what's it worth: cva mountain rifle kit gun

chickenmcnasty · September 22, 2014, 09:43 PM

Hey all,

I acquired an early CVA mountain rifle awhile back. The previous owner said his wife purchased it for him in kit form and he assembled it, but never shot it.
I've shot about 30 round balls through it and decided that I like the feel of my investarm hawken better and would like to sell this one.
Before I obtained the rifle it was unfired. I have browned the barrel and shimmed the lock with cardboard (temporary) and it functions great. The stock is in good shape with a few minor dings. the original ramrod was broken and is gone. I have replaced it with a synthetic ramrod.
The barrel has no markings to indicate whether it is USA made or not.
What is a fair asking price for this rifle? Thank you for your help.

wogpotter · September 23, 2014, 07:37 AM

Flint or percussion?

chickenmcnasty · September 23, 2014, 11:40 AM

Percussion

T. O'Heir · September 23, 2014, 01:35 PM

CVA hasn't made 'em for eons. However, there's no collector value. Most were made in Spain, but early rifles(80's vintage) are rumoured to have Douglas barrels.

wogpotter · September 23, 2014, 04:21 PM

I paid $130 for this one a year or 2 back.
Kit gun, CVA, its 2 strikes unfortunately.

FrontierGander · September 23, 2014, 06:17 PM

The cva mountain rifles have gained value over the last few years. I personally have sold a couple lately, one went for $450 and the other $345.

A kit gun will still bring in big bucks, BUT it does depend on how well its put together.

This is the last one I did,

chickenmcnasty · September 23, 2014, 06:26 PM

That is a beautiful rifle. Mine looks nothing like that! Maybe I will keep it around as a project gun

Captchee · September 24, 2014, 09:45 AM

I agree with frontier gander .
Actual CVA Mountian Rfles depending on their condition , are bring 3-500 . Especially if they have the Made in USA stamp on the barrel . A little less for those with made in Spain .
Im not sure what Deer Creek is selling theirs for. But I would guess its still right in there .

swathdiver · September 25, 2014, 12:28 AM

Wogpotter's is a Hawken Hunter.

wogpotter · September 25, 2014, 07:17 AM

Carbine.

NoSecondBest · September 25, 2014, 08:04 AM

Those kits sold for as little as ninety bucks back in the day. I doubt they have much value at all. I had one quite a while ago and it shot "OK" but overall quality was poor on the parts the gun was built with. It's worth what ever you can get for it. Kind of like used cars, there's an a$$ for every seat.

Captchee · September 25, 2014, 10:40 AM

Actually the CVA mountain rifle “Made in USA” sold for just a tad more then the TC rifles and very near the price of a Browning Hawkens . I would have to dig through some of my old records and catalogs to give you the actual price .
I do recall however buying TC hawkens “ my cost “ for less then 125.00 in kits and 130 .00 finished in 1992.
There were many others though . I can remember buying new mark wells for under 30.00
CVA’s biggest problem has always been the very cheep made version of the Maslin lock .
Which ironically while they used a poor quality lock . Most of the locks found on period rifles were of poor quality when compared to European high end locks of the same period .
So I guess quality then is in the eye of the beholder
Past that when it comes to accuracy even concerning the cheaper models , many times it not uncommon to find them holding their own against far more expensive and better made rifles .

IMO as prices climb on custom rifles , it would not surprise me to also see the prices on the CVA rifles climb even more . Oddly enough , even now they are selling even in poor shape , for at or more then what they sold for new .
Look at Traditions , basically the same guns and for the most part same quality .

wogpotter · September 25, 2014, 10:47 AM

My1989 CVA catalog lists the built mountain rifle for $397~$289 brand spankin new.
The hunter carbine was listed for 243.95

You're correct about the lock, mine had not been hardened & wore to a hair trigger within the first 100 rounds. The local smith replaced & hardened some parts to get it working again.

