A Horfield man aimed a bow and arrow at people passing by his home on the first day of coronavirus lockdown.
Martin Payne appeared with the weapon as cyclist Mark Reed was riding along Filton Avenue, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Having asked Mr Reed what he was doing, and telling him he shouldn't be outside, he drew the bow and pointed it at him.
Payne, 46, of Filton Avenue, pleaded guilty to threatening a person with an offensive weapon on March 24 last year.
Judge William Hart handed him an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He told Payne: "It was a bizarre piece of behaviour.
"I suspect on that day you were drinking, you were under stress and you behaved in a peculiar way. It was completely out of character."
The judge handed Payne rehabilitation of up to 20 days and ordered that two bows and arrows found at his home be destroyed.
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Mark Worsley, prosecuting via video link, said Payne appeared drunk and was shouting and swearing as he pointed his bow and arrow at Mr Reed.
In his haste to get away Mr Reed dropped his bike and was almost run over by a bus.
Mr Reed managed to get clear and call police, who arrested Payne and recovered two bows and arrows from his home.
The court heard a woman witness saw Payne threatening a number of people with his weapon.
Payne was interviewed by police but declined to comment.
James Haskell, defending, said: "It is strange.
"Mr Payne would benefit from proper intervention from the probation service.
"This is out of character."
Mr Haskell said rehabilitation could focus on any mental health support required for his client, as well as address his alcohol use.
Mr Haskell added: "He has not been in trouble since this incident.
"He is someone who could properly be punished in the community.
"Of course it is serious, he recognises that.
"He is sorry for the fear he caused others."
