Author Topic: CVA Optima Elite (Read 3321 times)

Ditchdigger · « **on:** January 29, 2007, 04:20:11 PM »

Dang it,will someone buy one of these and tell me they shoot terrible.I'm about to go nut's looking at a 243 at Acadamy for $286 plus tax.And does anyone know what scope base fit these rifles??

Fred M · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2007, 06:08:15 PM »

Digger
I seen this rifle listed for $375.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2007, 01:27:02 AM »

If no one is buying them, that should tell you something.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2007, 02:18:17 AM »

How about a bunch of you guys send me some donations and I'll go buy one and do a reveiw for you all.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2007, 02:43:24 AM »

Quote from: billy_56081 on January 30, 2007, 02:18:17 AM

How about a bunch of you guys send me some donations and I'll go buy one and do a reveiw for you all.

I will do that also...

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2007, 04:00:11 AM »

I've heard about them,but it seem's as though there're just now hitting the stores.1 place in Ky. has some of the barrels for $145 on Gunbroker. I hav'nt seen any of the 26" barrels ( including the 300 Wiin mag) anywhere. Digger

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2007, 09:02:42 AM »

I'll buy it if you guys just give me half of the money..................

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2007, 09:38:28 AM »

Quote from: kyelkhunter3006 on January 30, 2007, 09:02:42 AM

I'll buy it if you guys just give me half of the money..................

You can't do that, that is a beter deal than I offered.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2007, 09:43:48 AM »

Best part of gun shopping is the wheeling and dealing, isn't it? I'll be honest, I'd shoot it, post the results, and offer it up for sale or probably trade it for a T/C or Knight something or the other.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2007, 03:09:14 PM »

Well I bought the Opitma Elite,and so far every thing is just fine.I started out running a dry tight patch through the bore,and after several pass's it came out very brown and dirty. The second patch came out clean after several pass's,which reminded me of the bore on my CZ.I then put a scope base on(4 screws larger than the Handi's) and mounted a very old 3X9 Redfield wideangle scope.
I then shot some Rem. 80 gr. corlokts through it to zero the scope (took 4 rds.),and it shot fair as the bench was only 54 yds. from the target.
Then came the Rem 100 gr.stuff,and a 4 shot group made a nice little square with the hole's about 1/4" apart. 3 more shot's to zero the gun 3/8" hiigh at 54 yds. and the last 3 went into the same hole.All of this shooting was done in 35 degrees and a stiff 20 mph. quartaring toward me. I did'nt have a good back rest (cartridge box) and I was in a hurry to go hog hunting with it,so with some hand loads,and better circumstances I think its going to shoot the 100 gr. ammo very well,and maybe some of the 85's.
Its very comfortable to shoot from the bench,and handell's real well offhand.
The Hinge pin on the barrel is very snug in the frame,with just a very little play in the barrel lug(maybe .0005)The barrel lug has a very nice weld to the barrel,maybe a little to much but nice,and the gun is tight everywhere else.The trigger was good at 52 ounce's and consistant.The scope can be set lower than the Handi's because the hammer is placed lower. And now the only bad part I could find,was that while you're closing the action,the lever will pinch your finger if it's still on the grip.I think I'll keep this little 243 even though I normallly don't use them.
I can't compare it to a Encore because I've never shot or owned one,but I will say with factory ammo it outshoot's ever Handi I've owned so far.I just wish it was a 308 or 30 06. If it continuse to shoot well I probably get a 22 250,308 and a 45 70 barrel for it.

Digger

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2007, 03:14:17 PM »

I knew you couldn't hold out!!!

Thanks for the report Digger, guess I'll have to check one out and include it in a 3 way with the Handi and the Encore!!

Tim

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2007, 04:09:09 PM »

I think you'll like it Quick,and the recoil pad and sling are very nice also.

