You draw a light crossbow back by pulling a lever. Loading a light crossbow is a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity.
Normally, operating a light crossbow requires two hands. However, you can shoot, but not load, a light crossbow with one hand at a -2 penalty on attack rolls. You can shoot a light crossbow with each hand, but you take a penalty on attack rolls as if attacking with two light weapons (see Table: Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties). This penalty is cumulative with the penalty for one-handed firing.
| Range | Damage | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Cost | Damage | Critical | Increment | Type | Special | |
| Crossbow, Light | 4 lb. | 35 gp | 1d8 | 19—20/×2 | 80 ft. | Piercing |
Source: Player’s Handbook (Page 115)