Hello everyone. I'm fairly new to guns and obviously brand new to the forums here. I have already bought a few guns with some pretty good luck with quality, my first being a Springfield xD 9mm and I already love that one and have bought a few more since then. I have decided though that I would like to buy myself my first muzzleloader and have been browsing and asking a few friends what I should buy.

I have heard a few recommendations. One being a TC Encore or a CVA Optima. I like the Optima, but I haven't seen one with a stainless barrel, but while I was looking at Cabela's, I found what I thought would be a good deal since I live about 10 miles from a Cabela's.

CVA Kodiak (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712-cat20815&id=0033459215876a&navCount=6&podId=0033459&parentId=cat20815&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20815&hasJS=true)

The link above is the exact gun I am looking at perhaps getting and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this line of guns or if they know anyone who has? I have read a few reviews around the internet and of course have had mixed reviews. Also curious how good of a deal this was as I can definately afford the $330 price.

Please let me know and if anyone has any other suggestions or think I can get a better deal, let me know, but I am thinking about perhaps going to put that gun on layaway if I can find it in store. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum wju2004. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

These are made by CVA and of the two CVA's I've owned both were pretty good little guns. Only thing I can say is the barrels from the "expensive CVA's and the inexpensive CVA's are the same barrels.

All the CVA's I've had shot acceptable groups, though I didn't really care for the plastic stocks. Check out your local muzzle loader regulations, here in Idaho we can't use a gun with the shotgun primers.

I appreciate it. Also now looking at a TC Omega Z5 Stainless. I was talking to a friend I work with at a fire department and he works at a local gunshop. He said the TCs were pretty good. Looking at around 450 for those I guess, but definately looks like a quality gun as well.

I live in Ohio and have already talked to my friend and said I could use them without any problems.

Thanks again for the quick response and the warm welcome.

wju - I've owned and used three different muzzler loader rifles in the past 12 years, two CVA inlines, and a TC Renegade (sidehammer). Presently I use the CVA Kodiak, and it's really the last one I think I'll need to buy. It's .45 caliber, and it shoots great groups at 100 yards. I'm not very patient at the shooting bench, and my best group to date for three shots is 1 1/2". I think that smaller groups are well within reason. It's easy to carry and easy to clean. The shop I bought it from had this gun and a TC Omega (CVA copied the Omega with the Kodiak). Both were new. I wanted the TC, which was a couple hundred bucks more, but the dealer convinced me to buy the Kodiak. He said it was every bit as good a gun as the TC, and in fact pointed out that the fit into the stock at the breech was much better w/ the CVA. He said he'd received complaints from Omega owners about spruce needles, etc. getting down in the breech area of the TC and fouling up the works. If I lost this rifle, I'd buy another one in a second. Good luck

Go w/ the Encore as it gives you opportunity to expand into other rifles like Centerfire, rimfire and even shotgun. In addition you would have a much better resale on the TC than other guns. You get what you pay for, the TC Omega can be had for the same type of money being spent on that CVA and the Omega will out perform all comers. Just my opinion/

I looked at the Encore's with the changable barrels (At least I think it was an Encore. I know for sure it was a TC) and the prices were a bit higher than I want to pay right now. Plus I priced the barrels and they're up there as well. Might be a bit cheaper than just buying a whole other riffle, but yeah. I am leaning towards the Omega right now. Seeing if my friend at a local shop might be able to cut me a little combo deal or something.

go 50 caliber and Omega. resale of needed on that TC product will be better than CVA. I own the Wolf and had a blast until all the reading I did sent me to TC products ahnds down

welcome wju, own both the optima and encore. both are excellent m/l`s and shoot great. as for the omega, shoulder it and the encore. thats what sold me on encore. it just shouldered so well and the fact as already stated the extra barrels you can buy. my advice would be to handle your top picks of m/l`s, decide which one you can`t do without and buy it even if that means you may have to wait alittle longer for one. i also live in ohio and i love to shoot but when the temps. been 0-20 degrees its alittle hard to get out and shoot now anyway. best to get what you really like if you can rather than hurry and get 2nd best.:( just a thought,have fun and don`t be a stranger here, best friendly source of advice is right here, great group of guys :D

Cabelas is usually overpriced. Check out the Kokiak at Midway USA for $180

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=5&Categoryid=10620&categorystring=10635***10618***

Midsouth USA also has pretty good prices

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/deptsearch3x.asp?dept=%4D%55%5A%5A%4C%45%4C%4F%41% 44%49%4E%47&dept2=%4D%55%5A%5A%4C%45%4C%4F%41%44%49%4E%47%20%5 2%49%46%4C%45%53&dept3=%35%30%20%43%41%4C

I just pickedd up my first CVA too. The 209 Wolf Mag. For the price why not? My father shoots an optima elite. I love CVA. Good Luck with it!

Use your tax rebate and buy a quality USA made rifle. You'll be getting something you'll be proud of and do your part to keep Americans working. While you're at it, slap a Leupold on it and double your pleasure. You won't be sorry.

I've just purchased a CVA Kodiak Pro (all camo) for a total of $310. My father just purchased a TC Omega for over $450! They are virtually the same gun. TC makes an awesome muzzleloader but it is over priced, CVA is equally as good, but the price is less with much more included in the package, for example, better butt rest, quake claw sling included, and extendable ramrod! I walked out of the store with my gun, cleaning supplies, powder pellets, primers, and sabots paying less than my father did with just his gun!

i am looking for advice from an expierienced black powder hunter to possibly help teach me how to load and tips on hunting with the afor mentioned rifle in the subject line. my father just recently passed away and he left me his CVA Kodiak 209 Magnum Black Powder Rifle 50 Caliber and the case full of supplies now ive had my fair share of expierience with many other firearms but ive never used or even been present for the use of a blackpowder arm. so before i even mess with it i want to know how to load and safely use it. if there is anyone out there that could help me it would be greatly appreciated. just incase it dosnt show it my email is eviljoeblack@yahoo.com thank you.

Joseph

Here is a CVA that HAS a SS barrel and is fashioned like the TC Triumph:

CVA makes the the new Accura, with the new and GREATLY improved Bergara SS barrel. Both in 50 and 45 cal Even has a list of comparisons to the Triumph. Anyway, it maybe worth a look:)

http://www.cva.com/comparison-accura.html

http://www.cva.com/images/feats/accurasteelthumb.gif

evil joe - Go to the CVA website and find out about getting a user's manual for your Kodiak. That'll be a good place to start. With common sense and respect, a properly used muzzleloader is safe. But go through the manual please. Have fun, Guy