CVA Elkhorn opinons wanted.

[JimG]

Been looking at CVA's for a while now. I'm thinking that the Elkhorn is the way I want to go. I shoot loose powder and #11's and likely will not scope the rifle so any blow by will not be an issue if blow by is an issue with the Elkhorn like it is with some other inlines. Can't shoot #11's in an Optima or Kodiak etc. Anyone ever own one or know someone who does? Just looking for opinions before ordering one

[Lane]

Jim

I had an old MagBolt with 24 inch barrel.  Just about same as this one. 

This gun/barrel (Elkhorn) is still of the old CVA/BPI softer spanish steel manufacture.    I and believe it to be questionable and unsafe at 150grain/3 pellet mag loadss

Recently CVA/BPI has shifted to better steel, and is producing QUALITY Bergara gun barrels.  That said, I would limit your self to 100grain powder charges.  And this means only 80 grains of Triple 7 powder, cause it's 15-20% stronger than Pyrodex/Blackpowder and most other subs.  Now then, be carefull to fully clean this barrel/gun after every shooting/hunting session!  The steel will rust and pit fast if not taken care of soon after firing.  APP and ascorbic acid based powders or Trip7(sugar based) will not save you from prompt cleaning.  Any powder residue no matter how Non-corrosive will eventually draw moisture, which in-turn will rust and pit the bore.

You will like the solid feel of the stock and the great recoil pad

It says it will also fire musket caps, which are much hotter than #11's.  You may want to use these.  Using loose powder of the 3Fg granulation will enhance ignition.  Trip 7 is the hardest to ignite of all the subs   It has the Highest flash point. 

APP/Goex Pinnacle/Shockey's Gold and BMG have the lowest flash point of all the subs

That rifle will shoot PowerBelts like a laser beam to 100-150 yards with a scope, but will be great with open sights as well.  USE THE HEAViest powerbelt you are comfortable with--348 to 405 to 444grains  or the 338 Platinum series.  I would start with the 405's

When using APP/Goex Pinnacle/Shockey's Gold 3Fg, seat the load VERY firmly every time!  This will give you the best results

Do Not Use the Sticks type of powder from APP products, they leave to much air in the powder load, and may draw moisture over time IMHO.


If you could wait and save up some more cash, I would strongly recommend a Stainless Steel rifle like the the Knight BigHorn or Extreme

Hope this helps

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

What will you be hunting? Dont let the magnum charges fool you. You dont need a magnum rifle to shoot excellent groups, but most importantly, you do not need 150grains of powder to kill quickly. My winchester x-150, almost like the elkhorn you're talking about is holding  solid 5/8" groups with 90 grains pyrodex rs and a 385 grain conical. As for the recoil pad, i thinks its the same as the one on my winchester, and if it is, IT SUCKS! I put  a limbsaver on my rifle some months back and shooting those big bullets is like a kid in a candy store. i think the elkhorn will suit your needs perfectly. If you're brave enough and think you can be manly, do what cva told me and load up 3 pellets and a 348 grain powerbelt and shoot. Thats what CVA allows when it comes to Magnum charges. Magnum charges just have not offered me any good groups @ 100 yards.