cva inline User Guide

Conventional and

Bolt Action

In-Line Rifle

Warranty

Information

This book contains information critical to the safe use and maintenance of Con­necticut Valley Arms muzzleloading firearms. YOU MUST READ THIS MATE-

RIAL ENTIRELY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS INFORMATION BEFORE
YOU CAN SAFEL Y USE YOUR MUZZLELOADER. If firearm is loaned or sold by

a dealer or individual this book must accompany the firearm. Replacement books
are available from our factory. Call CVA Customer Service at [phone] if
you have any questions.

CVA • SUPERB ACCURACY • LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Conventional & Bolt Action

In-Line Rifles

Model No. ____________ Serial No. ________________

Caliber_______________ Date Purchased ___________

T ype of Gun______________________________________

Warranty

Information

WARNING

IF HANDLED IMPROPERLY FIREARMS ARE
DANGEROUS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL
"CAUTIONS", "CAUTION" AND WARNINGS OF
"DANGER" TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY AND/
OR DEATH AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Call CVA Customer Service at 770-449-4687 if you have any
questions or visit us on the Internet at: www.cva.com or E-mail
us at: [e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

Section

A Introduction to In-Line Muzzleloaders ....................................................................... 1

B Getting Started .......................................................................................................... 2

C Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety .................................................................... 2

D Safety Considerations Unique to Muzzleloaders ...................................................... 3

E Specific Cautions for Safe Use of CVA In-Line

Muzzleloading Firearms ............................................................................................ 4

F Common Misconceptions Regarding Muzzleloaders ................................................ 6

G Basic Accessories for a Muzzleloader....................................................................... 6

H Blackpowder, Pyrodex and Clean Shot..................................................................... 7

I Projectiles.................................................................................................................. 9

J Recommended Loading Data ................................................................................. 10

K Loading and Shooting CVA In-Line Muzzleloaders ..................................................11

L Ignition System Options ......................................................................................... 14

M Safety Systems ....................................................................................................... 15

N Conventional In-Line Disassembly / Assembly for

Cleaning and Maintenance ..................................................................................... 16

O Bolt Action In-Line Disassembly / Assembly and Cleaning ..................................... 17

P General Cleaning and Maintenance........................................................................ 18

Q Removing a Charge ................................................................................................ 18

R Sight Adjustments ................................................................................................... 19

S Scope Mounting ...................................................................................................... 20

T Sighting in a Scoped Rifle ....................................................................................... 20

U Statement of Liability ............................................................................................... 20

V Voluntary Recall ...................................................................................................... 20

W Service .................................................................................................................... 21

X Ordering Instructions for Replacement Parts .......................................................... 21

Limited Lifetime Warranty........................................................................................ 22

Main Components

Muzzle

of a

Conventional In-Line

Muzzleloading Rifle

Rear Sight

Drilled for

Scope

Bolt

Cocking Handle

Front Sight

Ramrod

Barrel

Thimble

Checkered Grip

Nipple (6x1mm Thread)

Oversized
Trigger Guard

Breech Cap

Stock

Butt Plate/Recoil Pad

Trigger Assembly

Checkered Grip

Main Components

of a

Bolt Action In-Line

Front Sight

Muzzleloading Rifle

Rear Sight

Stock

Bolt

Cocking
Handle

Trigger

Safety

Nipple (6x1mm Thread)

Trigger Guard

End
Cap

Checkering

Barrel Fixing
Screw

Bolt
Spring

Barrel

Forend

Striker

Bolt Action

Bolt

Nipple

Ramrod

Barrel
Band

Breech
Plug

Recoil
Pad

Butt
Stock

Pistol
Grip

Sling
Swivel
Stud

Safety

Trigger

WARNING: It is important to take the time to read and understand the informa­tion found in this book. Familiarize yourself with each part of the firearm and its
proper function. The information contained in the book is critical for the proper
use and care of your firearm. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOAD OR FIRE YOUR

MUZZLELOADER UNTIL YOU HA VE READ AND UNDERST AND THE INFOR­MA TION DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK.

All muzzleloading firearms, including In-Lines, are faithful to the original
basic designs. For this reason, blackpowder guns cannot be made with many
of the refinements and features that are standard on modem cartridge fire­arms. Shooters must remember that even now, despite the modern appear­ance of In-Line design rifles, there is no way to build a muzzleloader that ab­solves the user from the need to use the special safety precautions and good
judgement unique to all muzzleloading firearms. However, when handled prop­erly, a muzzleloader is a safe and enjoyable firearm for shooting and hunting.
But, if abused, harmful consequences can result. Treat this muzzleloading fire­arm with the full respect due any firearm.

