When it comes to hunting or target shooting, accuracy, power, and reliability are crucial. The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 Crossbow stands as a powerhouse in the world of crossbows, offering a unique blend of high velocity, advanced technology, and rugged durability. With its impressive 405 FPS (feet per second) speed and superior features, it promises to deliver exceptional performance for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.
In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the Fierce 405 stand out in a crowded market, examining its design, performance, and overall value. Whether you’re chasing big game or refining your skills at the range, this crossbow is built to impress.
The pro package includes 1 Fierce 405 crossbow, 1 illuminated scope, 1 rope cocking device, string suppressors, 3-bolt quiver, 3 bolts with field tips, and 1 stick of rail lube. Everything you need to start hunting!
Table of Contents
Killer Instinct Fierce 405 – Crossbow Specs
Killer instinct Fierce 405  | |
Speed | 405 FPS |
Overall Length | 32.5″ – 33” |
Width (Axle to Axle) cocked/uncocked | 14.5” / 17.75” |
Weight | 6.2 lbs. |
Draw Weight | 200 lbs. |
Our Rating | |
Price |
First Impressions
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 immediately stands out with its sleek and aggressive design, making it clear that this is a crossbow built for serious performance. Right out of the box, the build quality feels solid and durable, with a robust frame that promises reliability in the field. The combination of matte black and tactical accents gives it a modern, high-tech look.
As soon as you pick it up, you’ll notice how well-balanced the crossbow is, with a comfortable grip that feels natural in hand. The compact design also makes it surprisingly lightweight, especially considering the raw power it packs with its 405 FPS speed. This makes it a great choice for long hunting sessions or transport without sacrificing power.
The overall feel is that of a high-end, precision-engineered weapon, which sets the stage for what looks like a truly promising experience. The ergonomics of the stock and foregrip make it easy to hold and steady, offering a sense of control right from the start.
In short, the Fierce 405 hits the ground running with an impressive first impression — combining a futuristic aesthetic with top-tier functionality. Now, let’s dive into its performance and see if it lives up to its looks.
Design
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 boasts a sleek and modern design that immediately captures attention. Its frame is crafted with a durable and rugged feel, built to withstand the demands of both hunting and target shooting. The overall construction reflects a well-thought-out balance between strength and weight, offering a crossbow that is sturdy without feeling overly bulky. When holding the Fierce 405, it feels surprisingly lightweight given the power it houses, allowing for easy handling and aiming. Its compact design enhances mobility, making it simple to maneuver through dense woods or transport over long distances.
In terms of size, the Fierce 405 has an overall length that ensures stability while still being manageable. The compact nature of the crossbow provides a nice blend of agility and accuracy, ideal for hunters who value precision without sacrificing portability. Despite its compact form, it retains an impressive level of power, with the combination of its design, weight, and length contributing to a crossbow that feels as agile as it is potent.
Multi-position butt-pad and the X-LOK adjustable foregrip helps provide customized fit for increased comfort, accuracy and multiple holding options.
Optics
Killer Instinct equipped the Fierce 405 with a basic, yet functional scope, the Killer Instinct Lumix 4×32. This scope features multiple reticles, making it easy to shoot accurately at distances of up to 80 yards. Its adjustable rheostat allows for brightness illumination in both red and blue, which proves useful in low-light conditions, ensuring you’re ready for dawn or dusk hunts.
The Lumix scope is nitrogen-purged, making it water, shock, and fog-proof, adding a layer of durability for the harsh outdoor environment. Its slim, sleek design is a perfect match for modern crossbows that shoot at speeds exceeding 300 FPS.
While the Lumix scope works well for beginners, we’ve noticed it can be somewhat basic compared to higher-end optics. Clarity and sight may not always meet expectations, particularly in overcast or cloudy conditions, which can affect precision.
For those seeking enhanced clarity and more precise sighting, we’d recommend upgrading to the Truglo Crossbow Scope 4×32 IR with Weaver-style scope rings. Its fully coated lenses offer maximum brightness, while maintaining a compact 4×32 size. Like the Lumix, the Truglo is nitrogen-purged for weatherproofing and features a sleek, non-reflective matte finish, providing a superior optical experience for crossbow enthusiasts.
 | Truglo Crossbow Scope Features:
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Cocking Mechanism
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 comes with a rope cocking device as part of its standard package. While the device is functional, the draw weight of 2 pounds can make it somewhat challenging, particularly for those who may not have the strength or experience to handle it comfortably. For users seeking an easier and quieter cocking experience, Killer Instinct offers a silent crank draw, which is not only effective but also easily detachable when needed, providing a convenient option for quick re-cocking.
