Black Widow Bows

Overview

Black Widow Bows manufactures custom recurves and longbows for archery enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters. Based in Nixa, Missouri, the company produces around 1,000 bows annually, with 75% of sales online and 30% exported internationally to countries including Germany, Sweden, Canada, Australia, and China. It also sells accessories such as arrows, quivers, and arrowheads, which account for about one-third of revenue.¹³⁴

History

Black Widow Bows was founded in 1957 as Wilson Brothers Bows by brothers Bob, Howard, Jack, and Norman Wilson in the United States. Ken Beck later acquired the company and renamed it Black Widow Custom Bows. In 2005, current owners Roger Fulton, Toby Essick, and John Clayman purchased it; they operate from an 8,000-square-foot facility in Nixa, Missouri, built in 1995.²⁴⁵

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in-house at the company's 8,000-square-foot facility in Nixa, Missouri. The majority of bows are custom-built to order, with around 1,000 produced annually under the supervision of vice presidents handling production, accessories, inventory, and shipping.¹⁴

Notable Products

• Custom Recurve Bows - Precision-crafted recurves using woods like Big Leaf Maple Burl, built for recreational, competitive, and hunting use.
• Custom Longbows - Traditional longbows designed for straight arrow flight and speed.
• Arrow Accessories - Includes arrows, quivers, arrow-making supplies, and arrowheads.

Reputation

Black Widow Bows is regarded by archery enthusiasts for producing high-quality, durable custom recurves and longbows suitable for hunting and competition. Some users and reviewers consider them among the finest on the market for precision and reliability. The company is not BBB accredited, though it maintains operations with a focus on custom service.²⁵