CVA Optima

[Norsk Fisker]

Any one out there with a report on the CVA Optima? I have a hunter 209 that shoots great, I would appreciate any comments on the Optima.

[The Bronco Kid]

They are decent, but I hear a lot people leaning towards the TC Omega and TC Encores.

At H & H Sport Shop in Maple Lake they have a good selection of Optimas ranging from $240 to $350.

If you stop in tell them you saw this post.

[Norsk Fisker]

I have an Encore but am thinking of trading down (actually I need another shotgun and muzzle loader)

[eyesontonka]

Norsk

What encore ya have..i need another 1 for this fall..i have a couple guys from outa state wanting to hunt are land late season muzzy..neither guy owns 1 and i only have 1..i might be interested..

[Rolly22]

I have the new CVA Kodiak, but have yet to shoot it. I hope to this weekend and if I do, I'll give you a report.

[jlm]

Here is my opinion on these guns. I own a CVA and this is why I bought it. I looked at the prices of T/C black powder guns and they are great, no question. However, they are on the expensive end for black powder. I looked at the CVA Optima and thought I would give it a go, it was cheap. I can group very well at 100 yards with this gun. Beyond that, your average shooter is unable to shoot well with open sights (particularly with the sights that come on most black powder guns). Scopes are illegal in the state of MN so in my opinion, there is no need to spend mucho dinero on a black powder gun because you will never realize the full potential of the gun if you only use it in MN. It would be like having a new Corvette but you can only take it up to 60 mph! If you hunt in other states, I would certainly spend more on the gun to get more range. I am very happy with the CVA. It is not the most expensive gun out there but it will do the job well. It did for me!

[Norsk Fisker]

I purchased the Encore, stainless steel in .45 cal. My only intent for the black powder was to have fun and hunt white tail in Minnesota. I looked forward to purchasing some extra barrels unique to the Encore. Reality has set in, I don't know when I can afford more barrels. My two boys are both left eye dominant, and my 870's just don't work. I am looking at the BPS as a working option but need to trade the Encore to afford a new shotgun. I will need one more muzzle loader, and I am happy with the performance of the CVA I have for my son. I was hoping that the Optima may have the same feel and balance that I love with the Encore.

[RussDaBuss]

I appreciate reading these posts. I too was looking at a TC Encore. Nice Nice gun. BUT 600 Dollars.. Where I hunt, 100 yards is a long shot. I am now looking at the CVA Optimas. What is the differance between the Optima and the Optima Pro??? Is it really worth the extra money? Any info would be appreciated.. This way I can buy 2 Optimas for the price of 1 Encore ...
Thanks

[This message has been edited by RussDaBuss (edited 08-10-2004).]

[Norsk Fisker]

I believe the pro has a fluted barrel and metal sights. The plastic sights that CVA uses are fine until the blade take a bump. I am not sure it is worth the difference in price, unless you break the front sight in the middle of deer season (like I did). I think the fluted barrel is a little longer and may yield a little more velocity.

Anyone out there know the advantage of the fluted barrel?

[jlm]

I agree and had the same problem. Buy a new set of sights when you purchase the gun! Good luck!