First off there is really no comparison between the Omega and the Optima. The Omega is a better rifle in my opinion. The fit and finish, the known customer satisfaction, the known out of the box accuracy, the excellent customer service provided by Thompson Center Arms, make this a better place to put your sporting good dollars. The Omega is a rifle that will last you a life time and be backed a life time. The Optima I just can not say that about.

To cut to the chase, the Optima has a BPI barrel made in Spain. There have been some recent reports of the BPI barrels failing and blowing up. I have no details or first hand knowledge of the incident(s) but there is more then one incident which I have read about. For that reason I would never endorse another one. I own a CVA and I shoot it. Does it make me nervous, well I never load it hot. I limit the rifle to 100 grains of Goex 2f. But I do think about it.

It all boils down to quality of steel and the way the company barrels are proof tested. Thompson Center tests their barrels and stands behind their safety. BPI does minimal testing of the barrels. Enough to allow them to be shipped out of Spain anyway. Does CVA do further testing of the barrels.. I can not answer that nor will CVA from my understanding. All they tell you is the rifle is safe.

Right now there are some excellent sales on the Omega. I would go that route. If just for the piece of mind. I am not trying to start any one rifle is not safe, discussion. I am only giving my opinion of what I feel is a better choice.