CVA Sidelock Rifle Information Manual

							Sidelock Rifle
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 on the Internet at: www.cva.com or E-mail us
at: [email protected]
Sidelock Rifles
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 Sidelock Muzzleloaders ............................................ 1
B Getting Started ................................................................................. 1
C Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety ............................................ 2
D Safety Considerations Unique to Muzzleloaders .............................. 2
E Specific Cautions for Safe Use of CVA Sidelock
Muzzleloading Firearms ................................................................... 4
F Common Misconceptions Regarding Muzzleloaders ....................... 5
G Basic Accessories for a Muzzleloader .............................................. 5
H Blackpowder and Pyrodex ................................................................ 6
I Recommended Loading Data ........................................................... 8
J Projectiles ......................................................................................... 8
K Patches and Lubricants .................................................................. 10
L Loading and Shooting CVA Caplock Muzzleloaders ...................... 11
M Loading and Shooting CVA Flintlock Muzzleloaders ...................... 14
N Cleaning and Maintenance ............................................................. 15
O Pulling a Charge ............................................................................. 16
P Sight Adjustment ............................................................................ 17
Q Scope Mounting .............................................................................. 17
R Introduction to the Ballistics Tables ................................................. 18
S Practical Use of Ballistic Data ......................................................... 20
T Statement of Liability ...................................................................... 28
U Service ............................................................................................ 28
V Ordering Instructions ...................................................................... 29
W Limited Lifetime Warranty ............................................................... 29 
						

							Main Components of a
Sidelock Muzzleloading Rifle
Bolster
Rear Sight
Barrel
Front Sight
Ramrod
Thimble
Nose Cap
Wedge
Lock
Firing Trigger
Set Trigger
Patch Box
Stock
Hammer
*NOTE:  DO NOT TRY TO
REMOVE, ALTER OR CHANGE
POSITION OF THE PERCUSSION
BOLSTER, OR BREECH
MECHANISM. TO DO SO IS
DANGEROUS AND WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.
Butt PlateQuestions with assembly? Need Parts Information?
CALL: 770-449-4687
Monday - Friday. 8:30 - 4:00 Eastern Time
www.cva.com or E-mail at: [email protected]
*Breech Plug
(Hook Style)
*Breech Plug
(Button Style)
Nipple
(6x1 mm) 
						

							WARNING: It is important to take the time to read and understand the informa-
tion found in this book. Familiarize yourself with each part of the firearm and its
proper function. The information contained in the book is critical 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 INFOR-
MATION DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK.
Replicas of original muzzleloading firearms are as faithful to the original de-
signs as possible. For this reason, replicas cannot be made with many of the re-
finements and features that are standard on modern cartridge firearms.
Each shooter should remember that now, just as in colonial days, there is no
way to build a muzzleloader that absolves the user from the need to use good
judgement and safety precautions.
When handled properly, a muzzleloader is a safe and enjoyable firearm for
shooting and hunting. If abused, harmful consequences can result. Treat this muzzle-
loading 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 shooting a
muzzleloader, return the gun (or kit) to your dealer before firing or building. If you
have questions concerning safe use of your CVA firearm, write or call our cus-
tomer service department at 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, Georgia
30071; 770-449-4687; [email protected]
A. INTRODUCTION TO SIDE-LOCK MUZZLELOADERS
Sidelock design muzzleloaders are so described due to the fact that the
ignition source (flint, #11 percussion cap, or musket percussion cap) is located
to the side of the propellant charge. By contrast, the ignition source of the more
modern In-line design muzzleloaders is positioned directly behind (or, in line
with) the propellant charge.
Among sidelock design muzzleloaders, there are two distinct categories of
rifles in production today. These categories are differentiated by their ignition
systems. The more primitive design, utilizing a piece of stone (flint) striking
metal (frizzen) to generate the spark which begins the overall ignition of the
propellant charge, is called Flintlock. The more modern design (mid-1800s)
employs a percussion cap ignition system and is called Caplock.
B. GETTING STARTED
1. Safety First - Verify gun is unloaded
2. Assemble gun
1
CAUTION: If you sell, trade or give this gun (or kit) to another person, make sure you
give the new owner a copy of this manual or advise him to get a copy from CVA. 
						

