CVA Serial Numbers

[RetPara]

Does anyone have a link to where I can research a list of CVA blackpowder rifles?

Scored a 50 cal mountain rifle in a trade yesterday that appears never to have been fired. Just trying to check the actual age.

 

[bpd303]

If I remember the CVA records were lost in a fire so researching by SRN is very difficult. Are there any proof marks on the barrel? If there is a K in the SRN that indicates a kit gun. I have heard the first two digits of the SRN, of the later Spanish barrels are the year code.
Early barrels were made in the U.S. later ones were Spanish. If there are proof marks, this may help. http://9mmlargo.com/year_codes.htm

 

[necchi]

These two topics started by member Walks Alone years ago and the links that are found in the many responses are about the best compilation of information currently available on the internet.
Be sure to read carefully to find the myth busting info and follow the other links if you really want the proper info.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/239421/ http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/239569/

 

[smo]

Thanks for reposting those threads Necchi :hatsoff: I have a MR and it's been awhile since I pulled it out of the dungeon ,but I'm almost sure it has made in Spain on the bottom side of the barrel...I'll see if I can pull her out and dust her off to make sure.

 

[Zonie]

I never heard of a fire at CVA that destroyed their records. Might of happened but I don't know.

I do know that Thompson Center had a fire that destroyed their records of the serial numbers on their muzzleloaders so tracking down one of their Hawkens S/N's is not possible.

As for CVA, they were always importers and I rather doubt that they have kept any of the serial number information for the muzzleloading guns they sold.
Even if they did keep them, they quit importing traditional muzzleloaders several years ago so they probably dumped all of the records of their earlier sales.

 

[necchi]

they probably dumped all of the records of their earlier sales.

Yup, I can't remember the name of the source but it was an old employee. CVA did a Corporate Headquarters move several years ago and that's exactly where the records went, all the stuff from the 80's and earlier simply went into a dumpster and off to a landfill.
I've been following this CVA Mountain Rifle stuff for a few years myself, and as I noted those two topics are still the best current compiled source of info about them.

 

[ColinjW]

How much can you buy a set of the 45 black powder pistol and 50 call black powder rifle for?

 

[user 48679]

My Spanish-barreled .50cal CVA Mountain Premier Grade Rifle has a 2-digit SN prefix that shows the DOM.

The prefix is "88", indicating it was made in 1988, but according to a catalog was issued in 1990.

 

[mooman76]

CVA did not have a fire destroying records. Like Zonie said it was T/C. Also they never put a K in the S/N indicating "kit gun" either.

 

[ord sgt]

This CVA kit was bought in the late 1970's only has a six digit serial number, starting with 13xxxx. That would not indicate the year of manufacture

 

[necchi]

How much can you buy a set of the 45 black powder pistol and 50 call black powder rifle for?

Some-wheres between 300$ and 5,000$.
Honestly it's a regional issue, some areas have more BP firearms available then others. Entry level used pistols can be had for around 200 each and rifles about the same or a bit more, bargains can be found if you search.
But your question is like "How much does a car cost?"

 

[DAVIEB1]

View attachment 71131
This CVA kit was bought in the late 1970's only has a six digit serial number, starting with 13xxxx. That would not indicate the year of manufacture

I must have a very early CVA as it has a six digit S/N, 024XXX. There is no model name stamped on the barrel.

View attachment 71131
This CVA kit was bought in the late 1970's only has a six digit serial number, starting with 13xxxx. That would not indicate the year of manufacture

I must have a very early CVA as it too has only a six digit S/N, 02XXXX. Also, there is no model name stamped anywhere on the barrel.

 

[DAVIEB1]

I must have a very early CVA as it has a six digit S/N, 024XXX. There is no model name stamped on the barrel.

I must have a very early CVA as it too has only a six digit S/N, 02XXXX. Also, there is no model name stamped anywhere on the barrel.View attachment 351484

 

[Dave Dworshak]

T/C has prefix K for kit.