RE: CVA quality?
 

Cayugad hit the nail on the head. They are safe as long as you follow proper loading technique and safety precautions, but thatsimportant with any gun.

I too have a MagBolt 50. Got it from Bass Pro several years ago and have put maybe 200 rounds through it. Only a few were below 90gr of 777. I have not found a 150gr load that I like but have a couple of 130gr loads that work well. I have even shot up to 120gr of loose 777 based on information that CVA customer support sent me (but I think they have since backed off to 100gr max loose 777to match the loose Pyrodex spec., less confusing). The 777 pellets are designed to match the Pyrodex pellets energy so 3 of them would be OK if you can find a load that works, good luck and wear some shoulder protection.

The manual states that for conicals, the max weight limit is 400gr when using 150gr pellet loads and for saboted bullets, max weight is 300gr when using 150gr pellet loads. Max loose is 100gr. In discussions with their customer support, larger bullets can be shot safely but the max powder charge has to be limited to 100gr pellets or loose. The information they sent me indicated that included bullets up to the largest PowerBelt, which I think is 530gr, can you say ouch. I haven't pushed any large bullets to that 100gr max so far, it hurts too much, but do shoot the 460 No Excuses bullet over 90gr of 777 with excellent results. It's a great elk+ load.

As I mentioned, I checked with CVA before deviating from the manual and strongly suggest you (and anyone else) do the same thing before trying other loads. As far as safety goes, I have had no reason to doubt it.

RE: CVA quality?
 

I have a CVA Bobcat .50 Caliber. It shoots fine for my needs with no problems. Only thing I didn't like on the gun were the factory sights. Those have since been replaced by a set of Lyman Hunter sights. It shoots great, and can't wait to get a chance at elk in 30 days!!

RE: CVA quality?
 

I have to agree with the sight quality on the Bobcats. I have two of them, 50 and 54. I bought them for my kids to learn with. They are turning into very good shooting guns. I am in the process of swapping out the rear sight with Marbles rifle sights, similar to what's on a Win 94. I have installed the one on the 50 but haven't got to the 54 yet. The front sights look like they will work fine with the new rear sights so for now I'm not planning on changing them. The Marbles look great on the gun and look like they were made for it.

Both guns shoot well out to 50 yardswith thestock semi-buckhorn rear sights but the sight picture was so wide the kids could not get use to it. They have shot my 22 a lot and it has a rear sight similar to the Marbles so I expect them to really like the new sights on their guns. It should also extend the accurate range a bit too.

RE: CVA quality?
 

still haven't found accurate load for this smoke pole

RE: CVA quality?
 

I would have no problem buying and shooting a CVA product.
I RARELY shoot over 100 grns of powder in anything,I am not a fan of recoil.
If I can get it done with less,I will.

RE: CVA quality?
 

I've been shooting a CVA Wolf which is still a relatively inexpensive rifle and I've had great success with it. It is accurate and recoil is minimal for a short carbine style muzzleloader. It is still under $200 and mine, with my load and bullet type, will shoot just as good as my brother-in-law's $500 all camo model T/C Triumph. I think CVA got a bad reputation quite a few years ago with a muzzleloader called an Apollo. Some were apparently defective right out of the box with various issues and some of their barrels had problems. But anybody can have a bad product at any given time. I wouldn't hesitate to buy and use a CVA if there is a model you like.

RE: CVA quality?
 

Accura!! :D

RE: CVA quality?
 

graveyard zombie
I had a shop and worked on guns for many years when CVA's first came into the country they were so bad that I recommended case hardening the parts in the mechanism and adjusting them before trying to shoot them. They have come a long way since then now they have some decent barrels and the locks are not to bad but they still need to improve the strength of the breach plug especially on the inlines to many of them have cracked. Lee

RE: CVA quality?
 

I had a TC Contender breach plugsuffer fairly substantial gas cutting on that rifle's first outing with BH209. Neither of my Accura's plugs looks anything but new after use with the same powder and cleaning. I've seen the same cracked plug pictures as you, Lee. Two of them? I'm not trying to be argumentative but, so far as I'm concerned, there is zero doubt in my mind about the integrity of these Accura rifles. I've never been a fan of CVA, more the opposite, because quality control concerns and level of workmanship seemed sub-par at best. Not so with the Accura.

RE: CVA quality?
 

I have a cva wolf and the only problems I have:
1.scope mounts that are drilled and taped were filled in with nickle (I have the nickle barrel)
2.The stock was loose on the action had to get a very very long extension with an Allen wrench.

Other than that is is a vey good shooting gun but you get what you pay for.