HuntingNet.com Forums - Encore vs CVA Optima (2024)

Many Thompson Center owners are not concerned about resale price. But resale doesgive an indication of how the market feels about the overall rifle in question. I really don't think anyone is "dissing them so badly and tryin to get the optima owners pissed off." In my case I like Thompson Center rifles,but have nothing against the CVA line of rifles. I like Knight, Lyman, and Traditons also. If the CVA line of rifles fits your budget or your preference, then by all means shoot the CVA. I personally could care less. I have a number of CVA rifles and they are a great shooting rifle. I really like them. I also have a lot of T/C rifles. I like them also. Do I think the T/C rifles are a better quality made rifle, well unfortunately, yes I do. I think their overall fit and finish is better. Do I think they are worth the extra money? That depends on what

. If you like your Optima... Great. I personally have considered getting one. They have sure came down in price from when they were first introduced to the market. Most of the people that own them really like them and I have read a lot of posts about their shooting ability. I really would not concern myself with what other people think of my rifle. It's what I think of it that counts...

Perhaps some are more opinionated then others. Me personally, I just try to get along with everyone and learn from them...

Any of the modern inline rifles can be made into good shooters. It is all a matter of finding the right load and projectile combination and then practice. I am sure your Optima is a great shooting rifle. My Staghorn was $89.00 but will stand side by side with any of my rifles...

exactly........... I like my cva's i have a firebolt and a hunterbolt both are awesome shooters, just now im a bit discouraged from cva's seeing that they dont have a bolt gun in their line up from past experience its only a matter of time before parts and accessories are no longer available. [:@] I guess id better buy a few breech plugs while i still can.

I think that everyone has a right to their own opinion and I don't like it when one person says another is wrong, stupid, an idiot, etc. for having one. There is really no need to argue about it. Most of the time, our opinions are based upon our own experiences. There is too much bashing on this forum and it would be refreshing to see it change.

To get back to the topic, I have owned 3 CVA muzzleloaders and I was able to get nice groups at 100 yards with all of them. I think if you put the time into it, you can get any weapon to group well with a load that it likes. On the other hand, I was not impressed with the quality of their blueing and not impressed at all with their customer service regarding that. This was just my personal experience with them. I am sure that others have been totally satisfied with their service. I now own a TC Encore 209x50 and have developed a load for it that gives me excellent groups. My personal experience with their customer service was excellent. Because of this, I would recommend their products to anyone. I am sure that someone, somewhere has had an experience with TC that was less than satisfying, it's gonna happen. Does this mean that no one should buy a CVA? Not at all. If it fits your requirements, get one. It sure is a heck of a lot cheaper than a TC. Personally I wanted an Encore for barrel interchangability. It's nice to have a new rifle for under $250. There are at least a hundred different combinations you can get from TC not to mention Bullberry who will make anything your heart desires. I looks like that is not a factor for Doe Killer's decision though. Another reason I can bring up to buy an Encore is the history of TC. They have been building and refining this platform for over 30 years.(The Encore is basically a beefed up Contender) The optima has only been out for 2. I just feel more confident with it than something that will only be produced for a few years until the latest fad dies out.

So, just my personal opinion is if you are going to keep the rifle for a long time, get the Encore. If you are new to M/L and want to try it out, buy the Optima. I bought a CVA to get into it and I'm glad I did. I dropped a buck and 2 doe with it.

So true , Ive got a t/c omega now and have been trying several loads but have yet to fide an accurate load for it . Ive been shooting 250 grain loads , and am going to try some 300 grains and see if it likes them . I paid around $450 for it . Years ago I shot an american knite , theie cheapest model , think I paid $100 for it and it was dead accurate , so price does not allways buy you accuracy . Savage is a company who proves that . Hopefully my omega will get accurate with the heavyer loads , I know last year I was sorry I sold that "cheap" gun .