Is there any difference between these two guns? Do they have extedable ramrods? What is it with all these new guns having these two piece ramrods anyway, I would thinkpeople wouldhave trouble with them?

If you want a Spanish barrel rifle with anfall/break action &regular ramrod, take a look at the Traditions Pursuit models. Better-yet, the best buy for that approximate price is the NEF Sidekick at Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop. The NEF even comes in wood as their basic pricedmodel.

The manual for a Kodiak indicates that the ramrod dose extend, as does the manual for an Apex. I own a Kodiak, and it does indeed extend. I have had no trouble with mine, but I do think a range rod is a very good investment. I plan to get one when I have some spare funds. It seems that a longer, and stronger rod would help with range shooting and cleaning the gun.


As for the difference between the guns, look up the manuals and see for yourself

Kodiak: http://www.cva.com/warranty/CVA%20OptimaKoiak%20Warr%20Book.pdf


Apex: http://www.winchestermuzzleloading.com/docs/Apex.pdf

Hey, thanks. I have a New Frontier Beartooth that is made by CVA (marketed by BPI)and looks almost identical to the Optima. I never thought about the ramrod extending, but I'll bet it does, since it almost disappears when I run a patch down on the cleaning jag. Without a T-handle extension, it's just about impossible to pull back out with nothing to grab on to. (It's probably in my manual, but I skipped over that part because I didn't figure I had to read about that) .

IM jaybe