Crossbows were banned in Europe back in 1139AD.
The Second Council of the Lateran in 1139 was a ban on using missile troops against Christians. Specifically, Canon 29 states that:
We prohibit under anathema that murderous art of crossbowmen and archers, which is hateful to God, to be employed against Christians and Catholics from now on.
Papal Encyclicals Online
And as with most weapons bans even today, it was ignored. Many US states used to have bans against crossbows till hunting with one was revived in Huntsville Ar in the 1950s.
I have a small pistol size crossbow, amazing power great for small critters like squirrels and chipmunks, also fun.
I have a small pistol size crossbow, amazing power great for small critters like squirrels and chipmunks, also fun.