If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us and we will be happy to answer your question personally.
Welcome to our FAQ's Index. Click on any question below to read our response. Be sure you read and understand normal Muzzleloading Safety Issues.1. Do you still make, carry or repair Side Lock model muzzleloaders like the Hawken/Kentucky/Mountain or Bobcat?
Answer: We Discontinued Side lock muzzleloaders both Pistols and Rifles in 2004 due to lack of demand. We will still continue to offer Mainsprings, Sears, Wedges and Bolsters screws thru the year 2010. Most all other parts have been sold to Deer Creek Products, a service center that is located in Indiana. Deer Creek Products can be reached at 765-525-6181.
2. Can I buy just the bolster/drum and breech plug for my side lock muzzleloader?
Answer: The bolster/drum and breech plug for sidelock muzzleloaders are only available on an installed basis. If you need to replace the bolster/drum and breech plug you will have to send your barrel to the attention of: CVA Repairs, 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross GA 30071. Please click here to download a repair form that should be completely filled it out and returned with your repair. For expedited service, please include a check, money order or credit card information for $35 for the bolster and breech plug or $28.95 for the bolster only.
Answer: Please click here to download a repair form that should be completely filled it out and returned with your repair. Please remove all aftermarket accessories (slings, scopes, bi-pods, etc) from your repair to eliminate possible loss or damage. When shipping we recommend using UPS or a similar service because of the ability to track delivery and receipt of the package.
Answer: No, all remaining parts for these models were sold to Deer Creek Products. You can contact them at 765-525-6181.
Answer: • Please call the CVA Customer Service Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time at 770-449-4687. You may also fax your request to 770-242-8546 or e-mail to info@bpiguns.com. Please be sure to include the model name, serial number, and call back information if contacting by fax or e-mail.
Answer: The Optima Elite is the only CVA model that will accept centerfire barrels. All other models are strictly muzzleloaders and only have the ability to interchange between .45 cal, .50 cal and 12 Gauge muzzleloading barrels only. Note: Attempting to modify any muzzleloader only model to fit an Optima Elite centerfire barrel will void any and all warranties, is extremely dangerous and illegal.
Answer:• CVA offers two models, the Elkhorn and the Buckhorn, which will accept a 6x1 mm nipple after changing out the breech plug. You can also convert several older models including the FireBolt, Hunterbolt, Eclipse and Staghorn back to the #11 again by changing out the breech plug. None of the closed breech muzzleloaders (Optima, Kodiak, Wolf style guns) can be converted. Please call the CVA Customer Service Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time at 770-449-4687 for further information.
Answer: Yes, in many cases you can. Please call the CVA Customer Service Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time at 770-449-4687 for further information..
Answer: We strongly recommend the PowerBelt bullet to be the most effective brand on the market for muzzleloaders. Bullet weights are available in both .45 and .50 calibers to handle a wide variety of game. The patented design is easy to load, even on repeat shots, and the pure lead construction assures consistent expansion. If you prefer to shoot sabots, the CVA Slick Load Sabot are extremely accurate and share many of the advantages of the PowerBelt including easy loading on repeat shots.
Answer: Never use any smokeless powder in any muzzleloader. The only approved propellants to use in CVA muzzleloaders are authentic blackpowder, American Pioneer Powder & Stix, Pyrodex powder & Pyrodex Pellets, Triple Seven powder and Goex Pinnacle powder. The term “Blackpowder” refers to the original formulation, NOT the color of the powder. When granular size is indicated, FFG (2F) is used in most muzzleloading shotguns, large bore rifle, .50 caliber and .45 caliber. From time to time new blackpowder substitutes are introduced. Contact the powder manufacturer or CVA Customer Service for information on these new products.
Answer: When you are through shooting for the day give the gun a good cleaning. If you are hunting, at the end of the day whether you have fired the gun or not, empty the charge from the gun and clean. Leaving a charge in the barrel overnight may well cost you the shot of a lifetime the following day as moisture and humidity can hamper ignition and alter the point of impact of the bullet.
Answer: When possible, run one very lightly dampened patch down the bore followed by one dry patch between every shot. If cleaning solvent is not available you can use just the moisture in your mouth. After ever 4 to 5 shots, run a patch dampened with a natural lube followed by 2 dry patches. Being consistent in your loading and swabbing technique will result in improved accuracy.
Answer: Firing a primer before shooting does two things, it makes sure your breech is dry and it puts a small amount of fouling in the barrel which makes it more accurate.
Answer: The best way is to check with your local DNR or simply click here then click on your state for current regulations.
Answer: Simply click here . This link will bring up a list of warranty manuals. You can download the manual in an Adobe PDF format (requires the adobe acrobat reader).
Answer: Simply send $3.00 to the attention of the Catalog Department at: BPI, 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross GA 30071. You will receive a catalog package along with a $5.00 coupon that can be used towards on your purchase of $20.00 or more from any of our 5 catalogs.
Answer: We do not maintain mailing lists at this time.
Answer: Ballistics data may be obtained from:
Answer: Begin by centering the rear sight in both its elevation and windage adjustments. Fire a three (3) shot group at the target. If the group is to the right of center, move the rear sight aperture to the left. If shooting left, then move the aperture to the right. If the group is low elevate the rear sight or file the front sight (traditional fixed sights only) until the group is centered.
Answer: The safe answer is when there is not anything in the barrel AND no primer is in the breech. The State, or even the region, that you hunt in may have a different definition of when a muzzleloader is considered unloaded and how it may be transported. Never leave a gun in a vehicle with a charge in the barrel. Always remember to unload the gun at the end of a hunting day. Leaving a charge in the barrel, even if only overnight, increases the chance of accidentally double-loading the gun.
Answer: Bergara Barrels are guaranteed to produce superior accuracy to that of any other brand of original factory barrels. Currently, the CVA Optima Elite, Electra and Accura rifles all come standard with a Premium Bergara Barrel. In the unlikely event that your Bergara Barrel does not meet this accuracy standard, Bergara Barrels will repair or replace your barrel.
Answer: All Bergara Barrels have a stamp of authenticity .To purchase additional barrels simply click on the Bergara website .
Answer: Please call the CVA Customer Service Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time at 770-449-4687 for technical assistance. In most cases they can help you resolve your accuracy issues right over the phone.
Answer: CVA has extensively tested all brands of scope mounts and has found the Durasight brand of scope rings and bases to be the most effective for our muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles.
Answer: Simply click here to be directed to the Durasight website.
Answer: As is the case with all rifles, we recommend trying different loads. It is known that each center- fire barrel will shoot differently with different brands and weights of ammo. While it may take a little experimenting to determine the best load for your rifle you will surely be rewarded with some of very accurate and well performing loads.
Answer: For detailed information on cleaning and maintaining your Bergara Barrel please visit the web site at www.bergarabarrels.com.
Answer: Due to the design of the Kodiak’s pivoting breech it is not adaptable to thumb extension for the hammer.