Captchee · September 25, 2014, 10:56 AM

Quote:

I paid $130 for this one a year or 2 back.
Kit gun, CVA, its 2 strikes unfortunately

does sit actually take two falls to fire ?
if so , there were three common issues that caused this on CVA rifles
a) weak main spring "Very Common "
b) wrong nipple for cap. Factory nipples were turned to metric size . not only in threads but also size of neck . this caused under sized caps to not seat completely
c) hammer or internal components rubbing on stock. this cause the locks to drag. this also was very common do to the locks being made of softer parts . if folks over tightened the lock bolts , it would warp the lock plat and cause an issue .
you however have the larger heavier lock . so warping the lock plate wasn’t as big an issue . however they still suffered from weak main springs as well as hammer rub .
Most common however was still the main spring issue .
It should take a little force to cock and then strike with enough force that you wouldn’t want your finger under the hammer when it falls

Captchee · September 25, 2014, 11:03 AM

Quote:

My1989 CVA catalog lists the built mountain rifle for $397~$289 brand spankin new.
The hunter carbine was listed for 243.95

i was speaking of the original CVA Mt Rifles sold int the lat 70's through early 80's

wogpotter · September 25, 2014, 12:36 PM

You misunderstand.
I didn't mean 2 strikes to fire a primer, I was using the baseball analogy of "3 strikes & you're out".

FrontierGander · September 25, 2014, 04:50 PM

over tightening your lock screws can cause the hammer to slow down and not strike with enough force. Loosen them up and then just slightly snug them down.

Captchee · September 26, 2014, 09:42 AM

LOL
i gotcha Wagpotter

wogpotter · September 26, 2014, 10:20 AM

Funny thing is I really like my .50 CVA carbine.
Its not a "money gun" but it is a sweet shooting little devil.

swathdiver · September 27, 2014, 04:48 AM

I stand corrected! Hawken Hunter Carbine. I should have noticed the lack of 2nd ramrod thimble!

Kids like our Hawken Hunter but prefer so far the Frontier and are hoping they grow tall enough for the Mountain Rifles!

wogpotter · September 27, 2014, 09:20 AM

When I was first offered it I was dubious. Short BBL, B/P & so on. A friend was way more enthusiastic & convinced me to go for it anyway & I'm glad I did. Its not just the length in brush but the whole balance is so much better than say a GPR with that long heavy barrel.

Its also accurate enough with PRB's that I put a short ladder sight on it as well as the factory open irons.

DD4lifeusmc · September 27, 2014, 02:35 PM

I bought mine as a kit through Montgomery Wards in 1978 or 1979.
If i remember correctly it was like $159 or there abouts.
I've continued to shoot it all these years (35).
Never have had a problem with it.
It has always been reliable and a tack driver.
best picture I have of it right now.

September 22, 2014, 09:43 PM	#1
chickenmcnasty Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 158	what's it worth: cva mountain rifle kit gun Hey all, I acquired an early CVA mountain rifle awhile back. The previous owner said his wife purchased it for him in kit form and he assembled it, but never shot it. I've shot about 30 round balls through it and decided that I like the feel of my investarm hawken better and would like to sell this one. Before I obtained the rifle it was unfired. I have browned the barrel and shimmed the lock with cardboard (temporary) and it functions great. The stock is in good shape with a few minor dings. the original ramrod was broken and is gone. I have replaced it with a synthetic ramrod. The barrel has no markings to indicate whether it is USA made or not. What is a fair asking price for this rifle? Thank you for your help.

September 23, 2014, 07:37 AM	#2
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Flint or percussion? __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

September 23, 2014, 01:35 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	CVA hasn't made 'em for eons. However, there's no collector value. Most were made in Spain, but early rifles(80's vintage) are rumoured to have Douglas barrels. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

September 23, 2014, 04:21 PM	#5
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	I paid $130 for this one a year or 2 back. Kit gun, CVA, its 2 strikes unfortunately. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

September 23, 2014, 06:17 PM	#6
FrontierGander Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: Boncarbo,Colorado Posts: 651	The cva mountain rifles have gained value over the last few years. I personally have sold a couple lately, one went for $450 and the other $345. A kit gun will still bring in big bucks, BUT it does depend on how well its put together. This is the last one I did, __________________ https://buckskinsbp.blogspot.com/

September 23, 2014, 11:40 AM	#3
chickenmcnasty Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 158	Percussion

September 23, 2014, 06:26 PM	#7
chickenmcnasty Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 158	That is a beautiful rifle. Mine looks nothing like that! Maybe I will keep it around as a project gun

September 24, 2014, 09:45 AM	#8
Captchee Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2013 Posts: 439	I agree with frontier gander . Actual CVA Mountian Rfles depending on their condition , are bring 3-500 . Especially if they have the Made in USA stamp on the barrel . A little less for those with made in Spain . Im not sure what Deer Creek is selling theirs for. But I would guess its still right in there .

