CVA Break-Action Information Manual

							PYRODEX PELLETSPyrodex Pellets are a
premeasured and preformed ver-
sion of loose Pyrodex powder.
Pyrodex Pellets are available for
a variety of calibers and may be
combined into multiple pellet
loads to create several different
grain-equivalent loads.
The other four brands of approved blackpowder substitutes are Clean Shot
Powder & Clean Shot Pellets, Clear Shot Powder, Pioneer Powder & Pio-
neer Powder Stix, and Triple 7 Powder & Triple 7 Pellets.
Note:  Please refer to powder manufacturers written instructions, for the
specific propellent you are using, or contact the customer service/technical
department listed on the product label for loading questions.
H.PROJECTILES
1.POWERBELT™ BULLETS --
PowerBelt™ Bullets are conical pro-
jectiles with a plastic base. Like sab-
ots, the PowerBelt™ Bullets patented
snap-on base creates a perfect gas
seal, providing consistent pressures
and un-surpassed accuracy. But un-
like sabots, PowerBelt™ Bullets are
easy to load and do not require clean-
ing after every shot. And they are full caliber sized, so you get the most
knock down power possible out of a muzzleloader. PowerBelt™ Bullets
are available in .45, .50, and .54 calibers, copper coated or pure lead,
with hollow points or AeroTips, and in a variety of grain weights. They
are the #1 selling muzzleloading bullet on the market and the only bullet
recommend for CVA in-line rifles. ( Figure 1-A)
2. CONICAL BULLETS—such as the CVA Buckslayer Bullet and others of
this type provide acceptable accuracy in all CVA firearms as well as
increased knock down power desired by hunters. These projectiles are
best suited for use in medium to fast twist rifling barrels which stabilize
the bullet more rapidly. (Figure 1-B)
3.SABOTED BULLETS—Modern sabots from various manufacturers have
been tested and provide acceptable accuracy in CVA firearms when
complying with the sabot manufacturers recommendations for usage.
Caution:  Do not use a saboted bullet weighing more than 300 grains.
(Figure 1-C)
Note:  Patched round balls are not recommended for use in CVA in-lines.
This is because the twist rate is too fast to stabilize a round ball correctly,
which will result in very poor accuracy.
Loads for conical bullets and sabots should not exceed the maximum load
7
Figure 1-A     
						

							recommended in Table 1.
I. RECOMMENDED LOADING DATA - TABLE 1
The proper charge for any muzzleloading firearm is an efficient load
which provides consistent ignition and velocity while keeping breech pres-
sures below the maximum safe levels.  NOTE:  Rarely do two rifles settle
on the same exact load.
The shooter should load using the minimum and maximum charge limi-
tations shown in the table below. It is recommended to begin shooting us-
ing a charge in the middle of the recommended range, gradually increas-
ing or decreasing the load to obtain the desired results. Tests have shown
that heavier loads increase breech pressures while providing only a minor
increase in velocity. These tests also indicate that heavier loads may be
less accurate.
TABLE 1
CALIBER PROJECTILE CHARGE CHARGES IN GRAINS
FIREARM TYPE MINIMUM MAXIMUM
.50.50 Conical Powder FFG 50 50
.45 .45 PowerBelt™/Saboted Bullet Powder FFG 50 100
.50 .50 PowerBelt™/Saboted Bullet Powder FFG 50 100
.45 .45 PowerBelt™/Saboted Bullet Pellet 50 100
.50 .50 PowerBelt™/Saboted Bullet Pellet 50 100
.45 .45 PowerBelt™/Saboted Bullet Magnum Pellet150*
.50 .50 PowerBelt™/Saboted Bullet Magnum Pellet150*
*WARNING: This is a Magnum charge and can only be safely loaded in
magnum capable rifles. Magnum capable rifles include all CVA Break-Ac-
tions, Bolt Action in-lines (FireBolt, MagBolt, and HunterBolt) and any year
2001+ Eclipse and Stag Horn rifles. These magnum capable guns can be
identified by the one-piece barrel construction, a serial number ending in
01, 02, 03, and the designation magnum on the barrel. Such magnum
loads do require the use of a musket cap or preferably the #209 shotgun
primer ignition in order to fully ignite the charge. Such magnum loads
should never be fired in CVA conventional In-Lines that do not feature the
one-piece Monoblock barrel design.
J.LOADING AND SHOOTING CVA IN-LINE MUZZLELOADERS
1. Wear shatterproof shooting glasses and ear plugs or muffs to protect
yourself from sparks, bits of fragmented caps, and hearing loss.
2.Verify the rifle is not loaded.
a. Unscrew the jag end and extend to cleaning position by continuing
to unscrew until the jag turns free and slides outward to engage sec-
8   
						

