Abstract: A cross bow pistol is disclosed having a release mechanism comprising a wheel having pairs of notches spaced equidistantly around its periphery. One of each pair of notches is adapted to receive the bow string and its associated notch is adapted to receive a trigger sear. Each sear notch also is engaged by a safety hook adjacent the bow string notch at the top of the release wheel. There is also disclosed an arrow holder of resilient deformable material at the front end of the cross bow which has a central opening for holding the front end of an arrow in position for firing. The arrow holder is split into two portions to permit the arrow vanes to pass through the holder. There is also disclosed a vertically adjustable rear sight and a slot and screw holding configuration for the bow.