If you’re looking for a significant upgrade, the Killer Instinct Compact DSC (Dead Silent Crank) is an excellent choice. This advanced crank system operates in complete silence, offering a smooth and effortless cocking process without the noise that can sometimes spook game. Its compact design makes it a perfect fit for the Fierce 405, and its lightweight construction makes it far easier to attach and detach than the standard rope cocking device. The Compact DSC is built for efficiency, offering enhanced control and speed, which makes cocking the crossbow less of a chore and more of a seamless part of your shooting routine.
 | Killer Instinct Compact Dead Silent Crank Features:
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In the end, the Killer Instinct Compact DSC is a worthwhile upgrade for those looking for added convenience, precision, and the quietest operation possible. Whether you’re hunting in the early hours or shooting at the range, the smoother and quieter cocking action will elevate your crossbow experience.
Trigger and Safety Features
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is equipped with a precision-engineered trigger system designed to deliver a smooth, crisp pull with minimal effort. The Pro-Target Trigger is built for accuracy, offering a consistent and responsive release each time. This allows shooters to maintain full control, ensuring pinpoint accuracy at high speeds. The trigger is designed to prevent accidental misfires, providing a level of reliability that’s crucial in any hunting or shooting scenario.
In terms of safety, the Fierce 405 includes several key features to enhance user protection. The crossbow is fitted with an auto safety that engages every time the bow is cocked, preventing accidental discharge. This feature helps to ensure that the crossbow is only ready to fire when you’re actively preparing to shoot. Additionally, the finger safety reminder is strategically placed on the trigger guard, reminding users to keep their fingers clear of the trigger until they’re ready to shoot, reducing the risk of mishaps.
For added peace of mind, the Fierce 405 also features a manual safety switch that allows the shooter to engage or disengage the safety as needed. This ensures that users can take extra precautions if necessary while maintaining full control of the weapon. Together, these features work seamlessly to create a safe and reliable shooting experience, giving users confidence whether they’re in the field or at the range.
Arrows and Quiver
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 comes with three Hypr Lite 20-inch crossbow bolts, which are specifically designed to complement the crossbow’s high-speed performance. These bolts weigh 370 grains, providing the right balance of weight and velocity for optimal accuracy and power. Each bolt is equipped with half-moon nocks, ensuring a secure fit and reliable flight when loaded into the crossbow. The combination of their lightweight construction and durable design makes them well-suited for the Fierce 405, allowing for consistent, precise shots at long distances.
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 comes with a basic 5-arrow quiver that does the job without any frills. While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, it provides solid functionality for storing and carrying arrows securely. Given the Fierce 405’s price point, having a quiver included is definitely a bonus, making it convenient for users to be ready for action right out of the box. It’s lightweight and practical, ensuring you have easy access to your bolts while maintaining simplicity in design.
Overall, the arrows and quiver that come with the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 offer a practical combination of quality and convenience, helping ensure you’re ready for any shot, any time
Performance
Before I give the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 a thorough test spin, I want to point out that even though this crossbow comes at an affordable price, Killer Instinct advertises it as having a “dead silent” kit. So, I expect it to be a quiet shooter.
The Fierce 405 can send arrows flying at a whopping 405 feet per second, using the included 20-inch HYPR Lite arrows. In the package, you’ll find a total of 3 carbon HYPR arrows with field tips. They’re 20 inches long and have a combined weight of 370 grains, including the 100-grain field tips.
This crossbow is equipped with a standard trigger that has a 3.5-pound pull. It comes with built-in safety features like an anti-dry fire mechanism and an automatic safety switch. Considering the budget-friendly price of this crossbow, the trigger feels surprisingly smooth with minimal creep.
As I mentioned in the scope section, I swapped out the 4×32 Basic illuminated scope for the Truglo Crossbow Scope 4×32 IR with Rings. With this scope, we have a perfectly illuminated scope that remains clear in cloudy weather.
