SHOTGUN Warranty Information You can Shoot it™ WARNING You must read this prior to construction or shooting.
Muzzleloading Shotguns Replicas of original muzzleloading guns are as faithful to the original designs as possible. For this reason, replicas cannot be made with many of the refinements and features the shooter has come to expect as standard on modern cartridge firearms. Each shooter should remember that now, just as in colonial days, there is no way to build a shotgun to absolve the user of the need to use good judgment. When handled properly, a shotgun is a safe and enjoyable firearm to shoot.
Table of Contents A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q Page Important Cautions .......................................................................... 2 Introduction ....................................................................................... 3 Blackpowder ...................................................................................... 4 Preparation Before Loading ............................................................. 6 Recommended Blackpowder Charges ..............................
A. IMPORTANT CAUTIONS 1. 2. 3. Always wear shatter proof shooting glasses and ear protection. Use blackpowder only. (See page 4.) Never fire a muzzleloading shotgun unless wad (or ball) is firmly seated against powder charge. 4. Do not exceed recommended maximum powder charges. (See page 9.) 5. Never lean over (or stand in front of) muzzle at any time. 6. Never attempt to shoot out a wad (or ball) which is not firmly seated against powder charge. 7.
B. INTRODUCTION 1. This manual contains instructions, cautions and dangers for the safe use of CVA muzzleloading shotguns. They should be FOLLOWED COMPLETELY. 2. When properly handled, a muzzleloading shotgun is safe and enjoyable to use, if you follow a FEW BASIC RULES. 3. There is no way to build a muzzleloading shotgun to absolve the user of the need to use GOOD JUDGMENT. Do not abuse your muzzleloading shotgun. 4.
C. BLACKPOWDER 1. BLACKPOWDER is the only safe propellant to use in any muzzleloading firearm. Pyrodex RS is an acceptable substitute. 2. The term BLACKPOWDER does not mean any powder that is black in color. Modern smokeless powders are also black in color. Always be sure that the blackpowder used is commercially manufactured blackpowder for use in muzzleloaders, offered for sale by a reputable dealer.
CAUTION: Never smoke while loading, shooting or handling blackpowder. Always follow manufacturer’s safety precautions, as listed on the container. D. PREPARATION BEFORE LOADING NOTE: The shotgun must be cleaned prior to loading to remove the factory applied preservative and any foreign matter that may be in the barrels. 1. Lock function and adjustment. a. Set the right hammer on HALF-COCK.
c. d. Pull each hammer to FULL-COCK position. The hammers should be securely locked in that position. It should be impossible to push the hammers forward manually. Pull each trigger separately. Take care not to let the hammers slam onto a bare nipple by restricting their forward travel with your thumb. Allowing a hammer to hit a bare nipple with force can cause the end to flatten and create difficulty during installation and removal of percussion caps.
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CAUTION: The adjustments mentioned in 1d are very critical. If you do not feel comfortable making them yourself, have a competent gunsmith make the necessary settings. DO NOT operate the gun with any faulty mechanism. E. SUITABLE BLACK POWDER CHARGE FOR MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN 1. The correct powder charge for a muzzleloading shotgun is never weighed. It is determined by volume measure and the same measuring device is also used to achieve the volume measure for the shot charge as well.
TABLE 1 Suitable Charges Light Load Field Load Heavy Load 1 ounce of shot 1 1/8 ounce of shot 1 1/4 ounce of shot plus measuring device filled with same volume of plus measuring device filled with same volume of plus measuring device filled with same volume of 2f (ffg) blackpowder 2f (ffg) blackpowder 2f (ffg) blackpowder CAUTION: A shot charge in excess of 1 1/4 ounces is considered unsafe and should not be used.
F. SHOT 1. There are three basic types of shot available in the various shot pellet sizes. a. Soft Shot: The most common type and the least expensive. These almost pure lead pellets are very soft and are easily deformed during passage up the barrel bore. Therefore, they spread quite rapidly after exiting the bore. Soft shot is primarily used for skeet and close range targets. b. Chilled Shot: Individual shot pellets containing a slight percentage of the hardening agent, antimony.
TABLE 2 Approximate Shot Characteristics Per Given Charge Shot Size #2 #4 #5 #6 #7 1/2 #8 #9 Number of Pellets Per: 1 oz. 1 1/8 oz. 1 1/4 oz. 90 135 170 225 360 410 585 102 152 192 253 393 463 658 113 169 213 281 437 513 731 Size Per: Pellet Diameter Weight .15” .13” .12” .11” .095” .09” .08” 4.86 grs. 3.24 grs. 2.57 grs. 1.94 grs. 1.25 grs. 1.07 grs. 0.75 grs. G. BUCKSHOT 1. Although the shot size numbers are the same as some buckshot numbers, do not confuse the two.
