Silly question, I know, but am I missing something here? When I 'unshealth' it, its sitting across my body, then when I click LMB it brings it up to my shoulder into the 'firing' position, but nothing else happens. I can zoom with RMB but I cant fire.

Dunno if its a bug of if I'm just stupid.

Thanks in advance!

You have must the bolts, I first had some steel bolts and now I have dwarven bolts.

Did you release the LMB after you brought the crossbow into firing position??

I have tried un-equipping then re-equipping the bolts.

This is how I do it: Equip crossbow and bolts in inventory. Press 'R' to ready weapon. Click LMB once to attack.

I have also tried holding LMB as you would with a bow. As I said before, RMB functions correctly allowing me to zoom in.

I find crossbows are better suited better for warrior characters who have better armor and are able to shift to melee attack if the enemy get close due to the crossbows lack of speed (helps balance a Nord / Imperials lack of archery racial skill)

I find a bow better for a light footed stealth style archer as it is silent and quick so a good sneak can remain undetected

Thanks, but.....

I'm talking about, how do I physically fire the bloody thing to attack someone?

How does everyone else fire them? Like a standard bow? Am I missing something here?

Do not click once, when you ready your weapon, hold down the fire button, once you're ready to fire simply let go of the fire button. That is how it is on the PC, not sure if it's the same on console.

Is there a way to zoom on the crossbow?

Sounds like a bug to me.

BTW, can anyone tell me if the archer skills also apply for crossbows? Cheers in advance!

Yes, but you need the perk in the Archery skill tree to do it. I don't remember what skill level you need for it, so you're on your lonesome for that part.

Indeed they do.