Abstract: A crossbow, which exhibits a support (2), provided with the arrow guide, and a bow (3) which can be drawn by a string (4), is made ready for shooting by drawing device (19, 22). The drawing device consists of a draw lever (19) rotatably mounted in support (2) of the crossbow and a pusher (22) pivoted on the latter, a pusher which works with shooting slide (14) connected to string (4). On the upper side of support (2) a centrally running longitudinal groove (11, 26) is provided in which drawing device (19, 22) can be inserted in its rest position.