Where to buy CVA OE?

[Paleface]

Howdy all.

I am seriously considering buying an Optima Elite rifle in 7mm-08 for deer season. I am having trouble locating one to look at in my area (Lincoln-Omaha, Nebraska). Bass Pro don't stock em, neither does Cableas or the local big sporting goods store (Scheels). I have seen a muzzle loader, but I would like to inspect one in person before I plunk down my cash.

I can order one from Wallymart for 303 in blue/black which seems a reasonable price. I always wanted an encore(I have a t/c muzzle loader), but this seems to be a very similar rifle at a much better price. Thanks to all on this forum for the information that steered me towards this rifle.

Also If I order one, I want a clean barrel (no sites) is there a specific code for this. I don't really trust a wallymart staff person to get this right.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard!! Right now it appears everyone is out of stock on the 7mm-08, including Walmart's supplier, SSI. You might try Whittakers, I bought mine used there and they've been reported to have several in stock, good people to deal with. RR is good to deal with, but they're out too as well as Bud's. The 7mm-08 barrel has no sights, just D&Td for a scope mount.

Tim

http://whittakerguns.com/

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=GCR4600

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/36_218/sort/3a/page/2

You can check Walmart's supplier's inventory at this URL...
http://internetguncatalog.com/

[Paleface]

Thanks for the info.

Any idea on lead time on this caliber? I really don't want to buy a rifle over the internet, I would rather support someone local. Plus there is the ship to ffl deal, and I think that costs about 25 bucks, right?.

Is 270 available? I might just have to settle. Tried to follow your link, but I didn't see CVA in the manufactures list (4th link). Thanks for the help anyhow.

[quickdtoo]

Can't help on non-internet dealers, no one around here handles them either, I bought mine sight unseen from Whittakers, my friends here provided me with all the encouragement I needed to get one, now have a 300 win mag barrel and t-hole stock too, really like it. My FFL charges $20, to handle the transaction, shipping from any of the dealer I've posted except Bud's will be less than $20. You'll have to locate a local dealer that will order one for you.   CVA = Connecticut Valley Arms on the SSI site, they have none in stock, but do have the 7mm-08 barrel, that's the only chambering I checked on. I thought of another online source that I've done business with, but they're our too. But they do have the 270 with t-hole camo stock or black syn, and blued 30-06.

Tim

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item.aspx?PID=64547

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item.aspx?PID=69180

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item.aspx?PID=63254

http://www.thegunsource.com/store/item.aspx?PID=61882

[Ditchdigger]

The Acadamey store's around here usually have the O.E.'s in stock . Also Gene Sears supply also keep's them in stock in Oklahoma City.  Digger

[Paleface]

I ordered the blue/black 7mm-08 from Walmart yesterday. Funny thing is there is no option for a clean barrel, they all come with sights at Walmart. They should have a separate code for no sights. Price was $303.

[quickdtoo]

They'll put you on a waiting list, they still show none in stock at SSI, so don't be disappointed when it doesn't show up in a week.   If and when you do get it, don't expect sights on it, the 7mm-08 barrel is only drilled and tapped for a scope base, no sights, I have 7mm-08 and 300 Win Mag barrels for mine, no sights on either one of em.

Tim

http://www.internetguncatalog.com/details.asp?ItemNum=34923

[Paleface]

I don't expect it will come in a week. Hopefully in a month or so. I had been paying attention to your posts regarding availability. Thanks for the pics and the good info. No sights is what I want, so I am glad to hear that.

I was at a small gun dealer in town asking about it and at the time (Friday) he was showing 2 available in stainless (7mm-08) through his suppliers. I would have gone with him, but I wasn't comfortable with his terms. Thanks again to all you guys for your posts and threads regarding this rifle, and especially you Quick for answering my questions.

I will be asking many more questions regarding scope mounting etc, as this will be my first time mounting one. I have been hunting whitetail with black powder for the last 7 years (Iowa), and just moved to a state with a rifle season (Nebraska).

[Paleface]

Picked up my gun last night from Walmart. Just like quickdtoo said it came in without sights just like I wanted. I am tickled pink.

Aside from the comedy of 3 walmart assistant managers trying to figure out how to sell a gun off there new layaway system (about 45 minutes worth) I have no complaints. It was my first time buying a rifle from walmart, and I think less than 2 weeks for a gun that is in short supply is pretty good. I ended up with the blue/black.

Now on to the base, rings and scope. Thanks again for all the help.

[quickdtoo]

Congrats, you're lucky to have a Walmart that still sells firearms, all the stores here no longer do, all three of em here quit.   Glad it didn't take long to get it too, some Walmart orders take forever to be filled.

Apparently those OE centerfire barrels that have sights were early production from what I've learned, they now come without as yours did.

Please post a range report when you get to it,

thanks for the update.

Tim

[texashooter]

I jumped in and bought a OE at Academy the day after Christmas. The week before they had a 243 but that was all. I wanted a 7 mm 08 no one had anyone. I went in just to look at scopes and asked if they had one in 7 mm 08 and the guy pulls one out. I bought it on the spot. Went back and got a Pentax scope to go on top and its been sitting while I waited for the dies and bullets to come in so I could load up shells to go shoot. The dies were the last to come (of course) they came today.

I will be in my shop loading shells tonight and get to the range on Sunday, I can't wait !