What about inline pistols??

Just curious if anyone has any experience with the CVA or Traditions inline pistols. The idea seems like it would work but I'm wondering what kind of accuracy is possible and how bad is the velocity loss with the short barrel? Are these a serious consideration for a pistol hunt or more of a novelty?

There's a couple here that have the CVA. It seems like a solid choice for hunting out to about 50 yards. I've almost bought one more than once. I think it would be a blast to hunt with one.

I'd love to hear some experiences. I too have been close to buying the CVA more than once.

I dont think CVA offers the Optima pistol any more.

They are serious, as long as you don't try to exceed the practical range of the loads. I limit my shots to 75 yards, after that the KE drops off pretty rapidly.

I bought the CVA Optima Pistol as soon as they were available back in 2011. This was the first year and are now referred to as the V1, since the V2 replaced it a couple years later.

I posted about it back in 2011. Initial impression and the first range session. I also posted about the first buck I shot with it that fall. I have only shot Blackhorn 209 in it. It kills deer dead, and is extremely accurate. One hole groups at 50 yards benched are easy with the load it prefers. 200 grain T/C Shockwave, 80 grains by VOLUME Blackhorn 209, Nobel NSI 209 primer.

The CVA Optima Pistol can shoot the same loads as the Optima Rifles, however the short barrel only allows so much powder to burn. They recommend up to 100 grains of powder by VOLUME. The pistol grip is erganomically friendly, at least on the V1.

The Traditions Vortek Pistol has a maximum powder limit of 70 grains by VOLUME. Not a fan of the grip on the Vortek.

Here are a couple threads I posted back in 2011. They are a little dated, and Photobucket photo bombed all the pics.

Box opening and first range session.

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/...liber-pistol-thoughts-and-range-report.20984/



First hunt

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/...gr-bh209-200gr-shockwave-very-dead-8pt.21010/


This is the search I just did to find these, and there is plenty more information from other members in these threads. That'll keep you busy for a while!

https://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/...=relevance&c[date]=1317438000&c[user][0]=4801


If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.

I have the Optima in-line and love it. This is my second one. I've also owned the Traditions in-line but wasn't crazy about it really.

I have a converted plug in mine that takes a vent liner and have maybe 600 rounds thru the first liner and its still the same hole diameter as when the first shot was fired.

The gun has a red dot with a 2mil dot. Very accurate to 50 yards where its sighted for. Loads are easy....90 grains by volume [63 grains weighed is what I use personally] of BH209, a 240 grain .44 cal XTP and a green harvester sabot.
This year I am going to hunt the 225 grain Barnes bullet at 80 grains of BH209.

Recoil at the 63 grain weighed and 240 grain pill level is a tad bit more than a .44mag, about like a .454 Casul but manageable. It is not a one handed shooter. A rest is needed. This load raises particular hell on deer inside of the 50 yards. I seriously try to keep my shots on deer sized game at 25 yards or less but I have popped a couple out to about 62-63 yards and they dropped right there. The 9 pointer in my avatar fell to my Optima pistol.

GM54-120 said:

I dont think CVA offers the Optima pistol any more.

Click to expand...

I think you are right, first I've heard of it. Says discontinued or out of stock on all the retailer sites.

If you want one, you better buy one if you can find it.

Would be awesome if they put the fast twist .45 cal barrel on them. I'd have to buy another one!

I checked or local Farm Center and they no longer list them. They were cheaper than anywhere [$247.00] for a couple years after the second edition came out.

Busta I think its you that also has one to hunt with? What load do you like for deer? Just curious.

I purchased my CVA Optima pistol in the Spring of 2018. Topped it with a 2x20 Nikon Force XR. I really like this setup. Hunted with it a bit last Fall but didn't pull the trigger on anything. Had a young 4 point in the crosshairs at 20 yards but ended up letting him walk. Plan to take it out a lot more this Fall. I use a bandolier style holster and it's a breeze to carry. As Busta said, it's serious as long as you keep in mind what you have and keep the range practical. 75 yards is the shot limit I set for hunting. Using a 240 xtp and 80 gr of BH209, I got an average velocity of around 1475 fps through the chrono. 90 grs produced around 1540 fps but recoil was starting to get pretty stout. The load I finally worked up and hunt with is a 225 gr Barnes XPB paired with a Harvester sabot and 85 gr of BH209. Haven't put it through the chrono yet but I'm guessing a little over 1500 fps. The group below was 50 yards off of sand bags and measures right at an inch. The first two shots are touching.
If you can find one in stock some where, buy it. I haven't seen them in stock any where for a good bit. Occasionally, I'll see one come up on Gun Broker.

Velocities are interesting Chris. My 90 grain measured load with the 240 XTP averaged right at 1540. At 80 grains weighed with the same bullet I averaged 1439.

I want to go lead free this fall and will be shooting that Barnes XPB 225 grain myself. I'm seeing similar groups with the 225 grain XPB and 80 grains weighed of BH209 but haven't run the load thru a chrono yet. The recoil with the 225 and 80 grains is much milder and at the distance I hold myself to I think its a great load for deer, maybe even bear.

Thanks for sharing your findings Chris.

Mr Tom......Youre right about the recoil. It doesnt feel quite as stout as the 240 gr xtp. With that big hollow point, the XPB should do quite a number on game. I'm curious to see how it performs this Fall. I really need to break out the chronograph soon and get some actual numbers.

Just got home and read all these. Now I'm worried I can't find one. Kicking myself for procrastinating on purchasing one. I'll be looking for a CVA. I've used a CVA Buckhorn for the last 5 deer (my first inline) but most shots 75 yards or less. The pistol would be a little more of a challenge.
I've considered using my ROA with some kaido ojamas but haven't purchased any yet.

I dug one of the Barnes slugs out of the berm behind the target a couple weeks ago and thought I put it somewhere safe. When I got home I couldn't find it so who knows. Based on what I saw from shooting into sand a deer will stand little chance. The hydraulic shock should be incredible.

MrTom said:

I checked or local Farm Center and they no longer list them. They were cheaper than anywhere [$247.00] for a couple years after the second edition came out.

Busta I think its you that also has one to hunt with? What load do you like for deer? Just curious.

Click to expand...

200 grain T/C Shockwave, 80 grains by VOLUME Blackhorn 209, Nobel NSI 209 primer. 1510 FPS @ 10 feet.

Thanks Busta.

Just buy a CVA Optima and cut down barrel/grip and make your own pistol, that is all the Optima pistol is anyway.

Hopefully it won't get to that. I'm sure I'll find one with a little diligence and patience ha ha. But yeah that would sure work.

In Michigan, some of the Dunham's stores advertise them towards fall...…...

Your 225 grain Barnes will work very well . I have my daughters shooting a Barnes .45 200 grain XPB have shot many deer with this combo .

Even the Barnes 185 TAC-XP would be a great bullet.