CVA Optima ?

[sgb]

I have the opportunity to buy a used CVA Optima in excellent condition for 100$. I really know next to nothing about muzzle loaders. Is this a good gun? And is 100$ a fair deal for one?

[MikePal]

If it fits into your shoulder and gives you a good sight picture, it's a great gun.

When I was buying my ML I looked at it, but because my arms are long, it didn't have as good a fit as the Traditions Pursuit. My buddy bought the Optima and he's been happy with it for many years.

[jim]

You have to ask?! I'll loan u the hundred bucks!! Hurry up!!!

[pbonura]

Send me a txt.. Is it a cva optima with a quick release breech plug. If it is 100 is a steal .

[sgb]

Well I bought it. Now for a scope and all the gear. Hope my wife doesn't kill me.

[MikePal]

Well I bought it. Now for a scope and all the gear. Hope my wife doesn't kill me.

Unless you have vision problems (associated with the aging process) you don't need a scope...the fiber sights work real well for the distance (under 100yds) you most likely will be shooting. My buddy shoots 1" groupings at the 100 with his.

If you need a scope...get a fixed 1x or 2x shotgun scope...lots of eye relief and built to take the recoil.

[4weight]

I'm very happy with my Optima. Seems to like the Barnes solids and 2 whitehots!

[pbonura]

Well I bought it. Now for a scope and all the gear. Hope my wife doesn't kill me.

Throw a scope and some cleaning supplies and you have a deer killer. Congrats...

[GW11]

Sounds like you got a great deal. I've been using one for about 10 years without any problems. However, my brother in law has the same model as I do (the Optima Pro) and it broke down on him this past fall on a deer hunt in Northwestern Ontario. Good thing we brough a CVA Wolf as a backup.

It wouldn't break open at all. Something went wrong with the hinge and if you closed the gun you had to take it apart if you wanted to open it again. Our local gunsmith says that it's not entirely uncommon with the Optima. I think it will cost more than the gun is worth to fix it.

That's the only issue I've really seen or heard of with these guns. I don't think you could go wrong for $100.

Both my brother in law's and mine shoot the 270 grain power belts well with 2 x 50 grain T7 or pyrodex pellets.