New CVA Optima V2 Pistols for 2023

The well known and greatly loved CVA Optima V2 Pistol is undoubtably the most popular inline muzzleloader pistol on the market to present date. After discontinuing production for a couple of years, CVA and Muzzle-Loaders.com have teamed up to bring this pistol line back to market. We are thrilled to offer this exciting and highly desired muzzleloader pistol at our store!

This year the CVA Optima V2 Pistol will be available in the classic black grip/stainless steel barrel configuration as has been standard for the last 2 years. Additionally, CVA has revived the classic camo grip/stainless steel barrel configuration and added a brand new Veil Wideland Camo grip and FDE Cerakote treated stainless steel barrel. This marks the first expansion of the CVA Optima V2 Pistol line up in years, and is a testament to the pistols continued and growing popularity.

Click on any of the images below to go directly to the associated product page!

Standard Black/Stainless

The classic black and stainless model provides the most cost effective option of the 3 CVA Optima V2 pistol models. Of course the performance is still top tier and this version comes with all the same key functional features as the camo variations.

Classic Camo/Stainless

Brought back to market for 2023, the classic camo and stainless CVA Optima V2 Pistol is back! Over the last 2 years we have had countless requests by our customers to revive this version and this year we were able to team up with CVA to get it done. The camo and stainless option provides all the same great features as the original black and stainless, but with the added aesthetic appeal of the camo fore and hand grips.

New Veil Wideland/FDE Cerakote

New to the CVA Optima V2 pistol line up, the Veil Wideland & FDE Cerakote model has already garnered attention from many. This sleek new rendition of the Optima V2 Pistol not only looks amazing, but also features a Cerakote treated barrel and receiver providing extra protection against rust and corrosion. We are pleased to team up with CVA to roll out this new model for the first time ever in 2023!

Built to hunt this pistol is a powerful .50 caliber hand cannon capable of dispatching just about any big game animal on the planet and has been used to take down deer, elk, black bear, brown bear, cape buffalo and just about anything else in between.

Featuring a 14” barrel machined from 416 grade stainless steel, the pistol is capable of accepting up to 100 grains (by volume) of black powder or black powder substitute (excluding Blackhorn 209, see further down for details). The charge and barrel length combination allow for accurate fire to be placed on target up to 125 yards with solid repeatability.

One of the great benefits of the Optima V2 Pistol being a muzzleloader is that the powder charge can be adjusted to accommodate any shooter. While we recommend sticking with the full 100 grain charge for hunting applications, if you are introducing new shooters to the gun out at the range the charge can be dialed back. This will allow everyone to enjoy the shooting experience with out fear of a massive amount of recoil. For fist time or smaller in stature shooters, we recommend a 50 grain charge for a less intimidating experience.

Included with the pistol are a Durasight scope rail, CVA Palmsaver ramrod, and quick removable breech plug. The pistol also comes with sling studs included which can be installed after the pistol has been received.

The included scope rail will allow for picatinny and weaver style attachments for scopes, red dots or any other rail mounted sights or optics desired. It is worth noting that the pistol is also drilled and tapped to accept the open sight set up below, however, the rail must be removed to install the open sights. You can view the open sight set by clicking on the image below.

Red Dot Equipped Pre-Assembled Packages

Alternatively, we have selected a cost-effective Vortex Crossfire red dot to offer with the pistols in a combination package. These combos come laser bore sighted and ready to be sighted in at the range right out of the box. Our team also offers custom package builds and setups upon request, so if you don't see what you are after please feel free to reach out!

Classic Black/Stainless with Vortex Crossfire Red Dot

Realtree Edge Camo/Stainless with Vortex Crossfire Red Dot

Veil Wideland Camo/FDE Cerakote with Vortex Crossfire Red Dot

Recommended Load Information

When it comes to actually getting out on the range and shooting this pistol we often get asked what the best loads are to get started. Below we have compiled a number of component recommendations that we have had good results with out of the Optima V2 Pistol. Please note that the powder charge recommendation is geared with hunting in mind, however, the charge can be reduced for more recoil sensitive shooters for target shooting applications. The safe powder charge range for the Optima V2 Pistol is no lower than 50 grains and no higher than 100 grains of black powder or black powder substitute by volume.

