CVA Optima Elite Owner's Manual

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	TABLE OF CONTENTS
	CVA OPTIMA ELITE BREAK-ACTION RIFLE
	WARRANTY BOOK
A. Introduction to Break-action Rifles and Shotguns ...............................		3
B. Getting Started ......................................................................................		3
C. Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety ................................................		4
D. Safety Considerations For Both Muzzleloaders and Centerfires ..........		4
E. Specific Cautions for Safe Use of CVA In-Line Muzzleloaders ..........		5
F.	Basic Accessories for a Muzzleloader ..................................................	6
G.	Propellants ............................................................................................	7
H.	Projectiles .............................................................................................	7
I.	Recommended Loading Data ...............................................................	8
J.	Loading and Shooting CVA Muzzleloading Rifles ..............................	9
K. Loading and Shooting CVA Muzzleloading Shotguns .......................		10
L. Ignition System ...................................................................................		12
M. Safety System .....................................................................................		12
N. Break-Action Disassembly/ Assembly for
	Cleaning and Maintenance .................................................................	12
O. Pulling a Charge .................................................................................		13
P.	Loading and Firing the CVA Optima Elite Centerfire Rifle and
	Shotgun ...............................................................................................	14
Q. Sight Adjustments ...............................................................................		14
R. Scope Mounting ..................................................................................		14
S.	Voluntary Recall .................................................................................	15
T.	Service & Repair ................................................................................	15
U.	Ordering Instructions for Replacement Parts .....................................	15
V.	Limited Lifetime Warranty .................................................................	16

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Ambidextrous

Monte Carlo

Cheek Piece

Sling

Swivel

Stud

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WARNING: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL IS CRITICAL FOR THE PROPER USE AND CARE OF YOUR FIREARM.

The CVA Optima Elite rifle utilizes a unique frame and barrel assembly that allows for quick and easy conversion from a muzzleloading rifle or shotgun to a number of popular centerfire calibers. This makes the Optima Elite one of the most versatile firearms that you can buy.

If, after reading the instructions, cautions and dangers detailed in this manual, you are not willing to accept the responsibilities involved in the safe handling and shooting of a firearm, return the firearm in its entirety to the place of purchase. If you have any questions about the safe use of your CVA firearm, write, call or e-mail our Customer Service Department at 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, GA 30071; 770-449-4687; info@cva.com.

NOTE: 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 RIFLES AND SHOTGUNS

Break-Action design firearms are so described due to the fact that the barrel and receiver are joined by a pivoting hinge. When the breeching lever is depressed, the receiver and barrel open in a breaking motion. Break-action muzzleloaders are considered to be in-line rifles due to the fact that the ignition source, the 209-shotgun style primer, is located directly in line with the powder charge.

The CVA Optima Elite is available as a muzzleloader, a centerfire rifle and as a shotgun. A variety of finishes are available. As time passes, you may want to add one or more extra barrels to your Optima Elite in order to increase its versatility. In this way you can use the same basic gun for most of your hunting needs.

All Optima Elite rifles feature a state-of-the-art Bergara Barrel™ that is produced in one of the world’s most highly respected gun-making areas - Northern Spain. These Bergara Barrels™ are made on the most modern and accurate barrel machines in the world. After precision deep-hole drilling, the barrel blank is honed to size in a three-step process using diamond-coated tools. This honing process leaves a finish that is far smoother than traditional reaming and is ideal for the button rifling process. CVA has partnered with Bergara Barrel™ on the Elite models in order to offer you a truly custom-quality barrel at a production barrel price. The Optima Elite also features a fully ambidextrous design, a Crush-Zone recoil pad, fiber-optic sights and factory installed cocking spur.

All CVA break-action muzzleloaders are capable of handling a “magnum” powder charge of 150 grains when using pelletized powder (typically charges of loose powder exceeding 110 grains will not fully burn in the barrel). Such “magnum” loads should never be fired in sidelock guns or in any other CVA in-lines that do not feature the one-piece Monoblock barrel design.

