Author Topic: CONSIDERING PURCHASING CVA (Read 2367 times)

hawkenman · « **on:** March 02, 2007, 01:26:17 PM »

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A BREAKDOWN MUZZELOADER AND I'M THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THE CVA OPTIMA PRO ELITE 50 CAL. RIFLE. I HEARD THE BARRELS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED ON THE ELITE'S. ALSO I'M ONE OF THE FEW THAT DOES NOT CARE FOR THOMPSON CENTER. ANY INFO. WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2007, 01:56:54 PM »

hawkenman, first off welcome. You might want to visit the CVA forum here at Graybeard, there are a lot of guys there that can help you with that question. Here is the area. http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/board,198.0.html

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2007, 04:23:10 PM »

I'm not a big CVA fan myself.....having said that, one of the guys that comes to our little family hunt camp has an Optima (not the Elite or Pro, just the "regular"one) and he loves it. Shoots around an inch or so with a couple of different loads. You couldn't pry it out of his hands. If you want a break action, you might look at the NEF Huntmans/Sidekick rifles too, they seem to have a pretty good following on here. Look in the NEF forums for info. You've said that you're not a T/C fan, not sure if you just mean the Encore, or all T/C products, but the new Triumph looks like a really nice gun, and the few reviews I've read were all positive.

Doe · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2007, 05:42:32 PM »

Hey you won't go wrong with a CVA, i bought one last year, cause i did not have the funds to buy a THOMPSON so i purchase the one with the package deal. It killed a dear at 100 yards with 100 grain of 777 could have gone with more powder but not needed. On top of that you'll not care if you scrach it or not. I'm going to paint mine this year.

i'm thinking tiger stripe black with orange stripes

any how GOOD LUCK!!

cherokee75 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2007, 04:04:57 AM »

I took my first ML deer at 120+ yards from a kneeling position with a plain old Optima and a 348 grain Powerbelt. I sold it to buy a I Kodiak which I did not care for but it shot O.K. I have sinced moved to an Omega but I miss how easy the Optima was to clean and definitely regret getting rid of it for the Kodiak. I only put about 30 rounds through it so I can't attest to its durabilty, however. Any particular reason you do not care for T/C products?

jim huntington · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2007, 04:04:48 PM »

I also had a cva optima and shot a couple of deer with it.I also sold it to buy a Kodiak. The Kodiak shoots ok but I think I liked the Optima better. I am thinking about going back to a Optima alite and getting a centerfire barrel to go with it.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2007, 06:27:03 PM »

Quote from: jim huntington on April 27, 2007, 04:04:48 PM

I also had a cva optima and shot a couple of deer with it.I also sold it to buy a Kodiak. The Kodiak shoots ok but I think I liked the Optima better. I am thinking about going back to a Optima elite and getting a centerfire barrel to go with it.

Try it...you'll like it...

Mac

NONYA · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2007, 11:58:48 PM »

I have the cva hunter magnum,nice gun,i shot deer,elk and antelope with it,i just got a remington Genesis,i LOVE this gun,great design,it has a longer barrel and is the most accurate Ml i have ever shot,its not much more expensive than the cva and worth every dollar,look into it.

sidekick · « **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2007, 03:12:55 PM »

I had a CVA Kodiak Magnum. Never could get it to shoot worth a flip. All my problems went away when I got an Encore. Just my personal experience, but I'd give up muzzleloader hunting before returning to a CVA. No doubt others have had positive experiences.

IL-Cornfed · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2007, 06:30:30 AM »

Quote from: hawkenman on March 02, 2007, 01:26:17 PM

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A BREAKDOWN MUZZELOADER AND I'M THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THE CVA OPTIMA PRO ELITE 50 CAL. RIFLE. I HEARD THE BARRELS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED ON THE ELITE'S. ALSO I'M ONE OF THE FEW THAT DOES NOT CARE FOR THOMPSON CENTER. ANY INFO. WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

Perhaps it's the impressive strength or the quality machining of the T/C Encore that you don't like? Perhaps it's the endless array of custom features and add-ons available, or maybe just the fact that they are as accurate, if not MORE accurate, than ANY muzzeloader in the industry! Yep, that has got to be a reason not to like T/C. LOL! What a foolish statement and a severely shallow minded one concerning what quality firearms you have to choose from.

You should stop by the Shop and compare an Encore with the CVA Optima someday and then see if you don't change your tune.

