Broken Rifle today
 

First off ... no the barrel did not blow. So get that out of your mind.. :D

I took out my .54 caliber CVA Mountain Stalker today. I was shooting roundball at 50 yards with some excellent results/accuracy. I was only shooting 70 grains of Swiss 3f powder. I thentried some powerbelts but with terrible results.As I was swabbing the barrel clean of fowling to try some sabots next,I noticed the lock did not look right. The front part of the lock plate was sticking out too far from the composite stock. So I checked it. Sure enough, the the lock was loose. This is a simple fix of course, you simply tighten the lock bolt that runs through the rifle into the lock plate. But, when I tried to tighten the lock bolt, I noticed it would not tighten for some reason.

I then pulled the lock off and checked the back side. I suspected the lock bolt was broken. Well to my surprise, on the back side of the lock where the bolt threads into the lock/nut itself, it had split just a small amount. But enough so that the bolt simply turned in there with out engaging the threads.

So now we will get to see what kind of customer service BPI/CVA has monday when I call them. I think it will need a new lock, as the nut/part that attached to the bolt is held there with a simple weld of sorts. I sure hope they have parts around. This is a good rifle and I am not ready to give it up...

Time will tell. :eek:

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Sorry for your loss Dave. The good news is, you have a few other guns from which to choose! What weight Power Belts and what powder charge did you try with that gun?

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

I could see that happening. my bro had his apart and cleaning so i took a pic of that area. They got a little to much metal out of the bottom area. Didnt find any cracks on this one so thats a good thing. Is yours adjustable? im thinking about a new adjustable tumbler to put in so we can tune the trigger down to our liking. This one was shooting sabots today and the 1:32 barrel flung them out there nicely. CVA should have replacements, if not, i know ebay is full of parts for these rifles.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Being a .54 caliber I was shooting 405 grain copper coated Powerbelts with 70 grains of Swiss 3f powder.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Mine is identical to the one you have pictured. Mine cracked just a little at the very bottom of the nut part.. I even commented to myself about what a fine delicate looking lock it was.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Dave, why not spring for an L&R lock? Of course that depends onwhether or notit's worth the cost...

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

HA HA that is funny...that is what I was thinking while the thread was opening.

If the initial person at CVA/BPI gives you any hesitation ask for Mr. Mark Hendricks. When I was dealing with them on the final return of my Kodiak Eric stopped wanting to give so I asked to speak with his boss which was Mark Hendricks and so far he has produced everything as promissed and all that I asked for. Here is his email address- [email protected]

Hope you get the service that I have so far. We shall see.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

[hr]


The whole rifle costed me $39.95 and I doubt they make a lock to fit that composite stock anyway. If they did, I would not mind getting a flintlock to put in that stock and that the bolster pulled and the barrel drilled for a vent hole. But a L&R lock would probably cost twice what the rifle did. I will see what CVA says on monday.

Also MO Archer, thanks for the names and information.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Just an update: Called CVA and talked to Eric. A very nice and helpful person.I explained the problem and he advised to mail them the lock so they could take a look at it. It is on its way out tonight in the US mail. Now we wait.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

You know they will probibly fix it for a price!!as long as you pay shipping and handeling both ways.

Should have got a TC

Well if you have to replace that CVA do it with a T.C. best warrenty in the business. But I'v seen your collection I think you already knew that.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

for $40, you couldnt get TC to sell you a new lock for that price.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

While I like the Thompson Center rifles a great deal, I bought this CVA Stalker knowing exactly what I was buying. Actually it is my walk in the marsh and through places I don't want to take my expensive rifles. Its a great shooter, and deer killer. While the Thompson Center would do the same thing, the deer never knew the difference.. :D

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

I was impressed with my recent CVA experience. I had broken my original wood ramrod but called them about my lock speed and availability of parts. The guy was very helpful and basically gave me some troubeshooting information. I had planned to make a new ramrod but went ahead and ordered one to help pay for his time. It arrived broken, the box having been all but cut in half by UPS. I called them expecting to ship it back, and the guy I spoke with said "don't bother, I'll send another out today" and he did. I'm impressed with their attitude and that their employees feel trusted to make front line decisions. I think you're going to feel you've been treated fairly. Keep us posted.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

I'm sure they will take care of you properly w/o any problems. Let us know...
SHills

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

It's all a waiting game now.I am sure they will come through.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Cayugad - any word yet from CVA?

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Still Waiting.. no word yet. But this is the way they are. When I sent in my CVA Stalker Carbine for a trigger job, the only way I knew they got the thing was with the return certification from the mail. Then a couple weeks later it showed back up at my house.

I had to smile when I seen this post as before coming on line I was looking at my rifles and saw the Mountain Stalker sitting there without a lock and thought.. wonder when I will get that lock back?

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

If that has been your prior experience it's probably a good sign that you haven't heard anything. Keep us posted.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Gee Dave; sorry you don't have any other rifles to shoot. Must be a terrible thing!!

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[&o] Thanks for your kind concern. I will somehow suffer through the loss of that rifle... It's in the 30's snowing just a litte but nice and sunny out, I might have to visit the range today as well...

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

The weather will get better, and it starts here its been up to 70 two days in a row now I think spring is on the way. Lee

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Get better.. 30ºs is a nice temperature to shoot in. A little snow never bothered me. Actually we had a couple real warm days this week and the trail I walk to the target settled and melted then re-froze. That was the worst. Its like walking on a narrow ice skating rink.. :D

But you're right, it will warm up real soon and then we can have mud season here...

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

We already have mud season. I need to order a truckload or two of gravel for my driveway so I can get down it again. We've had a blanket of snow for most of the last 2 months and it soaked in well as it melted. Normally it melts within 1 to 2 weeks and drys a bit before the next storm comes through but so far this year we've had a storm almost every week for Jan. and Feb. Of course I'm not going to complain too much since I do live in the high desert south west and we can always use the moisture. Just wish it didn't had to leave mud behind. It has definately warmed up in the last couple of weeks but we have gotten snow as late asmid april and frosts as late as mid may around here.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Well today the UPS man pulled in and I was of course on the shooting range. He said he had a small package this time. It was the lock to my Mountain Stalker.

I finished with that rifle and then put the Mountain Staker together. This lock fit perfect. All they did was sent me a brand new lock. The trigger pull on this one is actually a little better then the one I sent off, so I am more then happy.

So I will give that a range day maybe tomorrow....

I just wanted you all to know how well BPI/CVA came through with customer service. A+ people. Thanks much CVA.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Glad to hear that. Im actually on the phone right now waiting for traditions to pick up so i can find out what they're going to do. WOOHOO! finally got someone to pick up! They are checking on it now.

Have fun with the mtn stalker.

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

Another satisfied CVA customer. Congratulations. I wonder if companies are aware of and try to quantify the value or costof the internet on their business, from information shared like this? Please post your results from the new, improved lock!

RE: Broken Rifle today
 

well my lock still hasnt arrived. lady went and checked and nothing was there. I sent it march 5th ,First class us mail and it STILL isnt there! Last time i ever pay extra so it gets there faster! Checked the tracking number and its still enroute