B. GETTING STARTED

1.After fully reading and understanding this manual, remove the gun and related tools from the box.

2.Safety First! Verify that the gun is unloaded.

3.Check all mechanical functions.

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DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOAD OR FIRE YOUR FIREARM UNTIL YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL.

CVA strongly urges you to carefully read this manual from front to back, paying special attention to the safety notices that are printed in red.

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4.Remove the breechplug using the provided tool. Apply CVA breechplug grease or high temperature anti-seize compound to the breech plug threads. (Muzzleloaders only)

5.Clean the shipping grease from the inside and outside of the barrel.

6.Replace the breech plug. Turn it in only until it is snug, do not over tighten. (Muzzleloaders only)

7.Understand all terminology and procedures prior to loading or firing.

8.Get any and all questions and doubts answered prior to loading or firing.

FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS: CVA encourages you to take a certified hunter’s safety course before using this rifle 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. Even if you do not intend to hunt game animals, the information gained from taking a hunter’s safety course can help in preventing dangerous or fatal accidents from occurring.

C. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARM SAFETY

1.Always keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never pull the gun 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.The 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 loading and shooting.

7.Handle every gun as if it were loaded.

8.Store guns and ammo separate and in a locked area.

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

D.SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR BOTH MUZZLELOADERS AND CENTERFIRES

If you have questions, doubts, or

concerns, please call CVA Customer Service.

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

2.Always wear eye protection. Flying debris from the breech area and muzzle are common with any firearm.

3.Never pour powder into the muzzleloader directly from a powder can, flask, horn, or any other large volume, enclosed container. Hot embers or sparks in the barrel can cause a flash that, in turn, may cause the container to explode.

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CAREFULLY READ THIS SECTION AS THE SAFETY CONCERNS ARE APPLICABLE TO BOTH MUZZLELOADERS AND CENTERFIRE GUNS.

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4.All powder storage containers and primers/caps should be kept well away from the shooting area. Sparks from shooting could cause accidental ignition of these materials. Follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding long-term storage of these products.

5.Use only blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitutes in your muzzleloading firearms. If you have any questions regarding approved blackpowder substitutes call, write or e-mail CVA Customer Service.

6.Always check to make sure your firearm is in good working order before use. Test the hammer, trigger, and breeching lever carefully prior to loading. Check the barrel for any obstructions, as any obstruction can cause the barrel to burst causing severe injury or death.

7.Use only the recommended loading data for the Optima Elite muzzleloader. Other models may have different powder charge and/or bullet requirements and limitations. Improper loading or overloading of a muzzleloader can result in severe injury or death.

8.Never prime or cap a muzzleloader, or load a centerfire gun until you are ready to fire. The primer/cap/cartridge 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 a loaded firearm against a wall, tree, vehicle, or other surface. Any fall of a loaded gun may result in an accidental firing of the gun, which may result in severe injury or death.

10.Never transport a loaded firearm in any type of vehicle. A muzzleloader is considered loaded until powder, bullet, and primer/cap have been removed. A centerfire is considered loaded until the cartridge is removed.

11.Never give, or accept from anyone else, a loaded muzzleloader. Only the party who loaded, or witnessed the loading of, the muzzleloader should fire it. This practice will help prevent dangerous double-loading which, when fired, may result in severe injury or death.

12.Never store a loaded firearm. The cartridge, or the bullet, powder, and primer/cap should be removed and the gun cleaned prior to any storage.

13.Never load a firearm without first making sure the barrel is unloaded and unobstructed.

14.Use extreme caution when hunting from a tree stand. The accidental dropping of a firearm may cause a discharge, which may result in severe injury or death. Be sure the firearm is unloaded before raising or lowering the firearm.

15.Never allow the hammer or bolt to rest directly on the primer or cap. A direct blow to the

hammer or bolt may cause a discharge, which may result in severe injury or death.