							ond set of threads. Continue turning in same direction until threads
engage. Loading rod is fully extended when jag stops turning with
normal pressure applied.
b. Place ramrod (with jag fully extended) down the barrel to breech
plug and observe that the rod is flush with the muzzle.
3. Check to make sure that breech plug is snugly screwed into place.  Do
not overtighten.  Note:  Make sure anti-sieze or breech plug grease
has been applied to all threads of the breech plug.
4. Clean all oil and grease from barrel interior.
5.With the rifle pointed in a safe direction, place a 209 primer into the
breech plug.
6. Cock hammer to fire a modern 209 primer to insure bore and breech
plug are dry of solvent or moisture. Repeat minimum of three (3) times.
NEVER DRY FIRE ANY CVA RIFLE. DOING SO WILL DAMAGE FIR-
ING PIN AND TRANSFER BAR AND WILL NOT BE COVERED UN-
DER WARRANTY.
7.DO NOT LOAD POWDER INTO YOUR GUN WITH A LIVE 209
PRIMER IN THE BREECHPLUG.
8. If using powder, pour powder from flask into a powder measure that is
set for correct powder charge. (See Figure 2).  Skip to step 9 if using
pelletized powder.
9.With the muzzle pointed up and no part of your body extended over
the gun, pour a measured charge or drop the correct number of pellets
down the barrel. (See suitable charges -Table 1, Page 8) (See Figure
3).
10. If using loose powder, slap side of barrel in front of receiver. This will
help insure that powder will fully enter the breech.
11.For Lubricated Bullets, PowerBelt™ Bullet or Saboted Bullet:
a. Make sure bullet is lubricated. PowerBelt™ Bullets and saboted bul-
lets should require no additional lubrication.
b. Start the projectile into the bore with your fingers, making sure it is
centered.
c. Use short end of bullet starter to press bullet just into muzzle. (See
Figure 4).
9
Figure 2Figure 3       
						

							12. Use longer end of ball starter to move projectile about six inches down
the bore. (See Figure 4).
13.With ramrod, push projectile
down on top of powder, firmly,
but without crushing the powder
or pellets.(See Figure 5).
IMPORTANT: Be sure projectile
is seated firmly against powder.
No air space should exist be-
tween projectile and powder.
14.WITH GUN POINTED IN SAFE
DIRECTION and hammer in the
forward/rested position, place a 209 primer into the breech plug.  THE
GUN IS NOW LOADED.(See Figure 6).
15. Aim at target and cock the hammer. YOU ARE NOW READY TO FIRE.
16. Squeeze trigger to fire.
17. After firing, wait one minute to reload. This allows all remaining sparks
in barrel to burn out prior to reloading.
18. If a misfire or failure to fire occurs, wait at least one minute with the gun
pointed at the target.
a. Install a new 209 primer in the breech plug. Be certain of the target
and fire.
b. Never attempt to shoot out a projectile which is not firmly seated
against powder charge. The ball and powder charge should be re-
moved using a ball puller. See Section O, Pulling A Charge.
c. Go back to Step 1 and repeat, being sure bore and breech plug are
clean and free of obstructions and moisture.
K.IGNITION SYSTEM
All CVA Break-Action muzzleloaders come standard with a #209 SHOT-
GUN PRIMER IGNITION SYSTEM that accepts modern #209 shotgun prim-
ers. The shotgun primer is the most reliable in foul weather and is suitable
for use with loose powder or pelletized powder.
10
Figure 4
Figure 5Figure 6         
						