I'm betting that it comes down to money for ya! Most cheap skates or folks that just can't afford them are usually the guys that will bad mouth T/C's. It's kind of like the folks that shoot a $100, 15 year old bow but cuss the folks that shoot a modern rig like a Mathews or Hoyt !!! Give me a break !

Is it that cheaper plated barrel on the CVA that attracts you? How about that cheapy thin alum frame and cheap plastic trigger/barrel break that it's has, compared to the ALL metal T/C quality

Just a ridiculous statement on your part !!! What about the numerous reports, complaints and warning about barrels cracking on numerous other forums, that sounds like CVA quality to me. Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

Good luck this season.

reward · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2007, 06:56:47 AM »

Ouch, constructive criticism or a rough scolding. Personally, I've owned a couple of encores, a couple of cvas, 2 knights, and a nef huntsman, and I would have to say that the nef outshot any of the others, in my hands anyway. The expense of trying to do any kind of barrel exchange on the encores really turned me off. The cva optima was just as capable as the encore. The thing to remember is that if you want a gun that shoots well is that you will have to invest time in figuring a load that will work. The 2 encores I had each required different load combinations to shoot satisfactorily. By the way, I am in no way bashing the quality of a t/c firearm, my favorite gun now is a t/c hawken. T/c is a top notch company in quality and service. That is becoming a rarity. What ever you decide, make sure you enjoy it. Opinions are a dime a dozens. Good luck and God bless!!!

Semisane · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2007, 03:02:33 PM »

Hey IL-Cornfed, ease up man! Your first two paragraphs made your point quite well. The rest was "piling on".

jlbeebe · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2007, 01:10:48 PM »

Hey IL-cornfed. I like Knight rifles over T/C. My preference. Get off your high horse.

mangulator · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2007, 10:03:05 AM »

IL-Cornfed, lighten up who cares what you shoot as long as you have a fun and a safe time doing it...

manofthe45 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:26:16 AM »

Quote from: hawkenman on March 02, 2007, 01:26:17 PM

I'M THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THE CVA

I feel sorry for you

Quote from: hawkenman on March 02, 2007, 01:26:17 PM

ALSO I'M ONE OF THE FEW THAT DOES NOT CARE FOR THOMPSON CENTER.

Thats funny since most of CVA's garbage is cloned from a T/C. I can't wait for Cva to beg hornady for a 30 CVA.

hawkenman · « **Reply #15 on:** July 23, 2007, 02:46:44 PM »

Hey Il-Cornfed I just got my CVA Optima Elite and I LOVE it, it handles better than a TC and seems to be MORE accurate than a TC (2.8" at 100, 3 shot grp.) The guys shooting with me were using a TC Enchore and a TC Pro-Hunter. I'm quite familiar with those two firearms because the guns they were using belong to me. Change is good,

UtahRob · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2007, 04:59:55 PM »

Great gun !!!!!!!!!!!!

We got his at Wal Mart for only $ 78.00 at the end of hunting season.

dropped it in its tracks !!!!!!!!!!

Buckskins & Black Powder · « **Reply #17 on:** August 29, 2007, 05:34:50 PM »

#1 reason i hated the encore was the fact that the wrist area of the stock twisted your wrist at an odd angle and caused discomfort. #2, the cheap echoie stock that felt like a 99 cent walmart cup. Actually i lied, i have 2 #1 reasons i didnt like it, i already said the first reason, heres the other reason that keeps it tied.. Darn stock was about 2" too short and i couldnt see the sights unless i mashed the side of my face into it. Would have hated to have pulled the trigger with that kind of set up.

I prefer a Winchester muzzleloader myself. Cant beat a rifle design that uses a modern bolt action. Hammers are good on tradtional rifles but not cool on an modern inline. Where has technology gone to these days?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2007, 02:40:27 AM »

Quote from: hawkenman on July 23, 2007, 02:46:44 PM

Hey Il-Cornfed I just got my CVA Optima Elite and I LOVE it, it handles better than a TC and seems to be MORE accurate than a TC (2.8" at 100, 3 shot grp.) The guys shooting with me were using a TC Enchore and a TC Pro-Hunter. I'm quite familiar with those two firearms because the guns they were using belong to me. Change is good,

I have had 5 Encore M/L guns. I still have two of them and my buddies have the other three. With that said, all 5 of my Encore M/L's will shoot 1.5 to 1 inch groups at 100 yards.
So I don't think the CVA Optima Elite is nessacarly more accurate.

