New For 2025: CVA Optima V3

by
posted on June 11, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
CVA Optima V3 01
Images courtesy of BPI Outdoors.

After getting its start with traditional models, CVA has moved to the forefront of modern muzzleloaders. Its Optima occupies the space between CVA’s entry-level Wolf and its premium Accura in the company’s break-open action muzzleloader lineup. New for 2025, the company is offering an updated version of the Optima.

Right side of the CVA Optima V3 muzzleloader.
The third generation of the CVA Optima is redesigned for modularity and adjustability.

The major change for the new Optimas is greater modularity and adjustability. Comb height can be adjusted with two included cheek risers of different heights to match the sighting system used. Length-of-pull can be changed through the use of a 1” spacer that fits between the stock and recoil pad. The stock uses a re-designed semi-vertical pistol grip with an ambidextrous palm swell designed for optimal trigger reach. Updated texturing is added to the pistol grip and fore-end areas.

Right side of the CVA Optima V3 muzzleloader with all-black metal finish and camouflage furniture.
The new Optima is available with three finish and sighting options. The option with a black nitride finish, Realtree Legacy camouflage furniture and Williams fiber-optic sights is shown.

Additional updates include a new Picatinny scope base and a hammer extension that can be mounted to the right or left side for ease of use with mounted optics. Its 26” fluted stainless-steel barrel has a .50-cal. bore with a 1:28” twist rate. The base weight for the rifle is 6.2 lbs.

A CVA Optima V3 muzzleloader shown with a mounted riflescope and a tan rifle case.
The Optima is also offered with as a package with a factory-mounted scope and soft case.

The V3 Optima comes with three finish options—stainless steel with black furniture or a black nitride finish on metal components with either OD green or Realtree Legacy camouflage furniture. Sighting options include a Picatinny scope base mounted to the barrel, adjustable Williams fiber optic sights, or a package that includes a factory-mounted Konus 3-9X 40 mm scope with BDC reticle and soft case. The new Optimas have MSRPs from $395 to $695, depending on finish and sighting options. For more information, see the company’s website.

Latest

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

2nd Amendment Freedom is on the Ballot

This midterm election on November 3 will soon be behind us. We could see, come January 2027, a Congress that respects our Second Amendment freedom, or the American electorate could vote in the opposite.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.