What component of a crossbow helps to reduce vibration and noise?

A silencer is designed specifically to reduce the vibration and noise produced when a crossbow is fired. When the string and limbs of a crossbow move rapidly, they can create significant sound and vibration that may spook game animals. By incorporating silencers, which can be made from various materials (such as rubber or foam), the impact of the shot is dampened, allowing for a more discreet hunting experience. This is crucial in hunting scenarios where stealth is important.

The other components mentioned serve different purposes. For instance, an armguard protects the archer’s arm from the bowstring upon release, while a peep sight helps in aiming by allowing the shooter to align their eye with the sight pin; neither of these has any impact on sound reduction. A mechanical release is a device used to release the string to improve accuracy and consistency but does not address vibration or noise. Thus, the silencer is the key component responsible for minimizing the disruptive elements associated with firing a crossbow.