Sighting in the illuminated scope from the Killer Instinct is pretty straightforward. Once you’ve zeroed it in at 20 yards, the other aiming points should also be on target.
Cocking the Fierce 405 with the provided rope cocker should bring the draw weight down to around 100 pounds. For experienced crossbow shooters, this should be a breeze, but it might take some getting used to for newbie crossbow hunters. If you have any shoulder, back, or neck issues, it’s worth checking out the “Dead Silent Crank” that Killer Instinct offers for this crossbow.
All that remains is the speed and accuracy assessment, and for this, I chose to utilize only the three HYPR arrows that came with the package. After calibrating the Basic illuminated scope, achieving bullseyes at a distance of 60 yards proved to be a straightforward endeavor. Here’s a valuable tip: refrain from repeatedly targeting the same spot, as you’re bound to inadvertently split arrows like a modern-day Robin Hood! Attaining 1-inch groupings with this crossbow presents a manageable challenge.
When I put the Fierce 405 to the test with the HYPR bolts over a chronograph, the results were impressive. All three shots clocked in at over 400 feet per second! Specifically, we’re looking at 401, 403, and 403 feet per second!
Recommended Accessories
Arrows and Broadheads
As this package only includes three Hypr Lite 20-inch crossbow bolts, we highly recommend getting an extra set of bolts. The Hyper Lite bolts are great value for the money, a six pack comes very cheap.
Using high-quality broadheads is absolutely essential when hunting. The last thing any hunter wants is for a poorly executed shot to lead to a wounded animal running off, potentially never being recovered. This is why it’s crucial to use razor-sharp, durable broadheads that can ensure a clean, efficient kill. A reliable broadhead is not just about ensuring a humane hunt, but also about improving your overall success rate in the field.
In our testing, we opted for the G5 Outdoors Montec fixed-blade broadheads. These broadheads are known for their outstanding performance, and they didn’t disappoint. As we’ve highlighted in our Best Buy Guide, the Montec broadheads offer excellent accuracy and are designed for superior penetration, making them perfect for both big and small game. Their fixed-blade design ensures that the broadheads retain their sharpness and structural integrity even after multiple shots, which is vital for maintaining consistent performance.
 | G5 Striker V2 Fixed 3-Blade Broadheads Features:
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Storage and Transportation
The Slayer Mid Crossbow Case is an ideal choice for the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 for several reasons. Its dimensions ensure a snug and secure fit, keeping the crossbow tightly in place and preventing any movement during transport, which helps protect it from scratches or damage. The durable construction of the case adds a layer of protection, ensuring that the crossbow is shielded from the rigors of outdoor use, whether it’s being carried through rough terrain or stored for extended periods.
Additionally, the Slayer Mid offers ample space for the crossbow and its accessories, such as bolts, scopes, and cocking devices. This convenient storage means everything you need for a hunt or target practice session is kept organized in one place. The padded interior cushions the crossbow, safeguarding sensitive components like the limbs, scope, and trigger assembly from impact damage.
Given its reasonable price, the Slayer Mid Crossbow Case offers excellent protection without compromising on quality, making it a smart investment for anyone looking to safeguard their Killer Instinct Fierce 405 while on the move.
Final Verdict
Killer Instinct Fierce 405 Crossbow Review
Summary
The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is an excellent choice for beginners, newcomers, and even budget-conscious experienced hunters. However, there are a few aspects of the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 that we find less than ideal.
One noticeable issue is the quality of the string suppressors, which may require replacement after some use. Additionally, the Killer Instinct Lumix scope 4 X 32, while serviceable as a basic scope, lacks clarity and sight when the weather is less than clear. This can be a bit frustrating. During our tests with the basic scope, we achieved the advertised accuracy of up to 80 feet!
Despite these drawbacks, the crossbow performs admirably at its price point. It shoots accurately and quietly, with an easy-to-pull cocking mechanism. Its lightweight design and adjustable foregrip, a rarity among beginner-friendly crossbows, make it a standout choice. The Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is a high-quality crossbow suitable for newcomers and experienced hunters alike, and it unquestionably delivers great value for its price.
All in all, the Killer Instinct Fierce 405 is a very good investment!
