What are crossbows made out of?

[Murdock Mudeater]

Trying to get a lower weight crossbow. What are my special material options?

[Snowlilly]

Majority wood, with mechanical parts being metal.

I would rule Darkwood, since wood is the primary material.

[Fuzzy-Wuzzy]

They're mostly wood with some bits of metal and maybe stuff like horn tossed in. I'd consider them wood and get one made of darkwood, assuming you can afford it (masterwork plus a bit).

[Murdock Mudeater]

Thanks

[SlimGauge]

The search feature is your friend !

I once asked a similar question

[Daw]

Actually, crossbows were often made with the bowstave made of glued would and bone, like composite bows, especially in more metallurgicly challenged areas. Even with metal bows, the nut (the mechanism that holds and releases the string) is often made of horn, bone or antler, as these lighter materials allow for a faster, cleaner release than a metal nut will.

Edit/Add I think the bowstave said are actually properly called Prods.

[Saldiven]

It depends on the era. Early crossbows were almost exclusively wood except for some of the mechanical bits. By Medieval times, crossbows with metal arms and a wooden stock were very common.