CVA Wolf muzzle-loader as good as the ads?

[T.R.]

I'm considering a CVA Wolf for hunting in Virginia this Fall.  I read an on-line review within the CABELA's site.  WOLF Owners are giving it thumbs UP!  Local shop has a new one for $165. plus tax. 

Anyone within "our family" have hands on experience with CVA Wolf?

Thank you in advance for your answer(s).

TR

[anweis]

hands on experience with CVA Wolf?

I have one. It is as good of a frontstuffing rifle as they get. Mine shoots Blackhorn powder and 250 bullets into 1.5" or better groupings easily. Easy to clean, reliable, good rifle.

[billy_56081]

My son has one, kills well, and goes off every time. It is a great low budget muzzle loader.

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

i have the New wolf and my brother in law is now getting 1" groups @ 100 yards with 90gr blackhorn209 and the 295gr powerbelt. Not bad for a $200 rifle! It also came with the quick release breech plug.

[Swampman]

They are worth $165.00.

[T.R.]

I'll probably buy that WOLF.  Some of you are shooting better groups than I can with my older 30-30 carbine.  Yet it has toppled many deer for me.

The plasic stock is not my choice.  But next Winter I might try to replicate the stock with birch or laminate.

Thanks for the speedy input!!

TR

[rogo]

The CVA Wolf is a great little rifle. I have had one and loved it. I have upgraded now to the Accura with a stainless steel barrel. It is also a great rifle. You should check Cabelas for a price on the Accura. They were only $299 a short while ago. For the difference in price you would have a better rifle. Longer barrel, stainless steel, etc.

[T.R.]

Rogo:

Thanks for the input.  I won't be shooting a muzzle-loader very much except some practise at 75 yards before deer season.  It doesn't have to be top notch for my basic needs.  But I'll check GunBroker for good price on a slightly used Accura rifle.

This year, I'm planning a hunt to Maryland for muzzle-loader season.  Non-resident license fees are reasonable and deer are abundant.  12 deer tags per license!

TR

[rebAL]

Excellent value, especially as "Brush gun" with short barrel.

[vabowhntr]

I really like the new 2010 Wolf, it has a much better stock in my opinion.  If it came in stainless I would already have one.  I would also look at the new 2010 Optima, for $250 it is stainless steel and has a better stock.  Both the new models have the hand removable breech plug.   

[moto357]

i dont consider the 24" barrel of the wolf short, but with the action its shorter than any bolt or pull-cock action therefor helping keep the overall length down.  before doing any mods to my wolf, i was shooting 777 and short black mmp sabots with 250 xtp an had great results.  started shooting conicals and found same great results, and since i dont like plastic its all my wolf shoots now.  the cheap stock feels and sounds hollow, so with leaving room to get to the bolt i filled the rest so it doesn't sound so hollow and added some weight to balance it.  the trigger used to break at about 9lbs and i have it now at about 2.5lbs.  also added sort of a monte carlo cheek piece on the stock and painted it black to match, looks better and more comfortable to shoot.  lastly, i bought a couple extra breech plugs, left one as original, then modified two for 32 s&w short cases.  lastly, a trick picked up from the H&R guys, i added a rubber o-ring between the barrel and forarm to eleminate that contacting the barrel (i've also removed the ram-rod holder from the barrel).  pyrodex p is my fav powder with this gun as well..

for 165 i'd get another if i didn't already have one.  to put holes in paper, or even for basic needs as you list, im not sure you can go wrong with this.

[T.R.]

Moto357:

I'm thankful for your detailed sharing of wisdom.  Did you use expandable (insulation) foam to fill the hollow stock?

TR

[moto357]

yeah, i also epoxied in some lead to add weight and balance the rifle out, and used a piece of pvc between the pad and bolt for the reciever incase i need to get to it!

[bronco73401]

Ive had one for a few years now with no problems.

Lance

[dave50cal]

Have had my Wolf since late 06. I have switched the original cheesy stock with a thumbhole Optima( Bolt on,no mod) I still have the original scope and kill deer out to 150 easily every year. I shoot powerbelt 295 hollow points over 3x50 pellets.Over a dozen whitetails(11 does) Have been shot by me with this gun, my father loves it and has shot twice as many as me. His longest shot was 147 to date. Mine was 125.
 
 With the following I have only range shot:  385g Great Plains bullets 2" group at 100 along with the saboted xtp-mag hornady with same results. Gun shoots great.
Dave