Yep, another new guy. I live in south Alabama, don't think i'll shoot over 150 yards, hope to work up a 100 gr. load to shoot in a CVA Optima. Do I need a 29" barrel or will the 26" do just as well? I'm really enjoying the message board and learning a lot.

Since you're going to scope the rifle, I think any of them would do the job. I do not have an Optima but have read a lot of good reviews about them. A good scope would be a must for someone wanting to shoot that kind of distance. Once you find the right projectile then it will be a matter of practice.

A longer barrel is an advantage if your burning lots of powder, but I commend you on the fact your aware that 100 grains is a better level of load range then 150 grain. My Black Diamond XR has a 26 inch barrel and I would shoot that far. My Wolverine has a 22 inch barrel and if it were scoped I would still shoot that far.

IMO the 26'' will do fine , for years i shot a TC with a 21'' barrel and never lost a deer . One shot per dead deer !

If you're planning on buying mailorder then do yourself a favor and visit a local dealer(s) who has both models. Pick 'em up and shoulder mount both. They feel radically different. I'm looking at the Optima Pro because I like the heft and balance better. It has the old front heavy feel that I like. BTW, you might want to wait on expending a lot of money on that scope and mount. It's not "official" that we'll be able to use scopes on the Alabama primitive weapons hunt yet. I heard there's going to be a lot of political wrangling before the regulations get the final legislative OK. No sense invoking Murphy's wrath.

Heck Jim use the 29" (you'll be 3" closer to the target)

Longer has a couple of advantages.... less felt recoil and more burnt powder.

Shorter has a few advantages.... better balance, easier manueverability, less cleaning area & usually cheaper to buy.

thanks for the fast replies, $$ burning a hole in my pocket....'bout decided on the optima in 26" length.....but like the man said....i would be 3" closer to the target...gotta love it.
read that winchester post and just not sure.....only other choice for me was the winchester apex....with the $50 rebate...around $179.....seems like a good buy even if winchester does not make the thing in their plant....thanks again. .50 cal. for sure....right?