how much bow is contained in that small space. The TX 440 is undeniably fast, built with quality and offers a combination of size, features and configuration that make it fit like a glove. Cocking and de-cocking are easy and ultra-safe with the Auto-Brake-equipped ACUslide MAXX. Recorded shot noise was higher than average, but the TriggerTech Trigger is indeed crisp, and overall quality and craftsmanship are off the charts.

The Specs

Manufacturer: TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, 330-628-9245; tenpointcrossbows.com
Model: TX 440
Safety Features: Dry-Fire-Preventor, safe cocking/de-cocking, auto trigger safety, safety wings
Cam System: Three-Track, Dual Cams with Spiral Grooves
Riser: Dual Plate, Twin-Riser Technology
Overall Length: 28 inches (w/o bow hook)
Axle-to-Axle Width: 11 inches (at rest); 6.5" (cocked)
Weight (crossbow only): 7.2 pounds (advertised); 7.89 pounds (as tested)
String: X99, 25.375 inches
Cables: X99, 12.125 inches
Limbs: Double Hinge Extreme, split, Gordon Composites
Draw Weight: 300-pound limbs; 7.5-pound cocking effort
Power Stroke: 12 inches
Stock/Forearm: Two-section, injection molded
Finish: Vektra Camo or Moss Green
Advertised Speed: 440 fps w/410-gr. bolt
MSRP: $2,399.99-$2,499.99
Comments: A high-quality, powerhouse tack driver!

Speed & Energy

Velocity: 424.89 fps (420-grain bolt), 392 fps (500-grain bolt), 414.68 fps (446-grain mfr. bolt)
Kinetic Energy: 168.41 ft./lbs. (420-grain bolt), 170.65 ft./lbs. (500-grain bolt), 170.42 ft./lbs. (446-grain mfr. bolt)

Bowhunter Test Measurements

Max. Width: 13.44 inches (at rest); 9.13 inches (cocked)
Overall Length: 28.19 inches
Axle-to-Axle Width: 11 inches (at rest); 6.75 inches (cocked)
Mass Weight: 7.89 pounds (crossbow only); 9.77 pounds (with accessories)
Average Trigger Pull: 1.76 pounds
Length of Pull: 12.88 inches
Average Shot Noise: 104.4 dBA (420-gr. bolt)
Max. Shot Deviation @ 35 yds: .5-inch

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