CVA Optima V2 Muzzleloader: First Impressions

My first-look at the CVA Optima V2 .50 caliber muzzleloader. Right out of the box there are some obvious pros and cons. What are your thoughts on the CVA Optima V2?
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[@masonleather]

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[@davidbogard4826]

Love my V2 with a 2-7 Nokon scope. I started muzzleloader hunting back in the 80's with a TC that I still have for late season here in PA. CVA made cheap guns back then, but my Optima is quality from top to bottom.

[@bryanmcpherson3576]

I have had 5 different CVa rifles and I still have 2 of them and love them . I have a CVa buckhorn and a CVa v2 . Best muzzleloader I’ve ever owned

[@karlagoyke8430]

I purchased this for my grandson last year for Christmas so we learning how to use it so we can hunt with it this week. We are first time users and will watch your videos to hopefully learn how to use this firearm.

[@patchitwood7428]

I have a CVA Wolf. It definitely out shoots it’s price tag. It shoots near one inch groups at 100 yds. with Hornady 250 gr. SST’s over 100 gr. of Pyrodex pellets. I tried 150 gr. charge, and it would not group as well in addition to kicking like a grown mule. I have taken 2 deer with it thus far.

[@ditchdigger93]

I would consider the pre-drilled open sight holes a plus myself. There should have been plugs for them in the accessory bag that came with the rifle. In many places you are not allowed a scope on a muzzleloader and there is nothing wrong with versatility. Many, if not most of us either can't find the Blackhorn powder or don't want to give the premium price it demands if we can. Most of us will more than likely be shooting something like the IMR White Hots or Tripple 7 pellets in them. Personally, I use the Tripple 7 Firestar pellets in mine and find them perfectly fine as propellent. Things like coming with the Blackhorn breech plug, or both, would drive the price up and if you choose to use it, they are available for a reasonable price. I bought one but have never used it thus far. But it's nice of course to have the option. The mount screws not being torqued or locktited is a legitimate concern. Mine came with a Konas Pro scope already mounted and I have not checked the screws but have had no issues as of yet with the mount coming lose. I like my Optima V2 LR. Wouldn't change a thing.

[@scotteger6271]

I don’t know of any manufacturer that is properly torquing or applying loctite to their scope bases or picatinny rails. Literally every rifle I buy that has come with something attached to the receiver I’ve removed, cleaned up the excess oil and mounted them properly.

[@travisparsons63]

I have a cva wolf stainless. I was new to it and didn’t know ow much. But I’ve really grown to love the gun! Does all I need it wv. Plus like you said adds like more time to hunt after rifle season. Good video that’s for sharing!

[@ralphperez4862]

Mason, I own a CVA Optima that I bought in 2016 (not a V2). A bit shorter barrel, and mine is a Northwest edition. Here in Idaho, we can't use 209 primers, pellets, or copper bullets, nor can we be scoped on muzzleloader only hunts. We can use all the above on Idaho Short Range Weapon Hunts, but we are long distance desert hunters so there isn't much use for this set up for us in particular. for our muzzleloader only hunts it's loose powder, musket caps or percussion caps, lead only projectiles (Lead Powerbelts are okay), and open sights. It's cool, we're used to it and I've harvested better than a dozen lopers over the years using a T/C Hawken in 50 caliber using Maxi Balls. I do take my Optima to Arizona on H.A.M. hunts for Javelina. It works just fine. Belive it or not, the Hawkens are flatter shooting than these Optimas. I've got a short little video of the results shooting Powerbelts in the Optima vs Maxiballs in the Hawken. I'd enjoy reading your thoughts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZCVh4qCgZJjmNE

[@TXBeardedWarrior]

Have the same rifle for the same reason. Got a Whitetail Doe last year on a drawn hunt. Load I’ve found that works well and doesn’t beat shoulder is 100 gr 777 Preformed 50gr charges, Hornady MonoFlex ML, 777 primers. Full 150 gr charge is just punishment and only really needed if you’re trying to stretch every yard out of it. Breech plug hand tightened is good. Don’t tighten way down with tool. With all the states banning optics on ML’s it’s a good thing to have those tapped holes.

[@lemmdus2119]

I have a CVA Optima V2 in camo with silver color fluted barrel. I use 100 grains of 777 pellets and had a good grouping at 100 yards. Haven’t had a chance to hunt with it yet but I am hoping to this season.

[@winchester358]

I have the same rifle and love it ,fits me super well. I use 2 white hots with Hornady XTP HP 240gain. Even use it during the general deer season i have plenty of high quality center fire,s, Highly accurate very well built,excellent trigger pull you can't go wrong and easily affordable 👍

[@thomasharp3246]

It's I great gun. I have that exact one and shoot Hornady SST 300 grain with 100 grain Pyrodex powder 1 moa. It'll shoot powerbelt 245 grain in the same location damn near. The bergara barrel alone is top of the line. Amazing gun.

