Banning crossbows

 

 In Medieval Europe, Several Countries Banned crossbows and arbalests for Civilian use. The reason was transparent: protecting the monopoly of armored knights and soldiers on effective violence. 

Crossbows were far easier to learn than longbows and quite effective against armor at close to medium range. In our days, crossbows are still banned in quite a few places.

American government hasn't banned the modern equivalent of the crossbow, the rifle, yet. But they did quietly ban bullets that are relatively effective against armor last year. Used primarily for dangerous game hunting, lathed brass bullets are no longer legal for civilian ownership. Even the hollow point bullets designed for controlled expansion such as shown above are considered AP based on the alloy used.

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