Used CVA Bobcat - how not to get a lemon

[abaddon]

Hi,

I'm looking at a couple used .50 CVA Bobcats in some nearby pawnshops. Any tips on how not to get a lemon? I'm new to muzzleloading and will be using it for Blacktail in Western Washington. I have a drop-in bore light to use to check for rust and pitting in the barrel. Any other suggestions?

 

[Chawbaccer]

What is the price? They were fifty-sixty bucks new.

 

[abaddon]

One was $150, but without a ramrod. Another was $180 with the ramrod. They were at two different pawnshops so I assumed that was as good as it gets. I've been shopping around a lot and I couldn't find anything anywhere, new or used, for under $120. Is it possible that they're just really expensive in my area? (Vancouver, WA)

 

[mykeal]

It's possible that the supply is limited and that's affecting the price.

But, as to your original question, how not to get a lemon: barrel condition is everything. The bore light is essential but may not tell enough of the story (I bought a 20 year old T/C Hawken that completely failed the bore light test due to dirt and crud in the barrel. But it had never been shot, and after a couple dozen cleanings the barrel was brand new).

I doubt if the pawn shops would allow it, but the real test is to run some cleaning patches to get rid of surface dirt/rust and identify pitting underneath. Use a mineral oil based bp solvent on the cleaning patches, run a few through, then dry patches, inspect, and repeat.

Another thing to look for is bulging of the barrel, especially near the breech. A tight dry patch will be hard to push down the bore, then speed up in the bulged section.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Looking around, I dont think CVA makes them anymore. Ford Pintos aren't made anymore either.

If you are going to buy it, every thing above and I'll add to pull the lock off and see if it is rusty on the back side.

 

[abaddon]

No, CVA doesn't make them anymore.

How do you pull the lock off?

 

[Chawbaccer]

Should be a screw on the left side of the gun, opposite the lock.

 

[Mike 56]

I have a Bobcat and i like it . I would not spend tat kind of money on a used one. Here is a link for a new Deerhunter rifle that is about the same rifle for less money new. http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00139R35108150

Mike

 

[arcticap]

Plus the Deerhunter has adjustable fiber optic sights.

Here's a never fired Bobcat on Gunbroker:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=115297315

Here's a used Bobcat in excellent condition:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=115351181

Plus there's plenty more BP guns if you go to the Gunbroker home page and click on "Powder" under "Collectible Firearms".

Also go to www.auctionarms.com and click on "Firearms:Black Powder".

 

[frontiergander]

deerhunter has plastic sights which suck major rear end.

Bobcat new was only $120. Offer the pawn shop $75 if they turn it down, tell them to pull out the book and look up the price of a new one.

 

[arcticap]

The Deerhunter's adjustable sights work just fine. They're functionally accurate, bright and help with rapid target aquisition, and mine have been durable.
One the other hand, the Bobcat's rear sight is fixed and the brass front blade can be difficult to distinguish in some light conditions and against some backgrounds. It's also more difficult to sight in when switching between shooting different projectiles.
Being 2 inches longer, the Bobcat's barrel does have a longer sighting plane which helps to promote accuracy.
But I've handled several Bobcats and all of their triggers were rather heavy, while the trigger weight on my Deerhunter is light and pleasant.

 

[frontiergander]

The cva bobcat i had was made in 1999 and had adjustable metal sights. Same with the mountain stalker we have now.