[@masonleather]

Agree!!

[@joshdecastro1387]

I also use a cva optima camo with blued it came with iron sights and drilled and taped for optics I hunt more woods and brush so at under 50yds a scope is kinda pointless but like I can switch if I go to a state or a location I could see a deer at 100yds plus the holes are definitely not a con the fact they don't include the ironsights with the scoped option is though it's like another 30-90$ for a good set ,2 pyrdex 50gr pellets and a bonded 250 gr sst shoots 1.5"groups at 100yds muzzleloader is one of my favorites so many options of powder.. types ,loads,styles,and same with projectiles from light sabots to fullbore sledgehammers its fun and a great biggame hunting option great guns at everyday guys price

[@jeffseno9035]

Have the v2 and it is a tack driver. Maybe during a review you might consider actually loading and sending a few downrange.

[@jacobmullins3644]

I have this exact muzzleloader with open sights and it came with the screws for the rail system and I'm getting clovers at 50 currently thinking about putting a scope on it for long range shooting otherwise its a good rifle for the price

[@masonleather]

I’m a big fan so far

[@noahbeasley755]

Mine came with the plugs for the iron sight holes, and ALL factory mounted scope mounts come from the factory loose.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

Doesn't matter what brand, if it comes with installed rings, or a scoped combo, always take it apart, degrease and mount right. I always locktite base, but not always locktite rings. Depends on rings, and also realize, some companies void warranty if locktite rings. I wouldn't even trust many guys behind a counter installing a mount or scope for you either. I've seen plenty of "their" work, and if you want it done right, do it yourself if able.

[@jeffotten9319]

I have the wolf CVA, drilled and tapped for Thier scope mounts,.I bought a Weaver tip off rings and Base... measured and redrilled holes in tip off base mounts to fit my wolf,.. the experts smithy's At Cabela's warned me it couldn't be done I've taken over a dozen deer since.

[@Ben-ry1py]

I just ordered one...for the same reason. Gonna get some meat this year!

[@deanriver9388]

3 white hots and 250 grain hornady sst. Sub moa groups out of mine. Great gun

[@leeturner3143]

Did you make the follow up video on accuracy testing? If yes I cannot find it. If no, how did it turn out? What worked best?

[@scotteger6271]

Mason, there’s nothing wrong with loose powder like blackhorn 209, but man the pelletized powder is just sweet. I’ve had a couple CVA’s and out of all the different propellants I personally liked the IMR white hots. Two pellets and a Federal B.O.R. Lock bullets (no sabot needed, it has a cup attached on the bottom). They’re undersized slightly and the base expands under the pressure of the powder. So they’re easy to seat and they fly accurately. Great expansion from them as well. Edit: Why no muzzleloader ballistics testing? You do a great job with the centerfire cartridges…I’d love to see you get some of the most popular 50 cal muzzleloader bullets on the market and pound some gel with them!

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

Good to know, on the white hots. I got a nitride optima, and not sure what is up with it, but getting bullets down bore is crazy hard. I wasnt sure, but white hots did leave a residue that seemed to make it harder with next shot. Was wondering if nitride, made the bore a little smaller with coating. Havent messed with it in a few yrs. I need to revisit it. I wish they did a .45 cal optima. I want to experiment with sizing bullets to bore and use bh209.

[@perry5581]

Mine didn't have the sight holes and the scope mount was in the box in its package but mine is the thumb hole camo stock. Are you sure you didn't get a returned gun

[@timbjork2098]

are these barrels true stainless steel or just ss cerocoat? and are they night and day better to keep rust free when not in use for long periods of time.

[@robinworkman3621]

In Idaho we can't use 209 primers, the cap also has to be visible when the hammer is back. Is it safe to assume this rifle would not be legal?

[@callmesenpaidesu1506]

this is better then the wolf v2?

[@pensnut08]

The scope mount screws (con).... Really? Those should be checked regardless. It's common sense. I've had the Optima since 2010 and mine has the best trigger out of all my rifles. No joke. It's like an aftermarket trigger. I haven't measured it but I will say it's under 3lbs and it has zero creep. I tried the Hornady 240 grain hollow points this year and they are incredibly accurate in my gun. I can't really comment on the on game performance because the deer I got with it was 10 yards away.