NOTE: If after reading the instructions, cautions, and dangers contained in this
manual, you are not willing to accept the responsibilities involved in the safe
handling and shooting of a muzzleloader, return the firearm in its entirety to the
place of purchase. If you have any questions about safe use of your CVA fire­arm, write or call our customer service department at 5988 Peachtree Corners
East, Norcross, Georgia 30071; [phone]; [e-mail]

If you sell, trade, or give this firearm to any other person - this owner’s
manual must accompany the firearm. Replacement books are available from
CV A.

A. INTRODUCTION TO IN-LINE MUZZLELOADERS

In-Line design muzzleloaders are so described due to the fact that the
ignition source (#11 percussion cap, musket cap or modern primer) is located
directly behind (or, in line with) the propellant charge. By contrast, with Sidelock
design muzzleloaders the ignition source is positioned to the side of the pro­pellant charge.

Among In-Line design muzzleloaders, there are two distinct categories of
rifles which are differentiated by their cocking mechanisms. The first, and ear­liest design, is called CONVENTIONAL IN-LINE and features a straight-pull
cocking device. The second, and most recent design, is called BOL T ACTION
IN-LINE and utilizes a bolt action style cocking mechanism similar to that of a
modern center-fire rifle.

In the Conventional In-Line category, CVA offers two series of rifles —
Stag Horn and Eclipse. Stag Horn Series rifles are basic in design and incor­porate a manual “notch” safety system. Eclipse Series rifles are offered with a
number of feature upgrades and all use an “automatic” safety system.

CVA has two series of Bolt Action In-Lines --- FireBolt™ 209 UltraMag
and HunterBolt™ 209 Magnum. FireBolt™ rifles are CV A’s top of the line Bolt
Action Design In-Lines and feature many upgrades, including Fiber Optic sights,

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bullet guiding muzzle, 26” barrel with fluting, ventilated recoil pad, resin filled
stock, and removable stainless steel bolt assembly. HunterBolt™ rifles are
CV A ’s more basic bolt action featuring Fiber Optic sights, bullet guiding muzzle,
and stainless steel bolt assembly and have fewer features that the FireBolt™.

All CV A bolt action In-Lines and any year 2001+ conventional in-lines (Eclipse
or Stag Horn) are capable of handling the heavier, multiple Pyrodex Pellet “mag­num” loads. These “magnum capable” guns can be identified by the one-piece
barrel construction, a serial number ending in 01, 02, 03, and the designation
“magnum” on the barrel. Such “magnum” loads do require the use of a musket
cap or preferably the #209 shotgun primer ignition in order to fully ignite the
charge. The use of PowerBelt™ bullets is also recommended to provide a
perfect gas seal, eliminating gas blowby . Such “magnum” loads should never

be fired in CVA conventional In-Lines that do not feature the one-piece
Monoblock barrel design.

B. GETTING ST ARTED

1. Safety First - Verify gun is unloaded.

2. Assemble gun.

3. Check all functions.

4. Remove nipple (and breech plug if In-Line).
Clean and check opening.

Apply CVA breech plug/nipple grease or anti-seize compound to threads.

5. Clean barrel.

6. Replace and tighten breech plug and nipple until snug.

7. Read and study information booklet.

8. Understand terminology.

9. Get all questions answered

For Safety: CVA encourages that you take a certified hunter’s safety course
before using this muzzleloader or any other firearm. Consult your local Game
& Fish authorities or nearest sporting goods dealer for information on the courses
available.

C. TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARM SAFETY

1. Keep the gun muzzle pointed in a safe direction and never pull it
towards you by the muzzle.

2. Be sure of your target and beyond.

3. Never rely on a gun's "safety".

4. Gun should be unloaded until ready to use.

5. Always wear eye and ear protection.

6. The barrel should be clear of obstruction before shooting.

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7. Handle every gun as if it is loaded.

8. Keep guns and ammo separate and in locked storage.

9. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during using a firearm.

10. Do not alter or modify your firearm. Have your firearm checked regularly
by a competent gunsmith. Make sure all parts work properly.

