Your taking about the Optima Pro. Well from all I have read it is a good shooting rifle. I have been pleased with CVA's customer support. They have answered any question I might have had.

I do think there are other rifles out there that should be examined. If money is an issue and face it, when isn't it. Then there is the H&R Sidekick. It is on sale at Bass Pro for less them the Optima Pro. From all reports it is a great shooting rifle. It is also a break open design for the easy cleaning and such.

There is also the Tradition's Persuit which is in the same price range. I have not heard a lot about the rifle yet. But I am sure it would be well made.

The Optima has been around a couple of years and most of the bugs are out of it now. It really is one of their better rifles. If your shots are going to be under 100 yards maybe just the Optima would be best. It will still do the job, and save you a little money in the long run.

Yes Knights and Thompson Centers are great rifles. I own some of them too. I also own a CVA Staghorn Magnum that I paid $89.95 for and it is a good shooting rifle without a doubt.

If you want a CVA then look at the Kodiak also. I hear it has a double locking lug system on the barrel which would help with some of the bedding problems I have read about in CVA rifles like the Magbolt....