Anyone own these? what are the pros and cons of each?

If you have your selection down to these two rifles, and you are determined to buy now, then get the Optima. The Kodiak is a new model just out. Give it a year or so to get all the bugs and bad things worked out of it. Many of the rifles took one even two returns to the market before they were the dependable rifle that we know today. If the Kodiak had been on the market two year, then I would say what ever one fits you the best.

If you're not in a hurry to buy right now, wait, save a little more and watch for year end sales. You might be able to pick up a T/C Omega for a reasonable price or some other name brand like Knight.

I bought a Kodiak two months ago and to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. With 2 777 pellets and 240gr. percesion deadcenter bullets it shoots 1.5" groups at 100. Excellent trigger pull. Tried Powerbelts and it would not group at all. I also own a Optima but the kodiak wins hands down. My Knight Disk just sits in the safe!!!!

Cayugad

The new CVA Kodiak does not fall into the "new model"- "let's wait one year" category because it is a Winchester Apex without a couple of bells/whistles. Winchester/CVA are brother/sister companies - both produced at the same location.

I recommend the Kodiak over the Optima just for simplicity reasons. However, because the stock-drop is completely different in comparing these two models, the new buyer should shoulder each for best fit.