CVA BigBore problems - HELP

[bbassi]

Hi all - I posted here about a month ago about a CVA Big bore that I picked up for what I thought was a steal. Well now I'm wondering who got robbed! DOH!

I've had the gun for a month or so and when I bought it it looked neglected, but now I wonder if it was abused. Today was the first day I had a chance to dis-assemble it. When I bought it I couldn't set the set trigger, and so once I had the trigger guard off I tried turning the setscrew between the triggers. The screw immediately broke in half! And no, I don't think I used excessive pressure.

The second thing I did was remove the lock. I noticed that there was a ton of travel in the main trigger before the hammer would fall, and now I know why. There is a part on the lock that sticks out about 1/2 inch past everything else on the lock. When pulled, it trips the hammer. (I'll call it the "firing pin" for lack of proper nomenclature, sorry, I'm still new to all this I guess). Anyway, this piece of the lock looks like it should be straight, but is bent up at a 45% angle and has two distinctive groves in it. My guess, not a good thing.

One more thing - The whole assembly seems really gunked up. When I bought the gun the previous owner said it was second had to him but doubted it had 50 rounds through it from both owners. My un-educated guess is neither owner ever cleaned the packing grease out before shooting it, which may account for the problems.

OK - here are my questions:

1. Where the heck do I find replacement parts for this gun?

2. Do I dare try to bend the "firing pin" back to what I think should be a straight angle? (I'm not a metal worker)

3. I am wondering if the lock assembly is generic enough that I might just buy a whole new lock. Does anyone know if the locks on the CVA big bores were unique to this gun, or would any CVA lock work?

The gun is very pretty with a Birdseye maple stock, and what I believe is a low serial number (002816), so I really want to shoot it before I make a decision on whether to keep it or sell it. You folks here are a wealth of knowledge and I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks

 

[breech]

Hi,I broke off one of them set screws once to,only the head of he screw boke in half.What model is it.That fireing pin thing your thinkin of bendin probably will bend just fine as long as it isnt cast steel.As far as part replacement for your gun I am under the understanding deer creek now has them.I do own a cva gun.It is a trophy stalker.It has a lifetime garantee on it,yours might to.Good Luck.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

You really ought to replace the sear. It almost certainly is cast steel and if it's grooved, it's either worn out or too soft. This gun may have CVA's ubiquitous "Maslin" lock. Parts may be available from Deer Creek--it couldn't hurt to give them a call. 505-836-5430

 

[Rebel]

You may get a replacement lock from Deer Creek. I also think that L&R makes a replacement lock for CVA guns. You might check with them and see if they have one for the Big Bore Mt. rifle. That long piece that the trigger bar hits to release the hammer is the sear bar. Not sure if you would have much luck trying to bend it back. You may be able to get a new sear from Deer Creek and just replace it instead of the whole lock. As for the set trigger screw you broke. is there any of it sticking out? If so, soak it in some penetrating oil like liquid wrench over night at least. If you have a Dremel tool you might cut a new slot in it. If not may a small set of vise grips on it and after soaking it, you may be able to screw it out. You should be able to find a replacement screw ok.

 

[thehorn]

Parts for CVAs are available from Deer Creek products (1-765-525-6181) as well as Dixie Gun Works. Complete locks can also be had on eBay, just check in with the seller before the auction ends as to lock dimensions to ensure you get what you're looking for as I'm not sure that all CVA percussion rifle locks are uniform. I have a mountain rifle and am quite pleased with it. Replacing a set screw for the DST and a sear is a minor inconvenience and shouldn't spoil your thoughts on the gun.
thehorn

 

[Runner]

CVA has some of the parts for the lock, but not the whole thing. DeerCreek will sell you the whole lock, but for the price you are better off by far with the replacements. He quoted me either 70 or 90 bucks for an original replacement. Both prices are unacceptable with the current price of a quality replacement lock. Yes, the arm can be bent back down, but you take the chance of breaking it. The bend is not uncommon on these guns if they have seen a lot of set trigger use. Grooves worn indicates a whole lot of usage. Hopefully that is TV shooting, not firing line time. The lock is the same lock as the Mountain pistol used with one screw hole located different and a fly. The sear from the pistol locks is the same.