Who made the better muzzleloader

[Maven]

Rifleman, I'm very interested in T/C's "sins." When you have the time, I'd love to read about them via a PM if not here. Btw, what I didn't say is that the "like new" T/C smoothbore I recently acquired had a serious lock issue* that rendered the gun unreliable and frankly unsafe, as it wouldn't maintain full cock. I've since repaired it and am now very pleased with it. OTOH, my Cherokee and Hawken, both since sold, were perfect in every way and accurate, the former especially so.


*The bridle was poorly fitted/loose and rough, allowing indifferent or intermittent sear engagement. A bit of polishing and some blue Loctite took care of the problem once and for all.

 

[BrownBear]

I've seen outstanding examples of both, as well as really rotten ones.

But I have to say the run-of-the-mill is lots higher for TC. It really surprises me to come across a rotten TC, but I kind of expect it with CVA, pleasantly surprised when one turns out to meet average standards for TCs.

 

[cynthialee]

You can't ask a question like that in here! You might start a rumble.

If I could put a CVA barrel on a T/C stock with a T/C lock then I'd have the best of both worlds.

CVA put really good barrels on crap stocks with crap locks. Who even does that!?

I do like the CVA Mountain Stalker I have. It is right on target with a mere 50-55 grains of 3F. But it is on a plastic stock and that makes it an embarrassment. The lock is functional, but it isn't anything to write home about. Even the ramrod is some type of synthetic creation.
Now my T/C rifles are pretty good solid work horses and one is rather good looking wood for a T/C. But they don't shoot any better than the CVA rifle. They just look somewhat better and I am more confident with the locks on them.

If I am going to be seen out and about with a rifle, it darn sure ain't going to be the one that embarrasses me. :wink:

 

[coloradoclyde]

You can't ask a question like that in here! You might start a rumble.

:haha: I hope not....That's why I've been keeping my mouth shut for the most part....

Truly enjoying everyone's comments.... :thumbsup:

 

[FishDFly]

I believe the opera is over.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Nope... :nono: There are at least a half dozen good points that have yet to be made.......

Remember, your participation is voluntary...

 

[Cowboy]

I own two TC hawken rifles and one CVA Hawken rifle. I think that TC is far superior than CVA. Both in QC and reliability.TC also has an excellent warranty service, even though Smith&Wesson bought the company. Years ago I had a hair line crack in the stock of a second hand TC Hawken that was given to me and TC replaced the stock, no questions asked. They even paid the shipping both ways. I like my TC Hawken's, even with all the brass bells and whistle's. Respectfully, cowboys1062.

 

[FishDFly]

The lady is well spoken, opera is final for me.

 

[Larry Beach]

It seems to me that there is a lot of CVA hate out there on the Internet. I waded into a CVA hate forum and put my opinion in, just to be ganged up on like a pack of rabid Wolves..
I have a FEW CVA 50's and a 1970's 54 TC kit and TC .50 prefab rifle. It wasn't like later kits with a blued barrel and all you had to do was a bit of sanding.
I had to actually Bull File the grinding marks out of the Barrel and fit the stock. The result is a beautiful gun that is accurate.
I think the Thompson used better wood, they both shoot great! In my opinion the difference came down to over all QA of the finished product with CVA being a little looser. This makes complete sense as they cost quite a bit less.
It also seemed to me the CVA took more shots through it to "shoot in" the barrel.
After all is said and done, you get what you pay for.I think many people gave up on their CVA's before they shot them in good. After 100 rounds the Thompson was grouping very well, it took 2-3 X that with the CVA's (mid 90's-2009) With that being said, they both can out shoot my abilities!
IT IS KIND OF LIKE ASKING WHICH ONE OF YOUR KIDS YOU LOVE MORE. I care very deeply about my BP's
I like my CVA's better than my Traditions Deer Hunter by a bit but not quite equal to the TC's.
My local dealer let me walk out the door with a NOS Bobcat for $50.00 because he couldn't sell it in 2010. I filled the Synthetic stock with lead and it helped TREMENDOUSLY with recoil and my accuracy with it. I Have one of those Kodiak .45
new types we don't talk about, but my heart isn't in it, and I haven't even fired it tho I've owned it for 6 years....
MY SCORE....T/C 80...CVA 70.......
For the money you cant or couldn't beat either.
Neither match the quality of my Lyman....
But that would be a whole new Thread!!!!!
THANKS FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!
Remember, there are no wrong answers in an opinion!

 

[Dewey]

Neither match the quality of my Lyman....

And THAT is the TRUTH !!!

But as to the Q, I thought that the TCs were better made of the rifles I've handled, so I bought a TC Hawken kit when I first started. But before I even got started good on it, discovered that it was nothing like a real Hawken, so sold it and bought a GPR. Never regretted it. Finally sold it (the GPR) to buy my first flinter.

(Here comes the refrain ...)

"I should have kept it."

Fine shooting rifle (for a caplock)!

But if it wasn't for the historical thing, I would have kept the TC.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Are you implying that the fat lady has sang? As Yogi said:"It ain't over until the fat lady sings!" :idunno: :idunno:

 

[coloradoclyde]

The lady is well spoken, opera is final for me.

Goodbye!....See you on the next topic.... :yakyak:

 

[FishDFly]

I was not going to call Cynthialee fat, I do not know her that well, but she does have an insight into what she posts.

 

[Dewey]

I was not going to call Cynthialee fat, I do not know her that well, but she does have an insight into what she posts.

Besides, she is ARMED !!!

 

[FishDFly]

Thank goodness she lives a long drive from me.

But then again I have guard cats to protect me.

 

[Rat Trapper]

I prefer the Tc rifles and have never had any problems with them.

 

[old ugly]

reliability and good groups, TC is better than cva its not original looking though.

 

[nhmoose]

I have owned several TC they were not great IMHO but way better than CVA.

I had 2 CVA's in the early 70's 1 "Kentucky rifle" 1 "Kentucky percussion Pistol" Their description not mine. Both truly were JUNK.

I never bought another CVA and have avoided them the same as Alden does with most India made stuff. (IMHO the India made is way above the original CVA)