AndyHass · « **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2007, 04:56:08 AM »

Quote from: IL-Cornfed on July 09, 2007, 06:30:30 AM

Quote from: hawkenman on March 02, 2007, 01:26:17 PM
I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A BREAKDOWN MUZZELOADER AND I'M THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THE CVA OPTIMA PRO ELITE 50 CAL. RIFLE. I HEARD THE BARRELS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED ON THE ELITE'S. ALSO I'M ONE OF THE FEW THAT DOES NOT CARE FOR THOMPSON CENTER. ANY INFO. WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

Perhaps it's the impressive strength or the quality machining of the T/C Encore that you don't like? Perhaps it's the endless array of custom features and add-ons available, or maybe just the fact that they are as accurate, if not MORE accurate, than ANY muzzeloader in the industry! Yep, that has got to be a reason not to like T/C. LOL! What a foolish statement and a severely shallow minded one concerning what quality firearms you have to choose from.

You should stop by the Shop and compare an Encore with the CVA Optima someday and then see if you don't change your tune.

I'm betting that it comes down to money for ya! Most cheap skates or folks that just can't afford them are usually the guys that will bad mouth T/C's. It's kind of like the folks that shoot a $100, 15 year old bow but cuss the folks that shoot a modern rig like a Mathews or Hoyt !!! Give me a break !

Is it that cheaper plated barrel on the CVA that attracts you? How about that cheapy thin alum frame and cheap plastic trigger/barrel break that it's has, compared to the ALL metal T/C quality Just a ridiculous statement on your part !!! What about the numerous reports, complaints and warning about barrels cracking on numerous other forums, that sounds like CVA quality to me. Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

Good luck this season.

Try learning some maturity and respect for others. Do you think anyone really cares about your opinion when you approach them like that??

I own two T/C guns (Omegas) and love them. I do not really like the Encore but it has nothing to do with a lack of quality.

Your comments on accuracy show that you're susceptible to marketing hype, as most of us who have shot a number of the different models have not seen substantial differences after load development in accuracy. I owned a Traditions inline that was the most dangerous gun I have ever owned, for various reasons, yet shot groups every bit as tiny as my Omega's....and did so with less tweaking than my Omegas.

I do believe T/C are higher quality than CVA, but that does not mean T/C is the only way to go for everyone. Personal attacks on someone just because they like a brand different than you is childish.

By the way, I shot a $100 bow for about 15 years. Killed a LOT of deer with it. I upgraded to get a higher draw weight , NOT because my new-fangled bow kills deer any deader or easier.

Guess I'm old-fashioned, but I find what works and stick with it. I feel no need to rush out and buy the most recently-advertised gear just because it is the latest fad.

Buckskins & Black Powder · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2007, 05:54:28 AM »

How well do these encores do with conicals? powerbelt, great plains, maxi ball, maxi hunter and such.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2007, 08:18:10 AM »

Quote from: bigblock455 on August 30, 2007, 05:54:28 AM

How well do these encores do with conicals? powerbelt, great plains, maxi ball, maxi hunter and such.

I don't know about conicals, great plains, maxi ball, maxi hunter and such but I know powerbelts work real good. I use bonded shockwave and Precision Rifle bullets in my Encore's and they work great.

How does the CVA work with conicals, great plains, maxi ball, maxi hunters ?

Buckskins & Black Powder · « **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2007, 09:14:33 AM »

"100 yards, 3 shot groups" 5/8" groups with a 385 grain great plains, 1" with either a 245, 295 or 348 grain powerbelt, Havnt shot the maxi hunters in almost 2 years but am really wanting to try them. 360 grain minnie conical 3" 100 yards, I hate those minnies due to the force that it takes to get them down the bore, .429 sabot with a home cast 240 grain all lead bullet, the best i did was 1 1/4", 250 grain SST i shot last year was 1 1/2" in 20mph wind. I cant use sabots in colorado, so i never really put much time or money into sabots. 385 grain Lyman mold Bull Shop conical,sized in .501" shot 2" groups @ 100 but i ran out before i could try different charges to fine tune the load. Havnt tried the maxi hunters due to poor performance i got on a deer i shot and had to track in for a 1/2 mile before shooting it again and then havig to track it another 1/4 mile. Talk about a fun hunting trip that year! My first year muzzleloading. After that year, i went and bought powerbelts when they came out, or i should say when the stores finally stocked them.
My last load i shot this week was a 410 grain great plains conical and again. ran out before i could add a little more powder but still averaged 1 1/2" group.
This is a Winchester X-150 with a free floated barrel.