CVA Apex?

[JimG]

First off, how practical is a rifle that can swap barrels? Is there large POI changes when barrels are swapped? What about wearing out the hinge pin from multiple changes? Does anyone have a Encore, Contender or a CVA Apex that they change barrels on all the time and like the arrangement?

Second, how are the Apexs doing? Hows the QC? Hows the accuracy? Any thoughts, opinions, what have you would be appreciated.

[shvlhead.45]

BLUF: I think CVA missed the boat with this one. 

(+) I like rifles that can easily swap barrels.  Sights mounted to the barrel stay zeroed and your pulling the same trigger every time. 

(-) Not sure the Apex has anything on the Handi Rifles other than no fitting required for additional barrels and it costs a lot more.  Price difference between the Apex and the T/C Encore isn't that much and additional barrels are about the same cost wise as the Encore Pro-Hunter barrels, standard taper and heavy contour barrels are cheaper than Apex barrels.  T/C Encores and Contenders can be had in pistol and/or rifle configuration, there is a lot of aftermarket support not available for the Apex, and you can buy a complete CVA Scout for less than an Apex barrel. 

For what it's worth, we live in a place where we can bring our money and buy what we like for no other reason than it's what we like and want.

I'll keep my Handi Rifles and T/Cs

r/shvlhead.45

[OK hunter]

Jim,
switch barrel rifles do not lose accuracy when barrels are changed out.  the scope is afixed to the barrel and not the receiver.  I have a Blaser k-95 and it may well be among the most accurate rifles offered.  my encores have always maintained their poi and I have no doubt the apex will be the same.

I picked up my Apex a week ago.  It was introduced to compete with the Encore, not the handi rifles.  All configurations are stainless steel & all barrels are fluted.  The rifle comes with a sling, scope base & hammer extension, resulting in a completely ambidexterous rifle.  Also features a nice, cushy recoil pad.

I should add that I am an encore owner with multiple barrels.

A few observations;
1.  fit & finish is very good.
2.  the stock is straight making it left hand friendly.
3.  all barrels are from bagera, a spanish maker & are offered in 14 calibers.
4.  the rifle comes up well & points naturally.  the buttstock shape is much improved & is more appealing to my eye.
5.  standard barrel length id 25''.
6.  the trigger is excellent, crisp and adjustable.
7.  the street price for an apex is less than for an encore and additional barrels are also less.
8.  accuracy, from posts read from apex owners, is excellent.
9.  the rifle weighs in like a standard hunting rifle and balances just in front of the hinge.

I have not shot mine yet due to shoulder surgery this past Friday. 

all things considered, I believe the apex is an excellent rifle, a step up from the encore and I will most likely not add any more encore barrels, but begin buying apex barrels.