16.	Firearms should always be handled as if ready to fire,

regardless of the position or condition of the mechanical safety.

17.Always use proper cleaning procedures. Firing of an improperly maintained or corroded firearm may lead to unsafe pressure conditions and/or cause the barrel to rupture resulting in severe injury or death.

18.Make sure the projectile is fully seated on the powder charge in a muzzleloader. The firing of a “short start,” or improperly seated bullet, may cause the barrel to burst resulting in severe injury or death.

19.Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction when loading. Never allow the barrel to point at anything that you do not wish to see destroyed.

E.SPECIFIC CAUTIONS FOR THE SAFE USE OF CVA IN-LINE MUZZLELOADERS

All muzzleloading firearms, including in-lines, are faithful to the original basic designs. For this reason, muzzleloading 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

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NEVER USE MODERN SMOKELESS POWDER IN ANY MUZZLELOADER. The use of any amount of smokeless powder in a muzzleloader, by itself or in mixture with backpowder or approved substitutes, will create dangerously high pressures which may, upon ignition, result in severe injury or death to the shooter or bystanders.

Never rely upon a mechanical safety!

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the user from the need to use the special safety precautions and good judgment 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.

As a gun owner, you must accept a set of demanding responsibilities. At all times you must handle your muzzleloader with intense respect for its potential dangers. Read and understand the functions and terminology explained in this book before attempting to use your CVA muzzleloading rifle.

1.When selecting powder loads, be sure to use the correct loading data for your particular model of rifle.

2.“Magnum” loads for CVA in-lines are safe only when using pelletized powder. “Magnum” loads of loose powders are inefficient and are not recommended. All CVA break action guns are approved for use with “magnum” charges of pelletized powder over 100 grains (NOT to exceed 150 grains).

3.Always follow recommended loading data when selecting bullet type and weight. Improper selection of bullet type or weight may cause dangerous pressures upon firing, resulting in possible severe injury or death.

4.PowerBelt™ Bullets or saboted bullets are recommended when using pelletized powder. Both provide the tight gas seal necessary for efficient and complete burning of the entire pellet charge.

5.For maximum accuracy when shooting sabots or older lubricated solid lead bullets, the barrel should be cleaned of powder fouling, plastic, or lubrication residue after each shot. PowerBelt™ Bullets do not leave this residue and do not require cleaning after each shot.

6.Round ball and patch loads are not recommended for CVA break action rifles. The fast rifling pitch (1 turn in 28 inches) will not properly stabilize round balls and will result in less than satisfactory accuracy.

7.Never use modern smokeless powder in any amount, by itself or in mixture, in any muzzleloading firearm. To do so will very likely result in severe injury or death.

8.Do not use a “Poly-Patch” in any CVA rifle.

F. BASIC NEEDS FOR SHOOTING A MUZZLELOADER

1.LOADING ACCESSORIES

Propellant- Blackpowder or an approved substitute. Never use any amount of modern smokeless powder.

Projectile- PowerBelt™, saboted, or conical bullet.

Ignition Source- Modern #209 shotgun primer or equivalent.

Powder Flask- For carrying a supply of loose powder (not required with pelletized powder).

Powder Measure- For measuring the correct volume of loose powder and for transferring a single charge to the muzzle of the gun (not required with pelletized powder).

Bullet Starter- To start the bullet into the muzzle of the gun. Capper- To carry and dispense extra #209 primers.

Speed loaders- To carry extra pre-measured powder charges and bullets for quick reloading.

2.CLEANING ACCESSORIES

Barrel Brush- To loosen and remove hard deposits and fouling.

CVA Barrel Blaster™ Foaming Bore Cleaner™- For easy barrel cleaning. CVA Barrel Blaster™ Pre-Soaked Cleaning Patches- For barrel swabbing. CVA Barrel Blaster™ Parts Soaker- For easy parts cleaning.

Dry Patches- For cleaning and drying the inside of the barrel.

Breech Plug Wrench- For removing the breech plug. Included with your CVA rifle.

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