							L. SAFETY SYSTEM
Break–Action Muzzleloaders are equipped with an automatic internal
transfer bar safety system. With this system, the trigger must be depressed
and held all the way rearward in order for the hammer to transfer its strike
to the firing pin.
No mechanical safety should be relied upon to take the place of CARE-
FUL gun handling!
M.BREAK-ACTION IN-LINE DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY
FOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE. (FIGURE 12)
NOTE: Before beginning this procedure make sure gun is unloaded. (See
J-2)
1. Remove ramrod from gun.
2. Pull breeching lever rearward and hinge open the action.
3. Using tool provided remove the breech plug.
4. Loosen and remove the screw from the underside of the foregrip.
5. Remove the foregrip from the barrel.
6. Barrel will now separate from action.
IMPORTANT: LUBRICATE BREECH PLUG THREADS WITH CVA
BREECH PLUG/NIPPLE GREASE (OR AN ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND)
BEFORE REINSTALLING.
NOTE: Check breech plug for snug fit with wrench before firing.  Do not
overtighten plug.
7. Clean barrel according to instructions found in General Cleaning and
Maintenance Section (Below). After each session it is critical.
8. Do not attempt to disassemble the receiver. Clean as a one-piece unit.
9. Avoid prolonged exposure to water or solvents when cleaning wood
stock guns. Damage to the finish could result. Treat with good quality
stock wax or polish to preserve finish and protect from weather dam-
age.
10. Reassemble the rifle by reversing the order of disassembly.
11.Preparation before loading
a. Make sure no obstructions are present in the barrel.
b. Insure barrel is clean and dry before loading. Fire several primers
through the rifle before loading powder to eliminate any moisture or
solvent remaining in the barrel.
c. Insure hammer locks in place, and stays to the rear.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS RIFLE IF ANY OF THE SAFETY MECHA-
NISMS DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. CHECK WITH A COMPETENT
GUNSMITH OR CVA CUSTOMER  SERVICE TO CORRECT THE PROB-
LEM, AS ACCIDENTAL FIRING MAY RESULT.
11   
						

							N. GENERAL CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Residues from blackpowder,  blackpowder substitutes, and 209 prim-
ers are very corrosive. Therefore, careful cleaning of your muzzleloading
firearm is extremely important. If left uncleaned for any length of time the
fouling will cause rust, pits, and degradation of the metal, particularly around
threaded areas.
The barrel attaching system on most CVA firearms allows for the barrel
to be removed for easier cleaning without disassembly. The recommended
cleaning procedure for Break-Action CVA rifles follows.
1.Verify that gun is unloaded. (Section J, Step 2)
2. Insert the breech plug tool (provided) into the barrel to engage the
breech plug. Turn counterclockwise to remove.
3. Remove barrel from receiver described in section M for Break-Action
In-Lines
4. Using a cleaning brush and solvent, thoroughly clean breech plug of all
rust preventative oils and clean firing channel with a nipple/breech plug
pick ( #AC1582). Important - Lubricate breech plug threads with CVA
Breech Plug Grease (ACl670) before reinstalling.  NOTE:  Do not over-
tighten plug.
5. With a slot blade screwdriver, loosen and remove the retention  screw
from the underside of the foregrip.
6. You will now be able to separate the foregrip from the barrel.
7. DO NOT attempt to remove the trigger sub-assembly or dissassemble
the receiver.
8. Extend  the cleaning jag (provided) on the ramrod. Swab the barrel
with patches and cleaning solvent until all residue has been removed.
For best results, use a range or cleaning rod that allows greater clear-
ance from the muzzle.
9. Clean the breech area, including receiver threads, with a CVA breech
brush and Barrel Blaster cleaning solvent (AC1660).
10. Dry all parts thoroughly, including the inside and outside of the barrel,
and spray with a light coating of non-petroleum based gun oil.
11.Reassemble the gun components in reverse order.
Note: Always store your muzzleloader unloaded and in a cool dry place.
O.PULLING A CHARGE
Under normal conditions a muzzleloading firearm is unloaded simply by
firing it into a suitable and safe backstop. There are, however, some condi-
tions under which the firearm cannot be fired and the charge must be re-
moved.
THE TWO MOST COMMON CONDITIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. If the projectile is not seated firmly against the powder charge, stop
immediately! Do not attempt to fire the rifle. You must remove the charge
and clean the barrel.
12   
						

