Abstract: The crossbow has an elongated frame formed at one end with a stock containing a triggering mechanism including a trigger and a latch. The other end of the crossbow is a barrel which includes a slide to mount an arrow. A bow and string combination is disposed on the barrel at the front part thereof to be associated with the slide. The cocking mechanism comprises a sliding channel formed in the barrel, whose rearward end extends to the triggering mechanism and is in open communication therewith. A string engaging member is slidably disposed in the channel and has a hooking device thereon to engage the string. The string engaging member is arranged to engage the string while the latter is in released position and to slide in the channel with the string hooked thereto until the latter is in cocked position and becomes engaged by the latch. A spring or the like then retracts the string engaging member at the forward end of the channel.