September 25, 2014, 12:28 AM	#9
swathdiver Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Location: Treasure Coast, Florida Posts: 335	Wogpotter's is a Hawken Hunter. __________________ “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” - Job 38:3

September 25, 2014, 07:17 AM	#10
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Carbine. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

September 25, 2014, 08:04 AM	#11
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Those kits sold for as little as ninety bucks back in the day. I doubt they have much value at all. I had one quite a while ago and it shot "OK" but overall quality was poor on the parts the gun was built with. It's worth what ever you can get for it. Kind of like used cars, there's an a$$ for every seat.

September 25, 2014, 10:40 AM	#12
Captchee Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2013 Posts: 439	Actually the CVA mountain rifle “Made in USA” sold for just a tad more then the TC rifles and very near the price of a Browning Hawkens . I would have to dig through some of my old records and catalogs to give you the actual price . I do recall however buying TC hawkens “ my cost “ for less then 125.00 in kits and 130 .00 finished in 1992. There were many others though . I can remember buying new mark wells for under 30.00 CVA’s biggest problem has always been the very cheep made version of the Maslin lock . Which ironically while they used a poor quality lock . Most of the locks found on period rifles were of poor quality when compared to European high end locks of the same period . So I guess quality then is in the eye of the beholder Past that when it comes to accuracy even concerning the cheaper models , many times it not uncommon to find them holding their own against far more expensive and better made rifles . IMO as prices climb on custom rifles , it would not surprise me to also see the prices on the CVA rifles climb even more . Oddly enough , even now they are selling even in poor shape , for at or more then what they sold for new . Look at Traditions , basically the same guns and for the most part same quality .

September 25, 2014, 10:47 AM	#13
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	My1989 CVA catalog lists the built mountain rifle for $397~$289 brand spankin new. The hunter carbine was listed for 243.95 You're correct about the lock, mine had not been hardened & wore to a hair trigger within the first 100 rounds. The local smith replaced & hardened some parts to get it working again. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

September 25, 2014, 12:36 PM	#16
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	You misunderstand. I didn't mean 2 strikes to fire a primer, I was using the baseball analogy of "3 strikes & you're out". __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

September 25, 2014, 04:50 PM	#17
FrontierGander Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: Boncarbo,Colorado Posts: 651	over tightening your lock screws can cause the hammer to slow down and not strike with enough force. Loosen them up and then just slightly snug them down. __________________ https://buckskinsbp.blogspot.com/

September 26, 2014, 09:42 AM	#18
Captchee Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2013 Posts: 439	LOL i gotcha Wagpotter

September 26, 2014, 10:20 AM	#19
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Funny thing is I really like my .50 CVA carbine. Its not a "money gun" but it is a sweet shooting little devil. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

September 27, 2014, 04:48 AM	#20
swathdiver Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Location: Treasure Coast, Florida Posts: 335	I stand corrected! Hawken Hunter Carbine. I should have noticed the lack of 2nd ramrod thimble! Kids like our Hawken Hunter but prefer so far the Frontier and are hoping they grow tall enough for the Mountain Rifles! __________________ “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” - Job 38:3

September 27, 2014, 09:20 AM	#21
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	When I was first offered it I was dubious. Short BBL, B/P & so on. A friend was way more enthusiastic & convinced me to go for it anyway & I'm glad I did. Its not just the length in brush but the whole balance is so much better than say a GPR with that long heavy barrel. Its also accurate enough with PRB's that I put a short ladder sight on it as well as the factory open irons. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”