Longbow Columbian Take-down
We are pleased to introduce the newly redesigned Columbian (Take-down) longbow.  

The result of over 25 years of bow making experience and knowledge, this bow was created especially for the discriminating, hardcore longbow hunter. Like our recurve bow offerings, the Columbian series longbow carries the same world-class, heirloom craftsmanship and attention to detail that has become the hallmark of the Blacktail brand.

Many longbows of the past (due to the nature of their design) were challenging to shoot and required archers to devote countless hours of practice and dedication in order to become proficient. Let’s face it, with today’s busy lifestyles, jobs and family commitments—finding practice time can be a challenge.

A longbow design that promotes good form, simplifies shooting and shortens 'time to proficiency' is a practical necessity. When it's time to prepare for hunting season, we know you want to pick up the bow that feels like your favorite pair of hunting boots—tried, true and comfortable.

Our goal with the Columbian series was to design and build a high performing longbow that would inspire confidence and easily become the “go to” bow in your busy life.
best longbow traditional archery Blacktail
(unstrung profile)
best longbow traditional archery Blacktail
(strung profile)
best longbow traditional archery Blacktail
(back & belly view)
Design Objectives:
Our design objective was to build a take-down longbow with the following key characteristics: 
  • easy to tune
  • quick to point and shoot
  • comfortable and stable in the hand
  • smooth-drawing
  • ultra quiet and high-performance 
  • capable of accepting both 'limb-attached' or 'riser-mounted" bow quivers.
  • lower brace height for a longer power stroke.  ​
Available in the following sizes: 
  • 60" (Best suited for draw lengths of 24"-29")
  • 62” (Best suited for draw lengths or 26”-30”)
  • 64” (Best suited for draw lengths of 28"-31”)
  • 66” (Best suited for draw lengths of 30"-32”)

​Brace Height Recommendations:
  • 60" configuration braced at 7"
  • 62” configuration is braced at 7" to 7-1/4"
  • 64" configuration braced at 7-1/4" to 7-1/2"​
  • 66" configuration braced at 7-1/2" to 7-3/4"
Riser features:
  • The Columbian Take-down longbow features a compact riser length of 14".
  • Structurally, the design incorporates full-length double fiberglass backing for superior strength.
  • The super comfortable, ergonomically-sculpted,  ‘locator’ style grip features a slight palm swell and thumb groove —ensuring consistent hand positioning for precision shooting, shot after shot. The slight palm swell gives the grip a ‘fuller’ feel as well as preserving more physical weight (centrally located) in the bow. This feature, combined with 'forward grip' location enables excellent balance and stability.
  • The full radius-cut arrow shelf allows for minimal arrow friction and maximum clearance.
​
  • Optional stippled grip texturing is an available feature on the Columbian take-down longbow, aiding in positive surface texturing and a sure grip.
  • The radiused sight window is 3 1/2" tall and is cut 1/8" past center to minimize arrow spine sensitivity. This allows the archer flexibility to use wood or carbon arrows with greater ease in tuning.  This feature also holds a line in hitting where you are looking.
  • The Columbian longbow grip design lends itself well to those who enjoy switching back and forth to their favorite recurve bow without significant ‘adjustment time’.
  • Recognizable signature Blacktail design cues —including sculpted lines, inlaid accent stripes and footed riser, are standard on the Columbian take-down longbow.
best longbow traditional archery Blacktail
Comparison & Contrast: Columbian One-piece (top), Columbian Take-down (bottom)
Limb Features:
  • Our extreme hybrid reflex-deflex limb design generates super performance, silky smooth draw and no hand shock!
  • Our proven takedown system (with single bolt and locator pin alignment) ensures quick assembly and “fail proof” dependability.
  • Limb construction features our custom-ground, tapered bamboo cores. Using only premium, old-growth 'Moso' bamboo results in ultimate durability and excellent cast.
  • As with our recurve line, all components are made “in house” for total control in quality, precision and accuracy.
  • ​A wide variety of beautiful exotic veneers are available in both full length (standard) and our signature ‘footed’ limb design (‘footed’ or ‘reverse footed' options).
  • Tips available in either complimentary woods or optional "Knapped Obsidian" ($50 option) —hand-textured black glass tip with the look of a primitive knapped Obsidian arrowhead.
  • Blacktail's signature design aesthetic is maintained by carefully blending limbs to the riser — achieving a clean 'one-piece look' with no blockiness or square corners.
Optional: Knapped Obsidian style Longbow Tips

Columbian Take-down Longbow Gallery

The following gallery shows photos of various wood combination (examples), features and details available on your custom Columbian Take-down Longbow.  All of the woods species available in our recurve bows are also available in the longbow.

Please note, each piece of wood is one-of-a-kind and unique in terms of it's grain, color hues, tone and contrast. 

Click on the thumbnail images below for larger views.

Wood Options Columbian Series Longbow

Wood 
Species
(Longbow Series)
Bocote
Bolivian Rosewood
Bubinga
Burl (Amboyna) discontinued
Burl (Camphor)
Burl (Thuya)
Burl (York Gum) discontinued
Cocobolo
Ebony (Black & White)
Ebony (Gaboon)
Ebony (Macassar)
Maple (Birdseye Natural)
Maple (Birdseye Stained)
Maple (Curly Natural)
Maple (Curly Stained)
Maple (Quilted)
​Maple Burl (Stabilized in all offered colors)
Myrtle (Highly Figured)
Myrtle (Tiger Stripe)
Red Cedar (Flame)
Red Elm (Natural)
Red Elm (Stained)
Shedua
Tulipwood
Wenge
Yew
Zebrawood
Riser 
(Handle)
(Main or footed section)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes 
Yes
Yes 
Yes 
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)
Yes
(NO)
Yes
Yes

​Yes
(NO)
(NO)
(NO)
(NO)
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)
Yes
Standard 
Limb 
(Non-footed limb)
Yes
(NO)
Yes
(NO)
(NO)
(NO)
(NO)
Yes
Yes
(NO)
(NO)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)

​Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)
Yes
(NO)
Yes
Yes
Footed Limb 
(Main Section)
(Long section in footed limb)
Yes
(NO)
Yes
(NO)
Yes
(NO)
(NO)
Yes
Yes
(NO)
(NO)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)

​Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)
Yes
(NO)
Yes
Yes
Footed Limb 
(Footed Section)
(Short section)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(NO)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
yes
Yes
​
​Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
*NOTE: Wood selections in 'RED' are T2 Special Edition options 
heirloom craftsmanship
inspired by nature
​since 1991
812-675-0658

​

Blacktail Bow Company, LLC

Bloomington, Indiana