If the taxman sends you a check this year, here are the top 4 crossbows to buy with your tax return.

[caption id="attachment_6168" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Here are 4 great crossbows to buy with your tax return.[/caption] Taxes. As the old saying goes, "there are two things everyone must do in life. Die and pay taxes." There is simply no escaping it. Not only does everyone pay taxes, but everyone has their own special reason why they distain them. Too much, too little (it's true, people think this), bracket adjustments, Social Security, credits, itemized deduction, exemptions, and just what in the world is a write off?Let's face it, people don't like paying taxes. However, if there is a silver lining in the US tax code it is the tax return. According to the IRS the average US citizen receives about $3,000 in tax refunds. While most of these returns get soaked up by houses, kids, vehicles, and debt, hopefully as an archer you can save a little for your hobby. Somehow the "surprise" cash seems to always have just enough left over for something like that. If you are lucky enough to have a little left over this tax season, here are the top 4 crossbows to buy with your tax return. [caption id="attachment_6169" align="alignright" width="120"] Barnett Ghost Revenant 415[/caption]

BARNETT GHOST 415 REVENANT

The name says it all. Clocking in at 415 feet per second makes the Barnett Ghost 415 Revenant one of the fastest crossbows on the market. If your tax return was rather healthy, this bow might come up on your radar.

PSE RDX 400

Manufactured by one of the top names in the business, the PSE RDX 400 is a solid buy. Its compound design gives it a light draw weight and still hits the 400 feet per second milestone. When you combine that kind of power with the accuracy PSE is known for, this should be an excellent crossbow. [caption id="attachment_6170" align="alignleft" width="125"] Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 400[/caption]

EXCALIBUR MATRIX BULLDOG 400

If you prefer a traditional recurve crossbow the Excalibur Matrix Bulldog 400 is a top notch product. Excalibur makes the 400, 355, and 315 in this series. While the 400 is the most expensive, it really does give the most bang for your buck. It hits 400 fps with the same 280 pound draw weight of the Matrix 355. Also, it weighs in about a pound heavier than the 355. When shooting fast crossbows the extra weight is beneficial.

BARNETT BROTHERHOOD REALTREE CROSSBOW

If you are looking for a solid bargain take a gander at the very popular Barnett Brotherhood Realtree crossbow. This compound crossbow uses a relatively light 160 pound draw to get an arrow speed of 350 fps. Pretty solid all around. When combined with the price, it is a great buy and would be a dependable bow for years to come. Hopefully Uncle Sam smiled upon you this tax season and your return is enough to help out around the house. If you're fortunate enough to have some left over for play, these crossbows might be just what you're looking for. NEXT: STRETCH A DOLLAR ARCHERY STYLE: 12 BEST PRODUCTS FOR LESS THAN $100