First,
Hello I my name is Mark and I have been hunting since the sixties, right now I mainly hunt Duck and Geese and big game with rifle when I can draw.
I am just starting out with muzzleloading and have been doing too much internet searching and hearing a bunch of different information on buying my first muzzleloader and have a few questions to help me buy one. I been on MonsterMuleys asking questions and was directed to this forum, I appreciate being sent here since the amount of information hear for a newbie is overwhelming.
I have 31 Colorado Elk points and not sure if ever I will get a rifle tag for the unit I am after, getting too old (66) and want to hunt while my health is still good. So planning on spending the next year + shooting a muzzleloader, so first I need to buy one. On the reading I have done and for my situation of possibly 1 hunt it seems that the CVA Optima V2 is the path I am looking at. So my question below will be based on the Optima. I know everyone has an opinion and would love to hear all of yours so I can decide.
Here we go
Appreciate any and all help
Thanks in advance
MDNELK
Hello I my name is Mark and I have been hunting since the sixties, right now I mainly hunt Duck and Geese and big game with rifle when I can draw.
I am just starting out with muzzleloading and have been doing too much internet searching and hearing a bunch of different information on buying my first muzzleloader and have a few questions to help me buy one. I been on MonsterMuleys asking questions and was directed to this forum, I appreciate being sent here since the amount of information hear for a newbie is overwhelming.
I have 31 Colorado Elk points and not sure if ever I will get a rifle tag for the unit I am after, getting too old (66) and want to hunt while my health is still good. So planning on spending the next year + shooting a muzzleloader, so first I need to buy one. On the reading I have done and for my situation of possibly 1 hunt it seems that the CVA Optima V2 is the path I am looking at. So my question below will be based on the Optima. I know everyone has an opinion and would love to hear all of yours so I can decide.
Here we go
- What barrel length? The V2 is 26” and the LR is 28”. Thoughts?
- Also is the length about velocity or sighting accuracy
- I thought I read that the Thumbhole stock is for shooting with a scope. Or if you buy it its not set up for open sights.
- Thoughts on the thumbhole stock in general
- Are both option of stocks come drilled for front and back sights?
- Is the V2 tapped for open sights?
- I read somewhere where it was recommended to develop your load with a scope and then go to a peep. I thought that was a great idea, do I need to order something special to do this?
- I also read about a picatinny rail that I can use with a scope and then a Peep sight? Any insight into this would be appreciated and is there a certain peep that needs to be ordered or do you just use the rail for the scope and then take off to add peep.
- Nitrate coating. Its clear it better protection but I also read something if you have this you don’t need to worry about lubing inside the barrel between loads(trust me I am not sure what I am asking)
- Not sure what powder I will be using (buckhorn 209 or 777) but do I need to order 2 Breach Plugs?
- For right now its for 1 hunt do I just buy the Buckhorn powder (I know $$$) and not deal with cleaning after every shot or crud rings
Appreciate any and all help
Thanks in advance
MDNELK