CVA Break-Action Information Manual

							Break-Action
Warranty
Information
CVA • SUPERB ACCURACY • LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
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 BE-
FORE YOU CAN SAFELY USE YOUR MUZZLELOADER. If firearm is loaned
or sold by a dealer or individual this book must accompany the firearm. Re-
placement books are available from our factory. Call CVA Customer Service at
(770) 449-4687 if you have any questions.         
						

							Model No. ____________ Serial No. ________________
Caliber _______________ Date Purchased ___________
Type of Gun ______________________________________
Warranty
Information
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: [email protected]
Break-Action
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.     
						

							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
Muzzleloading Rifle
Trigger
Trigger Guard
Forearm
Retention
Bolt
Metal
Thimble
Ramrod
Bullet Guiding
Muzzle
Barrel
Fiber Optic
Sights
Exterior
Hammer
with
Cocking
Spur
Ambidextrous
Monte Carlo
Cheek Piece
Magnum Recoil
Pad
Sling
Swivel
Stud
Pistol
Grip
Internal
Transfer
Bar Safety
Breeching
Lever     
						

							WARNING: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL IS CRITI-
CAL 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 car-
tridge firearms. Shooters must remember that even now, despite the mod-
ern appearance of In-Line design rifles, there is no way to build a muzzle-
loader that absolves the user from the need to use the special safety pre-
cautions and good judgement unique to all muzzleloading firearms. When
handled properly, a muzzleloader is a safe and enjoyable firearm for shoot-
ing 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 en-
tirety 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;
[email protected].
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 de-
pressed, 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 po-
sitioned to the side of the propellant charge.
CVA has two series of Break-Action In-Lines, the Optima Pro 209 Mag-
num 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 CVAs more basic Break-Actions featuring 26’’ non-fluted barrels, and
Illuminator™ Fiber Optic sights. Both rifles have metal barrel thimbles, ven-
tilated 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
1
If you sell, trade, or give this firearm to any other person - this owners manual must
accompany the firearm. Replacement books are available from CVA, or online at the
company’s web-site www.CVA.com   
						

							in the barrel). Such magnum loads should never be fired in other CVA In-
Lines 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 hunters 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 guns 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 shoot-
ing.
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 fire-
arm.
10. Do not alter or modify your firearm. Have your firearm checked regu-
larly 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 de-
fects, or other reproductive harm. Make sure that you have proper ventila-
tion 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, percus-
sion 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 pres-
sures 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 ca-
pabilities. 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 unat-
tended, 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 dis-
charge resulting in severe injury or death to bystanders.
10.Never transport a loaded muzzleloader in any type of vehicle. A muzzle-
loader 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 muzzle-
loader should fire it. This practice will help prevent overloading or
doubleloading, which may cause severe injury or death.
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							12. Never store a loaded muzzleloader. Muzzleloaders should be unloaded
and cleaned prior to any storage.
13. Never load a muzzleloader without first making sure that it is unloaded.
14.Exercise extreme caution when hunting from treestands with
muzzleloaders. The dropping of a loaded muzzleloader may cause
accidental discharge leading to severe injury or death. Be sure the
primer/cap is removed whenever raising or lowering the firearm.
15. Never allow the hammer or bolt of a muzzleloader to rest against the
cap. Any impact to the hammer or bolt could cause accidental dis-
charge.
16. Never rely upon a mechanical safety. Muzzleloaders should always be
handled as if ready to fire, regardless of the safety systems employed.
17. Always use proper cleaning procedures. Firing of an improperly main-
tained muzzleloader may lead to unsafe pressure conditions, resulting
in severe injury or death.
18.Make sure that the projectile is firmly seated against the powder charge.
Short starting of the projectile may cause the gun to explode.
19. Always keep the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction while
loading. Never lean over the muzzle while loading.
E. SPECIFIC CAUTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF CVA IN-LINE
MUZZLELOADING FIREARMS
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIREARM SAFETY! As a gun owner, you
accept a set of demanding responsibilities.  At all times handle your muzzle-
loader with intense respect for its firepower and potential danger.  Read
and understand the functions and terminology explained in this book be-
fore attempting to use your CVA muzzleloader.
1. When selecting powder loads be sure to use the correct loading data
(Section I) for your particular model of CVA In-Line.
2. Magnum loads for CVA in-lines are safe only when using pelletized
powder. Magnum loads of loose blackpowder or Pyrodex are ineffi-
cient and are not recommended. All CVA Break-Action In-Line Muzzle-
loading models are approved for use with these magnum loads. (pel-
letized powder loads in excess of 100 grains.)
3. Always follow recommended loading data when selecting bullet type
and weight. When using saboted bullets and pelletized powder, maxi-
mum bullet weight should not exceed 300 grains. With loose powder
loads, conical lead bullets should never exceed 400 grains. Heavier
bullets may produce dangerously high pressure levels, possibly result-
ing in explosion of the gun and severe injury to the shooter and by-
standers.
4. Always use quality #209 Primers as the ignition source when firing
pelletized powder or “magnum” loads. The extra fire to the charge en-
sures efficient burn of the entire charge.
4   
						

