RE: Opinions on CVA Optima??
CVA had a problem with one rifle a long time ago. Since then I believe that they have corrected that problem but the final decision for me is as follows. T/C, Knight , White and NEF are all American made products backed by an American company that has manufacturing facilities here in the USA (White of course is now out of business but quality material none the less). CVA, Traditions, Remington, and Winchesterall use Spainish produced products and are backed by companies that have holdings here as well as in other countries. The production is not in the USA and parts might be more difficult to come by although if that is not a concern then I guess you should buy what appeals to you. I only own one rifle from out of the USA and it is a Lyman flintlock made in Italy. If you follow the manufacturers recommendations and stay below the listed "maximum" loads all should be just fine to use. 150 grain loads are not necessary for anything I have found to shoot as yet. All this is obviously one persons opinion and I do not want to start a big debate which this kind of question always does.