CVA Optima Elite vs H&R Ultra Varmint

[notnodak]

I was going to get a H&R 243 Ultra Varmint till I ran across these CVA Optima Elite Combos. From what I've read they seem at par with T/C encores. My question is will they shoot better then H&R? I do like that you do not need to send in reciever to get barrels fitted.
Also is it worth the extra to get stainless or is blued better with CVA? I found a place that has the Hardwood stocked SS combos for $530 and my FFL charges $20 for transfer. Another plus is CVA gives a $50 rebate on the combo till Dec31.

[Ditchdigger]

I have the compact model,and I like it very much.I have 5 barrels for mine,and they all shoot as good or better than any of my 9 Handi's that I had. The big difference is less felt recoil,alot less muzzle jump,and more day to day consistant shooting. I shoot some preety hot handloads in my 45 70 and its really fun to shoot.The Handi after about 5 rds is going to start hurting your shoulder.You get a better recoil pad,a very good sling, and a little better shooting gun with the CVA. Budsgunshop has the 45 70 's on sale now for $248 delievered. You might check your combo with them.   Digger

[notnodak]

I'll check on the site. Without looking what is the effective range of a 45/70? Is it simalar to a 30/30?


On the Blued models, Are the part powder coated or actually blued? Does the bluing hold up well with this gun? And fianlly is it worth the extra $60 for Stainless

[Ditchdigger]

The 45 70 will kill way out there if you can hit it.The big heavy bullets drop like a rock,but it they hit something in a vital area,they're dead.I've carried Handi's in my back seat with soft fabric covering,and they bluing wore off the side of the barrel in 3 short trips.So far the CVA's are holding up very well in that department. They don't come with a scope rail,and the blueing on the reciever will rust if you leave it in the truck for a few day's.Every gun I have will do the same thing though. The muzzleloading barrel will handle 150 grs. of powder and not kill your shoulder as bad as some. They did have some in 300 Win mag for awhile,and I'm kinda looking for one now. The Handi is not strong enough for the magnum calibers. Hope this helps.  Digger