[@masonleather]

Absolutely. If the scope mount is going to come mounted out of the box it’s a con that it isn’t installed correctly. I’ve got to be harsh so people know what to look for, it’s not common sense for everyone. Of course I check that kind of thing, people new to hunting might think they can trust the factory though, which they should be able to. I agree, overall I love the Optima and the trigger as you say is excellent. I also have it dialed in with 240gr XTP’s, I tried 80 & 100grs of BH209 and it liked both, it’s crazy how accurate these are for the money. Truly a great value.

[@charlesalmondjr]

@@masonleather i don't trust no gun company to mount a scope i remount all my scopes it is common sense to do that if you throw a scope on it without checking it your not a responsible Hunter needs to be accurate to take your game not to wound them so it is not a pro or con other than that good video

[@ronu6724]

I have the Optima before the v2 and it has a plastic receiver. Does the v2 use plastic?

[@larrymac5867]

Do you use one of your shotgun slings on the CVA?

[@chrisseaton2598]

I have had my cva optima v2 since 2014 mine came with the screws to fill in the open sights holes and I loc tighten my scope mount my self mine wasn't mounted on when I got it but all I can say great rifle killed alot of deer with it

[@ivang18]

Thanks

[@DeepSouth16]

Will one of your cartridge cuffs fit that style of stock?

[@masonleather]

They fit any standard adult sized straight comb buttstock. The CVA Optima has a slight Monte Carlo stock, so they would not fit it.

[@walter992]

Every barrel is drilled for all available options, that keep the cost down and having them arrive without screws is not a big deal. As for the integrated sight not being properly torqued. If someone was to purchase any long gun with an open sight or any form of rings or rail and doesn't have the sense to check the torque values, they may not be the right person to own a firearm. As for the breach plug, most modern muzzleloaders are shot with pellets and the vast majority of shooters prefer the simplicity and value of shooting pellets vice loose powder (Blackhorn $89 for 10oz if you can find it). If you want the Blackhorn breach plug spend the money and upgrade to the Acura, they come with both and a Bergara barrel with the drilled hole plugged. You are a being a bit over critical considering you are shooting a sub $300 muzzleloader that is out of the box capable of sub MOA accuracy. Just saying.

[@zap7759]

Optima is best in pistol form with a single 60gr Triple 7 Magnum powder pellet. You want the MR-X it seems.

[@masonleather]

The pistol version looks like a lot of fun

[@zap7759]

@@masonleather You could run 80gr Blackhorn if you're hunting with it as the main gun and not worry about the punch. Messing around with targets or woods walking 80-100gr starts to tenderize you with a pistol.

[@copper5567]

I bought a v2 when I was 17 before Walmart carried to much about checking ID and I broke the sights and ram rod holder when I took a fall down a river bank the last time I went hunting with my dad and it's been almost 2 years since he died and I wanted to go deer hunting in our old spot and I dug it out and I called cva and ik I never put a warranty card in it and they replaced my parts free of charge in a timely manner and I have never had customer service do that for me on anything so I'll take the minor issues it functions flawlessly and hits where I want it

[@leemiddleton6196]

Ready to hunt with in three shots

[@brucelewis1017]

I have one of the older optima was made in 2006 with 26 inch barrel

[@fernandoroybal3968]

Is there much of a difference from the older model to the newer models? I’m going to buy an older model from a family member. How reliable and accurate is the older model?

[@brucelewis1017]

The breech plug and but stock is different between the two

[@fernandoroybal3968]

@@brucelewis1017 is the breech plug still removable by hand or do you need a tool? Just want to make sure that everything I need is included.

[@shadowwolf9503]

​@@fernandoroybal3968 I picked up an older Optima yesterday from a friend. It has the old style breech plug. I watched an older video just while ago about this model. It did come with a special tool to remove the breech plug. But they showed in the video that a standard 12 mm socket fits perfect and can be used instead of the factory tool. The video was made by CVA. I'm glad I watched the video- I didn't get the factory tool with it.

[@juanclemons1492]

its good to have the holes.you might want to go hunt in another state that doesnt allow scopes

[@masonleather]

Why

[@juanclemons1492]

@@masonleather those are for iron sights

[@masonleather]

@@juanclemons1492 I understand that as mentioned in the video, they look like garbage and Cva should install plug screws.

[@michaelrea6764]

That’s true. I hunt in both MO and with family out in Oregon. Oregon requires exposed musket cap breech with open sight. When I go out to Oregon, I switch out my 209 QRBP and firing pin for the 209 and easily replace those items with the NW QRBP and firing pin. Then I take off my scope and bam, open sights are ready to go as is also a requirement in Oregon.

[@brucelewis1017]

@@masonleather should have screws in box in plastic bag for those holes

[@GoldenClays1]

Why does Blackhorn Powder cost so darn much? Haven't seen it cheaper than $88.00 for 8 ounces.

[@robertotto5811]

These things are as accurate as it gets for a muzzleloader.