Health Warning: Discharging of firearms in a poorly ventilated area and/or
handling of ammunitions may cause exposure to lead or lead compounds.
According to the state of California, exposure may cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm. Make sure that you have proper
ventilation at all times. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly after shooting,
handling ammunition, or cleaning your firearm. Do not eat or smoke during
these activities.

D.

SAFETY CONSIDERA TIONS UNIQUE TO MUZZLELOADERS

1. Never smoke when shooting or handling a muzzleloader or related equip­ment. Ashes and/or loose sparks may cause powder or caps to ignite,
resulting in personal injury or death.

2. Always wear eye protection. Flying debris from the breech area is always
a possibility with any muzzleloader.

3. Never pour powder into a muzzleloader directly from a flask, horn or any
large volume, enclosed container. Hot embers in the barrel could cause
the container to explode.

4. All powder storage containers and percussion caps should be kept well
away from the area where shooting is to be conducted. Sparks from shoot­ing could cause accidental ignition of these devices. Follow all manufac­turers instructions for long term storage of powder and percussion caps.

5. Use only blackpowder, Pyrodex, Pyrodex Pellets (In-Line rifles only), or
other approved blackpowder substitutes in muzzleloading firearms. Never

use modern smokeless powder in a muzzleloader. The use of any
amount of smokeless powder in a muzzleloader will create danger­ously high pressures upon ignition and may result in severe injury
or death to the shooter and/or bystanders.

6. Always check to ensure that your muzzleloader is in good working condi­tion before use. Test the bolt and safety mechanisms carefully prior to
loading. Check the barrel for any obstruction as any blockage may cause
the gun to explode.

7. Use only recommended loading data for the particular model of rifle

in use. Different models have different powder charge and projectile
capabilities. Improper loading or overloading of a muzzleloading fire­arm may result in severe injury or death.

8. Never place a cap on the firearm until you are ready to fire. Cap should
always be removed when walking, climbing trees or fences, transferring
the gun from one person to another, leaving the gun unattended, etc.

9. Never lean or rest a loaded muzzleloader against a tree, wall, vehicle or

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other surface. Any fall of the loaded gun may cause accidental discharge
resulting in severe injury or death to bystanders.

10. Never transport a loaded muzzleloader in any type of vehicle. A muzzle­loader is considered loaded until powder, bullet and percussion cap are
removed.

11. Never exchange a loaded muzzleloader with any other person. Only the
party who personally loaded or witnessed the loading of the muzzleloader
should fire it. This practice will help prevent overloading or doubleloading,
which may cause severe injury or death.

12. Never store a loaded muzzleloader. Muzzleloaders should be unloaded
and cleaned (including Bolt Assembly) prior to any storage.

13. Never load a muzzleloader without first making sure that it is unloaded.

14. Exercise extreme caution when hunting from treestands with muzzleload­ers. The dropping of a loaded muzzleloader may cause accidental dis­charge leading to severe injury or death. Be sure the cap is removed
whenever raising or lowering the firearm.

15. Never allow the hammer or bolt of a muzzleloader to rest against the cap.
Any impact to the hammer or bolt could cause accidental discharge.

16. Never rely upon a mechanical safety. Muzzleloaders should always be
handled as if ready to fire, regardless of the safety systems employed.

17. Always use proper cleaning procedures. Firing improperly maintained
muzzleloaders may lead to unsafe pressure conditions, resulting in se­vere injury or death.

18. Make sure that the projectile is firmly seated against the powder charge.
“Short starting” of the projectile may cause the gun to explode.

19. Always keep the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction while load­ing. Never lean over the muzzle while loading.

E. SPECIFIC CAUTIONS/RECOMMENDA TIONS FOR THE

USE OF CV A IN-LINE MUZZLELOADING FIREARMS

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIREARM SAFETY! As a gun owner, you

accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsi­bilities can mean the difference between life and death. There is no excuse for
careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle your muzzleloader
with intense respect for its firepower and potential danger.

Please read and understand all of the cautions, proper handling procedures,
and instructions described in this book before using your new CV A firearm.

Seek professional instruction to become familiar with muzzleloading firearms.
Qualified organizations such as local gun clubs, the National Rifle Association, the
National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, and state hunter education programs
offer approved courses which teach safe handling and hunting procedures. Muzzle­loading firearms are different in function and safety features from modern firearms.
Because of these differences, exercise caution and skill in the use of muzzleload­ing guns. Read and understand the functions and terminology explained in this

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