TABLE 3 Approximate Buckshot Characteristics Per Given Charge Buckshot Size Count Per: 1 1/8 oz. Size Per: Diameter Weight #4 #3 #2 #1 #0 #00 #000 23 20 16 12 10 8 7 .24” .25” .27” .30” .32” .34” .36” 20.70 gr. 23.55 gr. 29.70 gr. 40.50 gr. 49.00 gr. 59.00 gr. 70.00 gr. 1. When loading buckshot, the correct procedure is to count the number of pellets before inserting them into the bore. (See Table 3.) a. The buckshot load for the 12 gauge CVA Shotgun should not exceed a total weight of 490 grains.
H. SINGLE PROJECTILE 1. There is one and only one single projectile for the 12 gauge CVA Shotgun. It is a .690 diameter round lead ball, weighing approximately 495 grains. This ball must be suitably patched. (See Page 17.) 2. The powder charge is the same as the volumetric load for l 1/8 ounce of roundballs. (See page 9 for Table l.) CAUTION: Do not use more powder. Use only 2f (ffg) blackpowder. Do not use 3f (fffg) blackpowder. 3.
2. Buffering agents or components consist of small round balls made from plastic or other materials, such as flour, etc. WARNING: Under no circumstances should any form of buffering agent be added to the shot load for the CVA Shotgun. Use will exceed safety limitations of this type of firearm. J. WADS 1. The wads, more than any other single shooting accessory used in a muzzleloading shotgun, determine the efficiency of the load. 2.
4. Characteristics of independent wads. a The over-powder wad consists of a disk of firm cardboard, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Its purpose is to fit the bore in order to seal the gas released by the burning of black powder. When the gas pressure builds, the over-powder wad expands slightly to form a gasket and utilizes the full energy of the gas pressure to push the charge out the barrel. Do not lubricate the edges of the wad. To do so will prevent a good seal. b.
CAUTION: Do not use the wads for anything other than their designated purpose. Do not substitute wads. Do not use more than one wad for each load. Never use a cloth patch, loose cloth or loose paper as a substitute for a wad. 5. 16 Characteristics of one-piece plastic wad. (See Figure 5.) a. The one-piece plastic wad is an adaptation of a modern shotshell and can be used with the muzzleloading shotgun with one minor addition: the over-shot wad.
3. 4. Chosen volumetric shot pellet charge One over-shot wad CAUTION: Do not substitute an independent over-powder wad for the over-shot wad. Do not substitute a filler wad for an over-shot wad. Do not use a cloth patch, loose cloth or loose paper as a substitute for an over-shot wad. 6. 7. Buckshot wads a. There are two types of wads which can be used with buckshot. 1. Independent wads with larger size buckshot, such as #0, #00 and #000 will give generally better pattern performance. 2.
K. LOADING AND SHOOTING OF PERCUSSION SHOTGUN 1. Wear shatterproof shooting glasses since percussion caps may shower sparks or bits of the cap when fired. 2. If your CVA Shotgun has two barrels: To prevent loading the same barrel twice, partially insert a wad (or cloth patch) just into the muzzle of the bore NOT to be loaded first. Position the wad so that it can be removed by hand later. Its purpose is to serve only as a safety ‘reminder.’ 3. Be sure the shotgun is unloaded. a.
CAUTION: Use a capper to place a cap on the nipple. Percussion caps are sensitive to pressure and can explode under extreme finger pressure. 7. Fully cock the hammer and fire to dry out the base of bore and nipple. Point muzzle at grass and watch for motion. Repeat this procedure three times on each nipple. 8. Be certain that neither nipple has a percussion cap on it and that no part of your body ever extends over the muzzle. Pour a volumetrically measured powder charge down the barrel.
CAUTION: Do not pour a powder charge directly form a horn or flask. If a smoldering ember is present, it could ignite the powder in the container, as well as that of the powder charge as it is poured into the barrel. This excessive amount of blackpowder could cause a dangerous explosion. Therefore, be safety minded, use a small measuring device. 9. Slap side of barrel in front of lock. This assures that powder will fully enter the nipple and breech mechanism.