							3. Check all functions
4. Remove nipple
Clean and check opening
Apply grease to threads
5. Clean barrel
6. Replace and tighten nipple until snug
7. Read and study information booklet
8. Understand terminology
9. Get all questions answered
C. TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARM SAFETY
1. Keep the gun muzzle pointed in a safe direction
2. Be sure of your target and beyond
3. Never rely on a guns safety
4. Gun should be unloaded until ready to use
5. Always wear eye and ear protection
6. The barrel should be clear of obstruction before shooting
7. Handle every gun as if it is loaded
8. Keep guns and ammo separate and in locked storage
9. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during using a firearm
10. Do not alter or modify your firearm. Have your firearm checked regularly
by a competent gunsmith. Make sure all parts work properly.
D. SAFETY  CONSIDERATIONS UNIQUE  TO MUZZLELOADERS
1. Never smoke when shooting or handling a muzzleloader or related equip-
ment. 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 is 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 shoot-
ing could cause accidental ignition of these devices. Follow all manufac-
turers instructions for long term storage of powder and percussion caps.
5. Use only blackpowder, Pyrodex, Pyrodex Pellets (in approved rifles only),
or other approved blackpowder substitutes in muzzleloading firearms.
Never use modern smokeless powder in a muzzleloader. The use of
any amount of smokeless powder in a muzzleloader will create dan-
2 
						

							gerously high pressures upon ignition and may result in severe in-
jury or death to the shooter and/or bystanders.
6. Always check to ensure that your muzzleloader is in good working condi-
tion before use. Test the hammer and lock mechanisms carefully prior to
loading. Check the barrel for any obstruction 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
capabilities. Improper loading or overloading of a muzzleloading fire-
arm may result in severe injury or death.
8. Never place a cap on the firearm until you are ready to fire. Cap should
always be removed when walking, climbing trees or fences, transferring
the gun from one person to another, leaving the gun unattended, 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 discharge
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 muzzleloader
should fire it. This practice will help prevent overloading or doubleloading,
which may cause severe injury or death.
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 muzzleload-
ers. The dropping of a loaded muzzleloader may cause accidental dis-
charge leading to severe injury or death. Be sure the cap is removed
whenever raising or lowering the firearm.
15. Never allow the hammer of a muzzleloader to rest against the cap.  Any
impact to the hammer or bolt could cause accidental discharge.
16. Never rely upon the half cock position as a safety. Muzzleloaders should
always be handled as if ready to fire, regardless of the safety systems
employed.
17. Always use proper cleaning procedures. Firing improperly maintained
muzzleloaders may lead to unsafe pressure conditions, resulting in se-
vere injury or death.
18. Make sure that the projectile is firmly seated against the powder charge.
ÒShort startingÓ of the projectile may cause the gun to explode.
19. Always keep the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction while load-
ing. Never lean over the muzzle while loading.
3 
						

							E. SPECIFIC CAUTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF CVA SIDELOCK
MUZZLELOADING FIREARMS
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIREARM SAFETY! As a gun owner, you
accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these respon-
sibilities can mean the difference between life and death. There is no excuse for
careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle your muzzleloader
with intense respect for its firepower and potential danger.
Please read and understand all of the cautions, proper handling procedures,
and instructions described in this book before using your new CVA firearm.
Seek professional instruction to become familiar with muzzleloading firearms.
Qualified organizations such as local gun clubs, the National Rifle Association, the
National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, and state hunter education programs
offer approved courses which teach safe handling and hunting procedures. Muzzle-
loading firearms are different in function and safety features from modern firearms.
Because of these differences, exercise caution and skill in the use of muzzleload-
ing guns. Read and understand the functions and terminology explained in this
book before attempting to use your CVA muzzleloader.
1. When selecting powder loads be sure to use the correct loading data for
your particular model. CVA sidelocks are not designed to fire magnum
loads.
2. Pyrodex Pellets should not be used in any CVA sidelock unless equipped
with a Musket Cap Nipple. Pyrodex Pellet charges should never exceed
100 total grains in .50 caliber rifles and 120 total grains in .54 caliber
rifles. Colorado MusketMagª series CVA sidelocks are designed specifi-
cally for use with Pyrodex Pellet/Saboted bullet loads.
3. Always follow recommended loading data when selecting bullet type and
weight. When using saboted bullets (1 in 32 twist barrels only) and Pyrodex
Pellets, maximum bullet weight should not exceed 300 grains. With loose
powder loads, conical lead bullets should never exceed 400 grains.
4. Never use oversized conical bullets in any CVA gun.
5. Always use Musket Caps and the CVA MusketMagª Musket Cap Nipple
(AC1425) when firing Pyrodex Pellet loads. The extra fire to the charge
ensures efficient burn of the entire pellet charge.
6. Always use saboted bullets when using Pyrodex Pellets. Sabots provide
the tight gas seal necessary for efficient burn of the entire pellet charge.
7. When using Pyrodex Pellets and saboted bullets, actual bullet weight
should never exceed 300 grains. Heavier bullets may produce danger-
ously high pressure levels, possibly resulting in explosion of the gun and
severe injury to the shooter and bystanders.
8.Never shoot patched round balls or conical bullets with Pyrodex Pellets.
9. Never use modern smokeless powder, or any mix of smokeless powder, in
CVA rifles. Such improper loading of the rifle may result in the explosion
the gun, causing severe injury or death to the shooter and bystanders.
10. Never use ÒPoly PatchÓ in any CVA rifle.
4 
						

