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Product Review  CVA Firebolt Muzzleloader

 by, R. L. Gray

I drew for Deer and ELK this year, I decided that I was in need of a new smokepole. I looked at several brands and decided that I would try out the New CVA Firebolt. Of course along with the Firebolt came a new pair of shoes, pants and a shirt for my wife!

 

There were several reasons I went with the Firebolt. First is the ignition system, this gun will shoot number 11 caps, musket caps, and the 209-shotshell primers. Second it has a 26 inch fluted barrel with a bullet guide built in. Third it will handle loads up to 150 grains.

 

After my first trip to the range I began to wonder if I had made the right choice. In the past I have shot the Ballet by Buffalo bullet and had real good luck with them. This new gun just didn’t like em.

I switched to a 240 xtp Honaday pistol bullet with a sabot. And man did I fall in love fast. My first 3 shots at 50 yards were less than 1 ½ inch group. After making some adjustments to the scope I shot another group and was in the X ring with all 3 shots. Moving the target out to 100 yards. I shot another group with the same results. This was done with 100 grains of pyrodex (two 50 grain pellets).

 

Now for the challenge: I put in three pellets and loaded the bullet. After getting my nerve up I squeezed the trigger and found that there was not much difference in 100 grains and 150 grains as far as the recoil went, but the shot went 3 inches higher at a hundred yards. So after shoot 2 more shots to see how they would group. I walked down range to check out the group. And was real surprised to see a 2 inch group. Moving the target back to 150 yards I shot another round of 3 shots. The group dropped only 1-½ inches. The big test came when I moved the target out to 200 yards. The group opened up to about 2 ½ inches and dropped 4 inches total (still well with in the kill zone of a big game animal).

 

I would recommend this rifle to anyone who is looking at getting a new muzzleloader in the future. If anyone has any questions they may contact me at camping@azod.net or you can call CVA at 1-770-449-4687 or write: CVA, 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, GA 30071

 

Next review will be the Hunterbolt that I bought for my daughter who will be hunting with me this year.

 

R L Gray

Team AZOD