RE: Encore vs CVA Optima
I have not shot, nor owned an Optima but I do have an .50 Encore. I love it and am very glad I bought it. I also have a couple of 12 gauge and centerfire barrels for it. Cayugad has an excellent post with many valid points. I will say that I have a load that my Encore will shoot sub-MOA groups with. I will also say that I owned a CVA Magbolt 150 that I was able to shoot 1-1/2 groups with. I acutally owned 2 Magbolt 150's. One that was blued and one that had the nickel finish. I would never, ever, ever, ever own another CVA with a blued finish. The gun that I owned was totally covered in surface rust one morning when there was a heavy mist. I called CVA and the gentleman told me to rub it down with WD40 and steel wool. The gun was only a month old! I didn't care much for that customer service. I did not have any finish problems with the nickel barrel. The customer service I have received from TC is excellent. So, back to cayugad's post, it all depends on what you are looking for.