							VOLUNTARY RECALL
In August 1997, CVA implemented a Voluntary Recall of In-Line rifle models with
serial numbers ending in 95 or 96. If you have, or know of someone who has, a CVA
In-Line model with these serial numbers do not use the gun. If your gun is af fected,
call CVAs TECH-LINE at 770-449-4687 for complete details, including a free re-
placement barrel.
F.   COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING
MUZZLELOADERS
1.MISCONCEPTION: A MUZZLELOADER IS UNLOADED AFTER THE CAP
IS REMOVED.
¥ As long as the barrel is loaded with powder and projectile the firearm is
loaded and must be treated as a loaded firearm.
2.MISCONCEPTION: 
A MISFIRE WILL NOT FIRE AFTER A MINUTE OR
TWO.
¥ Misfire is the least understood condition and the leading cause of acci-
dents - mainly because the condition is treated casually. When a misfire
occurs keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction until the load has been
cleared from the barrel. Potentially dangerous misfires occur when the cap
or priming powder ignites, but the main powder charge fails to ignite. Pos-
sibilities are (1) a blocked or clogged vent (flash channel or touchhole), (2)
a contaminated (wet or oily) main powder charge or (3) no main powder
charge. Wait a few minutes, then recap or reprime and try again to shoot
out the load. When several attempts fail, remove the projectile by using an
approved method described in number 3.
3.MISCONCEPTION: 
PULLING A PROJECTILE IS A SAFE PRACTICE.
¥ Pulling a projectile is dangerous when there is a powder charge behind
the projectile. Three approved methods to remove a projectile from the
barrel are to: (1) Use a CO
2 discharger to blow the projectile from the bar-
rel; (2) work a little powder with a vent pick through the flintlock touchhole,
or remove the percussion nipple from the drum or bolster and work pow-
der into the flash channel. Replace the nipple, recap or reprime to dis-
charge; or (3) Remove the nipple and place the barrels breech in eight
inches of water to soak (deactivate) the main powder charge for about an
hour before pulling the projectile.
4.MISCONCEPTION: 
BLOW DOWN THE BARREL TO CLEAN OR CLEAR
THE VENT AND EXTINGUISH HOT SPARKS OR EMBERS.
¥ Blowing down the barrel is hazardous. Keep all parts of the body away
from the muzzle at all times. Point the muzzle only at the intended target.
G. BASIC ACCESSORIES FOR A MUZZLELOADER
1. LOADING ACCESSORIES
Propellant - Blackpowder or acceptable substitute such as Pyrodex or
Pyrodex Pellets (in approved guns only). NEVER USE SMOKELESS POW-
DER.
5 
						

							Projectile - Balls, bullets, sabots.
Ignition Source - Percussion Cap or Musket Cap.
Flask - To transport and dispense powder.
Powder Measure - To measure correct powder charge.
Bullet Starter - To start bullet down the barrel.
Capper - To carry and dispense percussion caps.
2. CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Solvent - Cleaning solution.
Patches - For cleaning inside of barrel.
Nipple Wrench - For installing and removing nipple.
Jag - Retains cleaning patch on end of ramrod.
3. OTHER NEEDED ACCESSORIES
Bullet Puller - For removing lodged bullet.
Patch Puller - For removing lodged patches.
Preloaders - To hold premeasured powder charge and bullet for quick
  reloading.
Nipple Pick - For cleaning nipple channel of fouling and/or debris.
H. BLACKPOWDER AND PYRODEX
WARNING: Many manufacturers, including CVA, are now promoting guns which
are designed to shoot heavier than standard powder charges. Some shooters
have become confused by advertising for these rifles and attempt to use heavier
charges and/or projectiles in guns which were not designed to handle the re-
sulting high pressures. Even some experienced shooters have made this mis-
take. Some have even used what is known as a duplex load, which is a mix-
ture of blackpowder and smokeless powder. Any percentage of smokeless pow-
der in a duplex load may create pressures equal to a pure smokeless charge
and could cause a blackpowder gun to explode. THESE LOADING PRAC-
TICES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! All shooters need to be completely
clear as to the recommended loads of each blackpowder gun that they own.
Only three types of propellant are acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading
firearms.
The first type is BLACKPOWDER. (IMPORTANT: The term blackpowder
refers to the formulation of the propellant, not the color. Many of the smokeless
propellants manufactured for modern cartridges or shotgun shells are also black in
color, but will create extremely dangerous pressures in the muzzleloading barrels.)
When purchasing blackpowder be certain that it is in the original manufacturerÕs
container and that the granulation or type is clearly marked on the label.
Blackpowder is manufactured in four specific types or granulations. The accompa-
nying chart will help identify the types and common usage:
6