							2. If the rifle is loaded in a proper manner yet fails to fire after repeated
attempts (as explained in the Loading and Shooting Section).
NEVER ATTEMPT TO PULL A CHARGE UNTIL THE POWDER HAS BEEN
RENDERED INERT (DEACTIVATED) BY THOROUGHLY SOAKING IN
WATER.
Removing a projectile is dangerous when there is a powder charge
behind the projectile. Two approved methods of removing a projectile from
the barrel are to: (1) Use a CO
2 discharger to blow the projectile from the
barrel, or (2) With the muzzle in a safe direction, and the primer removed
from the breech plug, remove the breech plug. Empty the powder into a
safe container. Using the ramrod and cleaning jag with a solvent soaked
cleaning patch, push the projectile from the breech forward and out the
muzzle of the barrel.
After the projectile has been removed from the bore, clean the bore,
barrel and parts as explained in the Cleaning section and reassemble the
firearm.
If for any reason you are unable to remove the charge in the manner
recommended, soak the barrel in very hot water for one-half hour. Once
the powder has been rendered inert, take the barrel to a qualified gun-
smith.
P.SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
Most CVA rifles are equipped with adjustable style rifle sights for wind-
age and elevation.
1. Adjust the rear sight for elevation by loosening the elevation retaining
screw located on the side of the rear sight.  REMEMBER:  Slide the
sight up the ramp to raise the point of impact and down the ramp to
lower the point of impact.
2. Adjust the rear sight for windage by loosening the windage retaining
screw on the top of the rear sight.  REMEMBER:  To move the point of
impact to the right, move rear sight to the right. To move the point of
impact to the left, move rear sight to the left.
Q.SCOPE MOUNTING
CVA In-Line rifles are drilled and tapped for easy scope installation. Do
not drill additional holes in the barrel as this could weaken its structure,
causing injury and/or death and will void the CVA warranty. Scopes should
be mounted according to manufacturers instructions. CVAs Universal In-
Line Scope Mounts (AC1666-AC1669) allows the shooter the option of a
quick detachable scope mounting system that returns to the zero point
when reinstalled.
Weaver model #418M and Millet CV007-02 bases may also be used
with the appropriate rings.
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							R. VOLUNTARY RECALL
In August 1997, CVA implemented a Voluntary Recall of all In-Line rifle
models with serial numbers ending in -95 or –96.
Example 61-13-xxxxxx-96.
If you have a CVA In-Line model with such a serial number, do not use
or allow anyone else to use the gun. If you have one of these rifles, call
CVA immediately at 770-449-4687 for complete details and instructions on
how to receive a replacement gun.
In May 1999, Blackpowder Products, Inc. purchased the assets of
Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. and now operates under the trade name of
Connecticut Valley Arms and/or CVA. Any claims relating to the above de-
scribed Voluntary Recall should be addressed to Connecticut Valley Arms,
Inc., not Blackpowder Products, Inc. Blackpowder Products, Inc. assumes
no liability for any products manufactured or sold prior to January 1, 1998.
S. SERVICE & REPAIR (770) 449-4687
MON-FRI 8:30 - 4:00 PM EST
Should your CVA firearm require repair, we recommend that it be re-
turned to our Warranty Repair Center. This will insure all work is performed
by a competent staff of trained technicians.
Any firearm returned to the repair center should be marked to the at-
tention of Repair Department. A letter of instructions should be enclosed to
facilitate handling. Please be sure to include name, address and day-time
phone number. All firearms must be unloaded and shipped via United Par-
cel Service (UPS).
Our Service Department will inspect and evaluate the problem. Should
any work required not be covered by warranty, you will be advised of the
cost. No work will be done without your approval.
T.ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS
1. All correspondence and orders must be addressed to:
CVA
5988 Peachtree Corners East
Norcross, GA 30071
Attention: Customer Service
2. Include in the order:
Model of Gun
Part Number
Part Description
Caliber and Type (Percussion, Flintlock, In-Line)
3. If the proper part identification is not possible from the parts list, send the
specific part in question to aid identification.
14   
						

							15 4. Discontinued items are subject to availability. CVA will reserve the right to
make compatible substitutions when necessary.
5. Enclose the total retail price of the item plus postage and handling. Refer
to the chart to determine this.
6. Please allow four to six weeks from receipt of order for delivery.
POSTAGE & HANDLING CHART
Orders Totaling: Add
UP TO $20.00...................................................................................$3.50
$20.01 - $30.00.................................................................................$5.00
$30.01 - $50.00.................................................................................$7.00
$50.01 - $80.00...............................................................................$10.00
$80.01 - $110.00.............................................................................$15.00
$110.01 - $200.00...........................................................................$20.00
$200.01 - $500.00 .......................................................................... $25.00
OVER $500.00................................................................................ $30.00
Georgia residents must add 6% sales tax.
U.LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Connecticut Valley Arms (CVA) warrants all factory finished firearms to
be free of defects in material or workmanship, for the lifetime of the firearm,
to the original consumer owner. This warranty is established by return of
the authorized warranty card within fifteen (15) days of purchase and is not
transferable.
Any CVA firearm or part thereof returned postage paid to the address
below will be repaired or replaced to our commercial standard, free of charge,
and returned to the purchaser postage prepaid.
This warranty does not cover any damage resulting from careless han-
dling, improper loading, corrosion, neglect, or customer alteration. Nor does
it cover normal wear of any part, metal or wood finish, cost of inconve-
nience due to product failure, or transportation damage.
Connecticut Valley Arms reserves the right to refuse to repair or re-
place firearms or parts thereof damaged by the above.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty is void if:
•Any propellant other than the correct type blackpowder or Blackpow-
der Substitute has been used.
•CVA recommended powder charge has been exceeded.
•Any form of plastic patch has been used. (modern day sabots or
PowerBelts™ not included)   
						

							NOTES
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