Break-Action
Warranty
Information
This book contains information critical to the safe use and maintenance of
Connecticut Valley Arms muzzleloading firearms. YOU MUST READ THIS MA-
TERIAL ENTIRELY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS INFORMATION BEFORE YOU CAN SAFELY 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
(770) 449-4687 if you have any questions.
CVA • SUPERB ACCURACY • LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Break-Action
Model No. ____________ Serial No. ________________
Caliber _______________ Date Purchased ___________
Type 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: info@cva.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
A Introduction to Break-Action 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 .....................................4
F Basic Accessories for a Muzzleloader ..................................................5
G Propellants ........................................................................................... 6
H Projectiles .............................................................................................7
I Recommended Loading Data ................................................................ 8
J Loading and Shooting CVA In-Line Muzzleloaders ...............................8
K Ignition System ...................................................................................10
L Safety Systems ................................................................................... 11
M Break-Action In-Line Disassembly/Assembly for
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................................................ 11
N General Cleaning and Maintenance ...................................................12
O Pulling a Charge .................................................................................12
P Sight Adjustments ............................................................................... 13
Q Scope Mounting ................................................................................. 13
R Voluntary Recall.................................................................................. 14
S Service & Repair .................................................................................14
T Ordering Instructions for Replacement Parts ......................................14
U Limited Lifetime Warranty ...................................................................15
Main Components
of the
Break Action
Bullet Guiding
Muzzle
Muzzleloading Rifle
Fiber Optic
Sights
Exterior
Hammer
with
Cocking
Spur
Internal
Transfer
Bar Safety
Trigger Guard
Trigger
Breeching
Lever
Barrel
Forearm
Retention
Bolt
Ramrod
Metal
Thimble
Ambidextrous
Monte Carlo
Cheek Piece
Magnum Recoil
Pad
Pistol
Grip
Sling
Swivel
Stud
WARNING: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL IS CRITICAL FOR THE PROPER USE AND CARE OF YOUR FIREARM. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO LOAD OR FIRE YOUR MUZZLELOADER UNTIL YOU HAVE
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN THIS
MANUAL.
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 modern 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. 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, call, or e-mail our customer service department at
5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, Georgia 30071; (770) 449-4687;
info@cva.com.
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 CVA, or online at the
company’s web-site www.CVA.com
A. INTRODUCTION TO BREAK-ACTION MUZZLELOADERS
Break-Action design muzzleloaders are so described due to the fact
that the barrel and receiver are hinged. When the breeching lever is depressed, the action will hinge open in a breaking motion. Break-Action
muzzleloaders are considered In-Line rifles due to the fact that the ignition
source (#209 shotgun primer) is located directly behind the powder charge.
By contrast, with Sidelock design muzzleloaders the ignition source is positioned to the side of the propellant charge.
CVA has two series of Break-Action In-Lines, the Optima Pro 209 Magnum and the Optima 209 Magnum. Optima Pro rifles are CVA’s top of the
line Break-Action design In-Lines and feature many upgrades including
metal fiber optic sights and 29" fluted magnum barrels. Optima series rifles
are CVA's more basic Break-Actions featuring 26’’ non-fluted barrels, and
Illuminator™ Fiber Optic sights. Both rifles have metal barrel thimbles, ventilated recoil pads, and solid stocks as standard features. Both models also
come with a cocking spur installed.
All CVA Break-Action In-Lines are capable of handling a "magnum"
powder charge of up to 150-grains when using pelletized powder (typically
charges of loose powder exceeding 110 grains by volume will not fully burn
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in the barrel). Such "magnum" loads should never be fired in other CVA InLines that do not feature the one-piece Monoblock barrel design.
B. GETTING STARTED
1. Safety First - Verify gun is unloaded. (See J-2)
2. Remove gun and supplied tools from box.
3. Check all mechanical functions.
4. Remove breech plug, using provided tools. Apply CVA breech plug/nipple
grease or high temperature anti-seize compound to breech plug threads.
5. Clean shipping grease from inside and outside of barrel.
6. Replace breech plug until snug (do not overtighten or apply any torque).
7. Read and study information booklet (warranty manual).
8. Understand all terminology and procedures prior to loading or firing.
9. Get any and all questions answered prior to use of your rifle.
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, The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association or
your local sporting goods dealer for information on the courses available.
C. TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARM SAFETY
1. Always 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 what is beyond it.
3. Never rely on a gun's mechanical "safety".
4. Gun should remain unloaded until ready to use.
5. Always wear hearing and eye protection.
6. The barrel should be clear of all obstructions before laoding and shooting.
7. Handle every gun as if it were loaded.
8. Keep guns and ammo separate and in locked storage.
9. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during use of 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, prior
to each use.
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.
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D.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 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 and
muzzle are 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 can cause accidental ignition of these devices. Follow
all manufacturers instructions for long term storage of powder, percussion caps and primers.
5. Use only Blackpowder or an approved blackpowder substitute in your
muzzleloading firearms. The only approved blackpowder substitutes
are; Pyrodex and Pyrodex Pellets, Triple 7 Powder & Triple 7 Pellets,
Pioneer Powder & Pioneer Powder Stix, Clean Shot Powder & Clean
Shot Pellets, and Clear Shot powder. NEVER USE MODERN SMOKE-
LESS POWDER IN ANY MUZZLELOADER. The use of any amount of
smokeless powder in a muzzleloader will create dangerously high pressures upon ignition, which may result in severe injury or death to the
shooter and/or bystanders, and will void the warranty.
6. Always check to ensure that your muzzleloader is in good working
condition before use. Test the hammer, trigger, and breeching lever
carefully prior to loading. Check the barrel for any obstructions, 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 prime or cap a firearm until you are ready to fire. Primer/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 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.
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