Are CVA's any good? I've read where some people dislike them. If you don't like them, any particular reason. If you do like them, which model would you reccommend? Going to buy me a new muzzleloader tomorrow, and just wanted to get my money's worth. Thanks.
My first muzzleloader was a CVA Optima 209 in 50 cal - blued barrel, black stock. After testing some different load combos, I settled on the best performing and finished sighting it in with 2 pellets of 50 grain 777 and a 295 grain Powerbelt bullet. It was a very accurate gun, and never gave me a lick of problems.
Due to getting the "new gun" bug, and largely due to caving into peer pressure to "buy something better than that junk CVA", I bought a T/C Triumph two years later. Not thinking ahead, I sold my CVA before I ever fired a shot through my T/C. I worked up all kinds of loads with my T/C - different bullets, different powder, different amounts of grains in both bullets and powder / pellets, etc...
... and I wish I had never sold that CVA. It was a fine shooting gun that got the job done right. It was accurate, and never gave me a lick of problems. I don't think you would go wrong with one.
I don't "dislike" my T/C... but it isn't at all what it was hyped up to be by my friends and people I spoke to. The quick breech is a cool feature, but it's difficult to take the rest of it apart quickly. I've noticed surface rust forming in spots that required me to take the whole gun apart, and although it wasn't difficult, it wasn't anywhere near as easy as the CVA was.
I used to take the forearm off of my CVA, pop the barrel off, run some hot water in the bathtub and submerge just the barrel in the water for 2 minutes - remove and run a dry patch through the barrel - every bit of 777 residue was gone. I then cleaned the VERY accessable action, oiled it and reassembled. My T/C takes MUCH longer.
All the best,
Glenn
I did own a CVA Firebolt Magnum, .45 cal. I shot 100 gr of powder with a 195 gr Power Belt. I liked the gun but it was all over the place. Dead on one shot, patch it, reload and wasn't on the paper the next. I tried a better scope with the same results. Shot a heavier bullet, same result. I sold it for 50 bucks. My brother-in -law has a CVA Optima??, the break action, I believe it is the Optima. Also a friend of mine in Indiana shoots it as well. They both love the gun, much more accurate and groups extremely well. One has the .45 cal and one has it in .50 cal. They have both taken deer out to 150 yds with them. Good luck with your purchase.
Maybe late but if you buy the CVA Optima Elite rifle you can change out the barrels like a T.C. but for a much cheaper price. I have a OE in .243Win and I am looking at getting the 50cal barrel and a .308 for under $400 together. I know a few people with this setup and they say it is a 200yd gun w/2 pellets and a 265? grain Powerbelt bullet.
If you aren't in a real big rush, I could probably hook you up with someone that would make you an unbelievable deal on a high-end ML (Remington 700, TC, high-end Knights, etc). They just passed the new rules in my area so we can use certain center fire guns instead of a ML during primitive weapons season. There are lots of sporting goods stores that still have ML's in stock. They can't hardly give them away now.
I'm pretty sure that it's no big deal to ship black powder guns (not all the FFL reg stuff involved). I could give you some contact numbers if you are interested.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by looking4five »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you aren't in a real big rush, I could probably hook you up with someone that would make you an unbelievable deal on a high-end ML (Remington 700, TC, high-end Knights, etc). They just passed the new rules in my area so we can use certain center fire guns instead of a ML during primitive weapons season. There are lots of sporting goods stores that still have ML's in stock. They can't hardly give them away now.
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Very true. I bought a T/C Omega .50 cal. Thumbhole, laminated stock with nickel fluted barrel. Check it out on any website, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc. $650+. My local shop is selling ALL ml at cost, I paid $379.
i use to own the optima thumb hole stock blue flutted barrel, grey stock. loved it. shot great, i sold it along with my other deer rifles to become a full time bow hunter
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