I have a Huntsman and a CVA Optima Elite. The Elite has the Bergara barrel which is at least as good as the GM barrel (at least I think that is who makes it) on the Huntsman and also has the ability to mount the .270 barrel I have and the 12Ga Turkey barrel. I would give the Huntsman a slight edge on trigger feel in stock form over the Optima. The fit and finish of both seem equal. The CVA obviously is more versatile but costs a lot more. The CVA is still in production, and there is the base Optima that does not allow barrel exchange with centerfire that cost less. I think if I had the choice I would opt for the Optima over the Huntsman if the price was the same for following reasons: It is still in production, the Optima will fire BH209 with the stock plug, The Optima ram rod is better than the stock Huntsman rod. That said; my Huntsman with the MU plug, Hubbard aftermarket ramrod, new plastic stock with the comb high enough for scope is slightly nicer in my opinion than the stock Optima with the muzzleloading barrel even though the Huntsman is blue and the Optima Elite is a stainless one. Forgot the accuracy part; but there is little difference although they do not like the same loads as well in some cases.
