Patent ID: 8578917

Claim:
A method for un-cocking a crossbow bowstring using a bowstring drawing mechanism comprising the steps of: selectively engaging a ratchet gear assembly of said bowstring drawing mechanism, operatively engaged with a stock member of said crossbow, causing mitigation of rotation of a drive shaft of said bowstring drawing mechanism in a second rotational direction, wherein: said ratchet gear assembly is configured to allow rotation of said drive shaft in a first rotational direction; and said drive shaft is operably coupled with a pinion shaft, and is configured to cause said pinion shaft to rotate in said second rotational direction when said drive shaft is rotated in said first rotational direction; selectively engaging a claw member, operably engaged with said pinion shaft, with said bowstring; and releasing said bowstring from a trigger assembly of said crossbow resulting in a clutch mechanism, operatively coupled to said pinion shaft, allowing said pinion shaft to rotate in said first rotational direction independently of said drive shaft, thereby causing said bowstring to move from said cocked position to said un-cocked position at less than firing speed.