Digger

Mac11700 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2007, 08:09:00 AM »

I just took that tour of their barrel facility...and it looks like they are doing things right there..Having Ed Shilen as a mentor following his suggestions is certainly a big plus in their corners...I'm waiting for their C/S manager to call me back...I got a ton of hard questions to put to him on the action and all...and am very interested in getting a couple of different calibers to see what can be wringed out of them...and the 243 is certainly one I would like to start with...and the 300 Win mag is another...I am a little concerned over their twist rates of these... they have listed all of them being 1:10 for all center fires...so I called and was told that the 45-70 is 1:20 from the C/S tech I spoke with this morning...I'm still in doubts that a 1:10 would work good for the 22-250 lite weight bullets though...but if using much heavier bullets...and if that's the case with the twist...it certainly would make a dandy Long Range 22 caliber rifle...and worth getting one to see...

I am not surprised someone stepped up to the plate and is getting a high quality switch barrel to the public cheaper than the T/C line...and since CVA does listen to it's customers...http://www.shootingindustry.com/02pages/Ftr0806b.html...this will likely make them a leader in this field...

Digger...can you measure the muzzle diameter for me on your 243...I am curious about it...Also..is the trigger adjustable...and how do you go about adjusting it ?One last thing...what is the frame barrel gap on yours...?

Thanks a bunch..

Mac

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2007, 02:01:57 PM »

Mac,the muzzle dia. is .742" and the action will close on a piece of newspaper,but won't pull out. I measured the paper with a dial calibper and it was .001" and where the action closed on the paper was only about 1/4 of that or less.It seem's to be pretty tight.Hope this helps Digger

Mac11700 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2007, 06:46:28 PM »

Thanks Digger...

I'll be bending their ear tomorrow morning at CVA finding out everything if I can...

Man...I sure wish they would offer a 260 in this...That would be a very nice addition to their line up...Even a 7mm mag would be nice too

Mac

Mac11700 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2007, 04:44:08 AM »

In case anyone is wondering about how the barrels are made for these new CVA's...you can check out the factory tour here.http://www.bergarabarrels.com

Mac

Bamasnyper · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2007, 10:34:34 AM »

I have one in .270 cal. and it shoots the Federal Fusion 150 gr. under an inch at 100 yds. I have been well pleased with it so far and am probably going to get another one in the compact version in .243 cal. It has a one inch shorter lenght of pull (I think) and weighs about a pound less. I don't know how it compares with the T/C's but their about $300.00 or so cheaper (I think).

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2007, 02:27:23 PM »

Bamasniper,does your's feel real good shooting from the bench?Mine is very easy to line up,and hold steady on and off the bench.I guess it just fit's me better than the Handi Survivor stock or the monte carlo on my Ultra. Also how does the that soft recoil pad hold up to the 270,and how do you like the sling that comes with it? I'm sure tempted to order a 30 06 barrel from Bud's gun shop in Ky. but a little worried about recoil. How's the recoil on the 270? Digger

MSP Ret · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2007, 03:11:25 PM »

Hi guys, i read the posts, I watched the video and I have to tell you they sound great, and at much less than the Encore they sound like a winner. I want to try one, but, and I know it is wrong to feel this way, I just cannot get by the way they look, I really wish I could, the barrel video really had me hot for one, I just can't do it, yet anyway.
For some reason the appearence just grates away at my guts. Sorry about that, I wish I did not feel this way and I wish you the best of luck with yours, they sound as if they have all it takes to be real accurate shooters, if not pleasant to look at. Sort of like an off center and off balance canoe paddle. I just cannot get past my first impression, as much as I wish I could....<><....

Mac11700 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2007, 07:08:31 PM »

Quote from: MSP Ret on February 01, 2007, 03:11:25 PM

Hi guys, i read the posts, I watched the video and I have to tell you they sound great, and at much less than the Encore they sound like a winner. I want to try one, but, and I know it is wrong to feel this way, I just cannot get by the way they look, I really wish I could, the barrel video really had me hot for one, I just can't do it, yet anyway.
For some reason the appearence just grates away at my guts. Sorry about that, I wish I did not feel this way and I wish you the best of luck with yours, they sound as if they have all it takes to be real accurate shooters, if not pleasant to look at. Sort of like an off center and off balance canoe paddle. I just cannot get past my first impression, as much as I wish I could....<><....

