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CVA Optima Pro Black Powder
Black Powder Manufacturer: CVA
CVA Model: Optima Pro
Review Category: Black Powder
Purchase: Black Powder I bought this online as a factory refurbished firearm through Sportsmans Guide. Total price including shipping was about $180.00.
I decided on the Optima Pro after a lot of online research into several brands of muzzle loading rifles. I had my heart set on the Savage Model 10ML-II, but just could not manage to find one in time. I am very happy now that I chose to go ahead with the much more affordable CVA Optima Pro.
Things I like about the CVA Optima Pro Black Powder: The break action is easy to work with. It's very much like a break action shotgun in feel and function. The breach plug is very well designed and is easy to remove for cleaning. (Remember to use a good anti-sieze on the threads) The grip and stock are very comfortable, and the recoil pad makes it so comfortable that I can shoot till I run out of powder or bullets. The accuracy is amazing. With a scope at 100 yards using 2 pellets 777 pushing Traditions™ XTP .50 Caliber 240 grain Jacketed Hunter Bullets, I was able to shoot a one inch group from a steady rest. The factory open sights are incredible. The fiber optic light gathering sights really do their job. These are some of the best factory sights offered on any rifle I've used.
What I don't like about the CVA Optima Pro: The stock is a bit too long for me. I'm a short - at 5'5" and a youth model stock would fit me much better if it were offered. The break action lever is easy to use - a bit too easy in the field. You have to keep track of your hands or it is easy to accidentally trip the lever and lose your primer in the field. (We found that a strip of velcro around the barrel eliminated that problem.)
My chief complaint would be with the ramrod. It's cheap and flimsy. I don't expect it to last long. You have to unscrew one end to extend it to the proper length. I foresee a new ramrod in the near future.
Black Powder Optima Pro quality: Overall the construction seems to be very good. the fit is average to good. The finish seems to be excellent. The optima Pro has a fluted barrel which is supposed to cut down on weight. It's still a heavy gun to carry in the woods. (A good sling is an important addition to this firearm) The sling mounts from two fixed swivel holes in the stock. Functional, but not really inspiring. The break action inline with 209 shotgun primer makes for very reliable ignition. The trigger pull is good - not as light as you would want for a target rifle, but this really isn't a target rifle. The trigger releases nice and crisp without any creep in the trigger pull.
Optima Pro summary: For the money, the CVA Optima Pro is an excellent value. I am more than pleased with the accuracy, and for a hunting firearm I expect this to meet my needs to carry me through the entire Michigan Whitetail deer season from early doe season into the November firearm season, the December Muzzle loading season and the late doe season. I could only buy one firearm, and it needed to carry me through all the seasons. I don't think I could have found a better value for under $250.00 This was money well spent.
Rating for this CVA product: 5
Author of this review on CVA Black Powder: Sparky
Date: 2009-11-10
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
2 reader(s) voted.
This CVA Black Powder review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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