String suppressor

A crossbow comprising

• a bow having
• a riser having
• a first riser side and
• a second riser side opposite the first riser side,
• a first limb set
• engaged to the first riser side, and
• defining a first limb axis;
• a second limb set,
• engaged to the second riser side, and
• defining a second limb axis parallel to the first limb axis;
• a first cam set having
• a first shaft defining and rotatable about a first cam axis, first shaft engaged with the first limb such that the first cam axis coincides with the first limb axis,
• a bowstring cam of the first cam set operationally engaged with the first shaft to be rotatable about the first cam axis;
• a second cam set having
• a second shaft defining and rotatable about a second cam axis, second shaft engaged with the second limb set such that the second cam axis coincides with the second limb axis;
• a bowstring cam of the second cam set operationally engaged with the second shaft to be rotatable about the second cam axis;
• an elongated bowstring
• having
• a first end of the elongated bowstring operationally engaged with the bowstring cam of the first cam set, and
• a second end of the elongated bowstring opposite the first end of the elongated bowstring operationally engaged with the bowstring cam of the second cam set,
• the bowstring being operable to be moved between
• a cocked bowstring position, and
• an uncocked bowstring position,
• wherein operative motion of the bowstring between the cocked bowstring position and the uncocked bowstring position sweeps out a bowstring operation plane;
• a first string suppressor engaged with the riser having
• a first suppressor axis;
• a first suppressor plane containing the first suppressor axis, the first suppressor plane being coincident with the bowstring operation plane;
• an elastomeric pad elongated along the first suppressor axis to define
• a first pad end, and
• a second pad end opposite the first pad end along the first suppressor axis;
• wherein the first pad end is operatively engaged with the crossbow riser;
• and
• wherein the second pad end
• has a string groove formed therein, the string groove being coextensive with the first suppressor plane, and
• has a cam groove formed therein,
• the cam groove being coextensive with the first suppressor plane,
• the cam groove being wide enough to provide a clearance fit with the bowstring cam of the first cam set.