Looks are deceiving Andy...Pick one up and feel the balance..I don't particularly care for the camel hump either..I much prefer a racy Weatherby style myself..

...Seriously though...a lot of folks don't really care for the Handi's plain stocks either..as compared to a well fitted walnut stock...but..I am quite sure in time standard contour stocks will be available for them...As it stands right now..you can get a thumb hole laminated or synthetic stock for them..one that doesn't have the camel hump in it..Here's what it looks like..http://www.cva.com/products/rifle_optpro.htm..One thing this company says..not only in writing..but to me on the phone...They listen...well...we will see if they really do...

Mac

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2007, 03:22:18 AM »

MSP,I still don't like the looks of it,but it's growing on me.What impresse's me the most is how it feels on the bench,and offhand.If you get a chance at a gun shop,just pick it up and hold on something and see if does'nt hold steadiier,and then rest it on the countertop like you would on a bench.I think if you hold one and really give a close examination they'll start to look better.Open the action and try to shake it,feel the postive click as it lock's up. I think yor'll like the firesights for the old eye's and the vey soft recoil,on the old shoulders.I think you'd like the very sticky sling that comes with it also.If you do all of this,be prepared to start looking for websites that have acc. barrels and stocks.

Digger

Dave Allen · « **Reply #21 on:** February 02, 2007, 04:07:48 AM »

hello..i took a quick look @ cabela's a while back..felt pretty good to me..i will certainly give a hard look next time...the guy at the counter said c.v.a. was a good company i had never heard of them..so didn't know what to think...i mentioned i thought the encore was maybe a bit pricy-he has quick to show me the c.v.a.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2007, 05:35:12 AM »

Thanks guys, I am trying to stay openminded on this. I feel sort of like being a teenager and being asked to go out with an ugly girl on a double date so your buddy can go out with a pretty girl. Sometimes you find out the girl you were at first not drawn to because of your perception of her lack of "attractivness" was really a great person and fun to be with. Oh well, time will tell. I have seen the picture of the thumbhole stock and although they usually don't appeal to me (as you can propably tell I am a traditionalist) the thumbhole stock does look less repulsive to me than the "camel hump" stock, I think... $:-\$ ....<><....

Fred M · « **Reply #23 on:** February 02, 2007, 07:20:33 AM »

Well my friends, to me the only thing that counts is the accuracy of a rifle.
What would you rather have a rifle that looks good and pleases your eye but can't hit the broadside of a barn and give nothing but trouble.

Or an Optima that puts for shots into a tiny hole at 100yrds and stays together? Of course we don't know yet if the Optima stays together.

I know where my choice would be. Cosmetics are easy to change. Women do it all the time with big success.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #24 on:** February 02, 2007, 07:57:34 AM »

Fred see if you can borrow someone's Elite,and really wring the thing out.You need a new project anyway and this would make a good one to play with.
MSP,do like I use to do many year's ago,put some really dark shade's on,and it may look better.Thats what I would do when my buddies and I would do. I'd talk them into wearing real dark shade's on Sat.night (it would impress the girls) then I could pick the good looking ones for myself and they would'nt know the difference.

