Tky1187 ,
I own the following:
Traditions Buckhunter Pro , 1 in 48" , .54 cal
Traditions Lightning Magnum , 1 in 28" , .50 cal
CVA Hunterbolt , 1 in 28" , .50

All were under $200 except for the Lightning . The Traditions rifles have served me very well . They all shoot accurately , are easy to clean , and came with TruGlo FO sights . The Buckhunter is generally around $150 , the Lightning is not much more .

The CVA was a disappointment , it broke the trigger spring on the 12th round fired , and wouldn't group well regardless of load or range . When contacted for warranty replacement CVA informed me that the trigger group was not included in their "limited lifetime warranty" . The replacement cost would have been $30-40 , so the gun is still sitting in my closet .

I bought a cheap Traditions at Bass Pro about 2 years ago. I dont know the exact model but it was arouund $150 with scope and starter kit. This thing is the best shooting gun I have ever owned, I have never had to touch the scope since the day I bought it, shoots under 2" at 100yds year in and year out. Taken over 10 deer with that gun, I would like to get one of the nicer new ones, but its hard to let go of a gun that flat out gets the job done.

WOW Kevin that's what I would call a "limited life time warranty." It kind of makes you wonder what they do cover.

One thing I will say is, I had to send one rifle back to Tradition's because brand new out of the box the thing would not shoot the caps off enough to ignite the charge. They fixed it, and tuned it very nice actually, and mailed it back to me free of charge.

My other dealings with customer service was with Thompson Center. I can not even tell you how great they are to deal with. I accidently broke the stock on my Renegade (avoid steep snowy hillsides). I called them looking to "purchase" another stock and they informed me to mail it back to them. In a matter of a week the rifle was back in my hands, with a brand new stock, free of charge. The new rifle coming to my house right now... a T/C Black Diamond XR.

Although I have a CVA Mountain Stalker, and really enjoy the rifle.....

I have a CVA Hunterbolt Mag. with the 26" barrel, and have never had a failure or misfire, and it shoots way too accurately for the price I paid for it (around $160.00 at Wal-Mart). It has the blued barrel and the nice camo synthetic stock, and after I put a bushnell 3-9X40 scope on it I can punch a cloverleaf group at 50 yds.! One of My best firearms deals, as of late!

RE: Cayugad

Oops.. I forgot to mention the volume.... 110 loose 777 FF.

Thanks for all the advice fellas. I went and bought the Optima (26'' barrel) last night. I can't wait till pops opens it up and we can get out and take a couple shots with it.