Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery

[Dave Coalter]

I was shooting tonight with some friends and one of the guys pulled out this old longbow, It was a Black Hawk Scorpion made by Craotta Bros from E. McKeesport PA. Just wondering if they are still around or if anyone knows anything about them.

[Killdeer]

Cravotta.
I don't know much about them, just keep running into bows seemingly backed with kitchen-counter-type formica. Late fifties/early sixties?

Killdeer

[vermonster13]

It is Cravotta Brothers. They made several models and were popular in the 50s. No longer making bows and haven't for quite some time.

[ejes]

I think it is Cravotta Brothers.  Pretty sure they went out of business quite some time ago.  Their Blackhawk bows can be found on the big auction sight pretty inexpensivley.  A lot of people like them still.  I shot one once; think it was a Yellowjacket and it shot pretty darned good.

[Dave Coalter]

Thanks for the information I knew someone out here would know something about them.

[John D]

Dave,

Cravotta Bros (Blackhawk) has not been in business for a long time now. Their bows are very good bows. In the 70s they had a target bow called the Apollo, a lot of the target archers on the east coast used them

I believe the Scorpion was a recurve, the limbs were not very magnified on the curve part of the limb. I own several Blackhawks they are shooters.

Good Luck and Good Hunting

John

[Dale Hajas]

Cravotta Brothers-Black Hawk Bows, McKeesport Pa. I have several.

Frankly a mid grade type of bow with some very nice surprising shooters. The recurves shoot well IMO and I have a longbow that I'm quite happy to have as a backup.

 The numbers on the bow tell it's date of construction ie 657- my daughters longbow- was made in June of 1957.

All in all I believe that these bows are great starter bows usually found in pretty good condition that shoot well.

 From my observations, I have yet to see one NOT worth the few $$ spent to acquire one. IMO They really dont bring along of money which may not be a bad thing.

[John D]

Killdeer,

You are right. Blackhawk also made water skis, with formica, and they would use it on some of their bows.

Good Luck and Good Hunting

John