Digger

Bamasnyper · « **Reply #25 on:** February 02, 2007, 10:39:39 AM »

To be honest, I don't do a lot of shooting from the bench. The recoil pad seems to help dampen recoil. The times I have shot the .270, recoil was barely noticeable. The only thing I don't like about mine is that it is a little on the heavy side for me, but that is not a big issue. I do like mine better than my Handis, and I like my Handis. Also, my mind was changed today about getting the compact model in .243 because a local gunshop got a closeout on the Elite with camo stock and fore end with blued barrel, $299.00 plus tax. That is cheaper than what I gave for my black fleck stock model. He only had it in .308 and 7mm08 cal. He is holding one for me until Monday when I have time to do the paper work (and make up my mind which cal. I want). Iam leaning towards the .308 since I already have the .270 which is ballistically similar to the 7mm08.. I think they make a camoed shotgun barrel for it now, and I intend to get one of those to turkey hunt with.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #26 on:** February 02, 2007, 10:41:47 AM »

I always knew you were a thinker Digger

.
Someday I would like to try a CVA, I think I would rather get one (or 2) of them than an Encore....<><....

Mac11700 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 02, 2007, 11:40:22 AM »

I had a real interesting talk with CVA's C/S manager this afternoon...for a new product...they are getting a lot of interest...and some of the things Mark told me make me want one of these even more now...I think even Fred will appreciate this fact I was told...Mark told me that the first batch of barrels produced (no caliber given) was rejected...even though they were completely with in SAMMI spec's...but..they weren't within Ed Shilens spec's...

...The tolerances weren't good enough for him...so..they got scrapped...all of them...not reused for something else...Also...when measuring the chambers...the head space is held to the minimum SAMMI specs...not to the largest...Same for what is allowed for the frame barrel gap of .002" as a maximum and the majority being near perfect..like what Digger got...and of the trigger pull weights of 3.5lbs...Anytime this exceeds it..on any customers rifle they will make it right for free...

They are also making barrels for the Encores as well...they aren't affiliated with them...but are just making barrels to sell much to T/C displeasure...They are also looking at making the rifle more aesthetically pleasing too...and are looking at ways to improve them and give the customers what they want...They have looked at all of their competitors products...and seen how they are doing things..and how good they are...and doing a-lot to make their rifle a much better..less expensive rifle in the process...I ask him about their triggers...and if they can be improved..he said if a customer wanted a 3lb trigger pull...he would do it for free..but nothing lower for liability reasons...Also...one could add a trigger stop screw to their metal trigger guard and adjust it to perfection that way..but they don't offer to do it for the customers...yet...Which brought up the possibility of a custom shop of sorts..and this hasn't been discussed yet...since they are testing the waters with what they have now...but...he's not ruling anything out completely right now...

Can I say I'm a little excited about getting one to shoot...you betcha I am...It looks to me to be a quality product at a unbelievable price for what is being produced...I would like to get a 270 to do a 3 rifle comparison...A 26" custom Handi with cut rifling...A Weatherby Sub-MOA bolt...and a Optima Elite...This would be a fair across the board test with factory ammo...with all 3 bullet weights...and looks like I'm just going to have to spring for one to do it and soon...

Hopefully I'll have some DVD's to send out about the factory & Barrel plant...a little longer than the clip shows..even if I have to burn some extras if folks want them...

If you guys want to...E-mail him...tell him your likes & dislikes about the Encores/Handi's..and what you would like to see offered...He'll save all of this..and present it when they are deciding on different calibers and stocks designs...He seems very honest and open to making us happy...

You can e-mail him at mark@cva.com Just put Greybeards in the subject line so he knows it's us that are writing to him...he is looking forward to hearing from everybody...

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #28 on:** February 02, 2007, 01:01:02 PM »

I emailed him to see if there are any CVA dealers not listed on their web site, the closest one listed is 70 miles away! $:-\$

Tim

Mac11700 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2007, 01:32:51 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on February 02, 2007, 01:01:02 PM

I emailed him to see if there are any CVA dealers not listed on their web site, the closest one listed is 70 miles away! $:-\$

Tim

While I had him on the phone...I used their dealer locater just to see who was listed around here...Not a dealer in 50 miles...and I know that was bunk...and told him so...It's up to the dealers themselves to send in their information to be added to the data base...Kinda weird...I'd have the sales reps doing that whenever a new dealer was made thru them...and will advise him of it next time we speak...

Mac