							5. PowerBelt™ Bullets or saboted bullets are recommended when using
pelletized powder. Both provide the tight gas seal necessary for effi-
cient burn of the entire pellet charge.
6. For maximum accuracy when shooting saboted bullets or older lubri-
cated lead bullets, the barrel must be cleaned of powder fouling and
plastic/lubrication residue after each shot. PowerBelt™ Bullets do not
require cleaning after every shot.  When using PowerBelt™ Bullets,
you can clean every 4 to 5 shots without compromising accuracy.
7. Round ball and patch loads are not recommended for CVA Break-Ac-
tion In-Line rifles. The fast rate of rifling twist (1:28) associated with
CVA Break-Action In-Lines may not provide optimum accuracy when
using patched round ball loads.
8.Never use modern smokeless powder, or any mix of smokeless pow-
der, in muzzleloaders. Such improper loading of the rifle may result in
an explosion of the gun, causing severe injury or death to the shooter
and by-standers.
9. Never use a Poly Patch in any CVA rifle.
F.   BASIC ACCESSORIES FOR A MUZZLELOADER
1. LOADING ACCESSORIES
Propellant - Blackpowder or an approved synthetic substitute such as
Pyrodex, Triple 7, Clean Shot or Clear Shot. NEVER USE ANY AMOUNT
OF MODERN SMOKELESS POWDER.
Projectile - conical bullet, saboted bullet, or belted bullet.
Ignition Source – Modern # 209 Primer.
Powder Flask - To transport and dispense powder (not required with the
use of pelletized powder)
Powder Measure - To measure correct powder charge (not required with
the use of pelletized powder)
Bullet Starter - To start bullet down the barrel
Capper - To carry and dispense # 209 primers
Preloaders - To hold premeasured powder charge and bullet for quick
reloading.
2. CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Solvent and/or Cleaning solution
Patches - For cleaning inside of barrel
Breech Plug Wrench – For removing breech plug  (included with the
purchase of all CVA in-line muzzleloaders)
Patch Jag - Retains cleaning patch on end of ramrod.
5   
						

							G. PROPELLANTS
NEVER USE MODERN SMOKELESS POWDER IN ANY MUZZLE-
LOADER. The use of any amount of smokeless powder in a muzzleloader
will create dangerously high pressures upon ignition, may result in severe
injury or death to the shooter and/or bystanders, and will void the warranty.
Only six types of propellants are acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading
rifles.
The first type is  BLACKPOWDER. (IMPORTANT: The term “blackpowder”
refers to the formulation of the propellant, not the color. Many of the smoke-
less propellants manufactured for modern cartridges or shotgun shells are
also black in color, but will create extremely dangerous pressures in the
muzzleloading barrels.)
BLACKPOWDER CHART SHOWING APPROXIMATE USE OF THE VARIOUS
GRANULATIONS…
FFG(Commonly called Double “F”) This is a very popular powder for
the larger (.45 to .58 caliber rifles). It is also used for 12, 16 and 20
gauge muzzleloading shotguns. While it is not considered a pistol
powder, it is sometimes used in very large caliber single shot pis-
tols.
FFFG(Commonly called Triple “F”) It  is used in all percussion revolvers,
most single shot pistols, and most of the smaller (under .45 cali-
ber) rifles.
The second type of propellant acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading
firearms is PYRODEX. Pyrodex is a propellant designed for use in percus-
sion rifles, pistols and shotguns found to be in good shooting condition by
a competent gunsmith. Pyrodex relates closely to blackpowder on a vol-
ume to volume basis, but not the weight of the charge. In other words, a
scoop type measure set to dispense 100 grains of blackpowder will dis-
pense roughly 72 grains of Pyrodex (Pyrodex is bulkier). This lighter charge
weight of Pyrodex will fill the measure and provide a charge which is ballis-
tically similar to 100 grains of blackpowder of the appropriate granulation.
Used in this manner, Pyrodex will yield approximately the same velocities
and pressures as blackpowder. Pyrodex is currently offered in two granula-
tions of loose powder. These types and their uses are listed below:
PYRODEX RS (rifle & shotgun)Designed for use in all calibers of
percussion muzzleloading rifles and
shotguns. Pyrodex Select has simi-
lar loading characteristics to RS.
PYRODEX P (pistol powder)Designed for use in percussion
muzzleloading pistols and cap &
ball revolvers. Also used in .32 and
.36 caliber rifles.
6