[@bigracer3867]

This is a old video but I will reply. Had my cousin cva fire with OUT a trigger pull. The breach plug was not seated well. Shut action and boom. ! Yea put a hole in my trucks tool box and blew out window. Way to go cva. I always practice safe gun handling and this was a surprise cause it was undetectable. Always point in safe direction as usual so no one will get hurt with that thing. Torch it in half and get a name brand. It’s POS. Sorry for my crappy opinion

[@davefleming5595]

Cva is the best

[@dcmtrader]

You can't hunt with a scope in many states, you need those holes for irons.

[@kevinmartin2096]

If you don’t check your scope mounts, you probably should not on a gun of any sort

[@czthor1]

Washington State law is you can't have a scope so you can order the Northwest version which is missing the scope bracket but has the fixed sites Ergo one barrel drilled and tapped for either Washington or other states so we have the holes for the scope mount that aren't plugged not a big deal we also have to have a special breach plug that has holes in it to allow the weather rain snowed moisture to get to powder giving the animal a chance obviously these liberals have never hiked in the mountains of the Northwest to know how tough it is to chase a deer or an elk the Liberals in Washington state have taken over

[@masonleather]

Yea I understand the northwest model, but damn install plug screws on all the other ones it’s not hard. Cheap and lazy.

[@woodsmanfarms9678]

CVA noobs gun

[@Man_Cave]

Only a Newbie would buy a CVA. Down at our local muzzle loading shop, everybody scoffs at CVA's as pure junk. Many even think they are unsafe.

[@masonleather]

I suppose they can think what they do, I’ve heard the exact opposite from people that have muzzleloader hunted for decades so to each their own. I’m loving it so far.

[@Man_Cave]

@@masonleather CVA has always been considered substandard. The only reason people are accepting the brand, today, is because Thompson Center quit producing muzzle loaders. Traditions and CVA are the only option, if you don't want to shell out between 1-2 grand.

[@masonleather]

Perhaps they’ve also begun producing a better product than in the past. They’re certainly not “top of the line” but to call the new production models substandard is, in my opinion, a stretch. And from what I’ve seen they perform well above their price.

[@Man_Cave]

@@masonleather Personally, I don't see it. One of their models has a pot metal receiver, and I don't trust the screw in breach plug. A breach plug should be fixed. Fluted barrels are also a bad idea. I miss the old days. I remember when you could get a Lyman Great Plains Hawken for $570.00 all day long. Now Pedersoli makes it and they want $1,500.00 for the same rifle. Prices are outrageous. That's the only reason CVA is accepted.

[@robclarkson2151]

@@Man_Cave Just purchased a TC Impact for my son with what looks to be a copy of the CVA Breech plug. My wife has an older model TC Impact which requires a tool to remove breech plug. Similar in price to the CVA Optima. I have the Optima V2 and it shoots Thor 247 grain hollow points at 3/4" 100 yard groups using 86 grains of Blackhorn 209 by weight. I would say it performs very well especially for the $$$. Mason...my Optima did not have the holes you are referring to for iron sights and the barrel is Nitride finish, maybe that's the difference? Play with loads and projectiles to find what it likes. You wont be disappointed IMO

[@njm1251]

Will a 50mm scope fit with those rings?

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Well... I'm sitting here waiting for UPS to arrive with the muzzy I'm replacing my Optima V2 with..... Bought mine in 2018 I think it was. Since then I've used/carried it for Elk and deer general muzzy in 2018, Elk general muzzy in 2020, elk and deer general muzzy in 2021, and elk muzzy 2022. So I have a few seasons on it, and it shows. My bottom line takeaway with it is it worked fine for the first couple years, after which it started having problems. Most notably with the hammer, and trying to engage it. Broke the hammer spur extension right off in 2021 on muzzy deer. It gets that hard to engage, and it's random. Seems to occur more in the cold. Doesn't matter the muzzy is fired or unfired. I'm willing to admit that maybe I got a lemon, but it's left a rotten taste in my mouth. One common trend I've noticed on youtube, and I'm guilty of this myself, is gear reviews when it's new out of the box. Or maybe have used it for one or two hunting seasons at best. Once you get more then a few seasons on something, there's a good chance the real flaws will come out, and your opinion will change. CVA has a large fanboy following, and unfortunately they've really got the market cornered on modern in-lines, unless your willing to pony up 900+ dollars and step up to a knight or something along those lines. In my opinion, being thoroughly jaded on CVA, I think it's something you use because you have to (reasons vary), not because you want to.

[@randallflores-qr8cs]

I have that same problem with my CVA Wolf hammer. It damn near cost me a deer a couple years ago. Fortunately I was finally able to get that piece of sh&t to fire.