Please note that if you intend to shoot Blackhorn 209 you will need to reduce the maximum charge by 20% to stay within the safety specs of the pistol. You will also need to purchase one of the Blackhorn 209 Breech plugs pictured below.

Blackhorn 209 Breech Plug - Stainless	Blackhorn 209 Breech Plug - Black

For hunting applications we recommend using 100 grains of either IMR White Hot pellets, or Hodgdon Triple 7 FFFG if you prefer loose powder.

IMR White Hots - Pelletized Powder	Hodgdon Triple Se7en FFFG - Loose Powder

For bullets we recommend the Hornady Bore Driver FTX 290 Grain Projectile or the Thor Lightning 300 grain bullet. Both projectiles are suitable for taking any North American big game animals at 125 yards and closer.

Hornady Bore Driver FTX - 290 Grain	Thor Lightning Bullet - 300 Grain

For primers we recommend either Federal 209A, CCI 209M or Cheddite Clerinox CX2000 magnum 209 shotshell primers. 

Federal 209A Magnum Shotshell Primers	CCI 209M Magnum Shotshell Primers	Cheddite CX2000 Magnum Shotshell Primers

Muzzle velocities will vary a little, however, you should expect to see around 1400 feet per second using any combination of the load recommendations above.

Personal Thoughts From Hunter Reddington - Muzzle-Loaders.com

The pistol has good ergonomics and is comfortable to handle. You will notice the pistol has some weight to it which is to be expected and comes in handy when shooting. I would note due to the size of the pistol it is awkward to handle it like a standard hand gun and may require an unorthodox, split two-hand grip to properly balance and accurately fire the gun. That does take a bit of practice to hone in when shooting off hand, however, it is not a significant hurdle.

The fit and finish of the pistol are quite nice. For the price point I think CVA has done a good job of creating good tight-fitting components that provide an aesthetically pleasing pistol. The trigger is crisp, the hammer is firm and hits hard ensuring consistent ignitions. The integrated breeching lever works as advertised and is the same design as what you would find on the Optima V2 rifles. The attached hammer spur is a nice feature if you end up mounting a scope and it provides greater surface area for your thumb for ease of use.

My only point of criticism with the setup would be the ramrod. CVA has included a ramrod that is suitable for loading, however, since the CVA ramrods no longer come threaded you will need to have a different cleaning rod on hand.

On another positive note, CVA does include swivel studs that can be installed if you want to carry the pistol with a sling. I think that is a nice feature and added value for the pistol. I will note that Windhill holsters also manufactures a holster for the CVA Optima V2 pistol which you can view by clicking the image below.

Overall, I would rate this pistol a solid 9 out of 10, the gun does what it is designed to do and does it with good repeatability and consistency. Additionally, the design is thoughtful and comfortable to use. It is easy to clean since CVA has equipped it with the same QRBP breech plug that they have in their rifles. This gun is sure to be a good time at the range for anyone.

If you are looking for a cost-effective big bore hunting pistol the CVA Optima V2 would certainly be at the top of my recommendations list.

Additional Video Resources

Want to see it in action? Checkout this video where Gary Lewis unboxes and fires the CVA Optima V2 Pistol.

For a little more information watch Darren Binder & Chad Schearer team up to provide a concise overview of the CVA Optima V2 Pistol and its features.

Of course if you have any questions about the CVA Optima V2 Pistol or any other muzzleloading products, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team any time via email at sales@muzzle-loaders.com. We can also be reached by phone (855) 236-5000 and live chat during business hours, Monday-Friday 7am to 4pm Pacific Time.

Why We Are Here

We just wanted to let you how much you are loved by God. In the Bible, the gospel of John chapter 3 verse 16 tells us "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - NASB 1995. His Son is Jesus Christ our Savior.

Wether you ever buy anything from us or not, we want to make sure we are using the platform God has provided to us to ensure the good news of salvation from sin and death goes out to all the world. Some day muzzleloading will cease, but life with God never will if you believe in Jesus Christ. If you are questioning where you are going to go when this life comes to an end you are not alone. Today is the day of salvation, if you know the Holy Spirit is prompting you to confess your sins to God and ask for His mercy through the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross for you, don't wait. Ask Him today to save you from your sins and make you into a new creation and He will do it. 

Romans 10:9: "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - NASB 1995

May God bless you and keep you in His arms. We love you and are here if you have any questions.