CAUTION: Do not use loose paper, cloth, or other materials as a partial or full susbtitute for independent wads. Loose papaer or cloth will not provide needed wadding and can be dangerous. With a ramrod, press the over-powder wad down onto the top of powder. Proceed smoothly and firmly making sure not to crush the powder. NOTE: Crushing the powder will cause it to become a finer grade. CAUTION: When using the ramrod, never grab it more than 8 inches above the muzzle.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22 One barrel is now loaded. Switch the “reminder” wad to the loaded barrel. Repeat steps 10 through 15 to load the second barrel. Dispose of the “reminder” wad. Wear hearing protection. WITH THE SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION and hammers at half-cock, place a percussion cap on each nipple. THE SHOTGUN IS NOW LOADED.
22. Pull back the hammer of the barrel you wish to fire to the full-cock position and YOU ARE READY TO FIRE. Aim at target and FIRE. Fully cock second barrel, aim and FIRE. Remember: a. Front trigger activates right barrel b. Rear trigger activates left barrel. CAUTION: If reloading the just-fired barrel is desirable, remove the remaining percussion cap from the loaded barrel prior to commencing the reloading sequence. 23. After firing, wait two minutes before reloading.
d. If the gun still does not fire, the shot charge (or ball) and powder charge must be removed. Using a ball puller (a small screw-like device placed on end of ramrod) screw directly into wads (or ball). Once the ball puller is anchored into wad (or ball) it can be pulled out of the bore. Dump out the shot charge and/or powder. e. Go back to Step 1 and repeat, being sure bore and nipple are free and clean. NOTE: Do not try to remove, alter or change position of the breech mechanism.
12. With your fingers, insert one plastic wad into the bore as far as possible. a “Cupped’ section of wad goes in first so that “petal” section faces the muzzle. b. With a ramrod, press plastic wad down on top of powder, smoothly and firmly. Be careful not to crush the powder. CAUTION: When using the ramrod, never grab it more than 8 inches above the muzzle. To do so could cause a side stress, break the ramrod and, possibly, puncture your hand. 13.
15. One barrel is now loaded. 16. Switch the “reminder” wad to the loaded barrel. 17. Repeat Steps 2 through 15 of the Loading Sequence and those of this section to load the second barrel. 18. Dispose of the “reminder” wad. 19. Refer to the Loading Sequence for the remaining Steps 14 through 17. FOR SINGLE PROJECTILE Continuation of Steps 1 through 9 of the Loading Sequence, as previously listed. 10. Insert a “reminder” wad partially into the muzzle of the barrel NOT being loaded. 11.
b. c. Use longer end of ball seater to move patched ball about six inches down the bore. With a ramrod, push patched ball down on top of powder, firmly. Be careful not to crush the powder. CAUTION: When using a ramrod, never grab it more than 8 inches above the muzzle. To do so could cause a side stress, break the ramrod and, possibly, puncture your hand. 13. Be sure the ball is seated firmly against the powder. No air space should exist between ball and powder.
14. One barrel is now loaded. 15. Switch the “reminder” wad to the loaded barrel. 16. Repeat Steps 2 through 14 of the Loading Sequence and those of this section to load the second barrel. 17. Dispose of the “reminder” wad. 18. Refer to the Loading Sequence of the remaining Steps 19 through 24. L. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 28 The bore of a muzzleloader should be cleaned after every few shots during shooting or whenever ramming the wads down the barrels becomes at all difficult. a.
6. When gun is cool, oil the barrel and other metal parts with a rust preventative. a Store firearms in a dry place with good air ventilation. b. If stored in a container, it should be well ventilated. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU REMOVE THE BREECH MECHANISM DURING CLEANING. TO DO SO WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. M. 1. 2. 3. 4. TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MUZZLELOADING. Always treat every gun as if it is loaded. Use only blackpowder.
N. ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. All correspondence and orders must be addressed to: CVA 5988 Peachtree Corners East Norcross, GA 30071 Attention: Customer Service Include in the order: Model of the Gun or Accessory Part Number Part Description Caliber and Type (Percussion, Flintlock) If the proper part identification is not possible from the parts list, send the specific part in question to aid identification. Discontinued items are subject to availability.
O. LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. warrants all factory finished firearms to be free of defects in material or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is established by return of the authorized warranty card within fifteen (15) days of purchase. Any CVA firearm or part thereof returned postage paid to the address below will be repaired or replaced to our commercial standard free of charge, and returned to the purchaser postage prepaid.
• The Percussion Bolster or Breech mechanism has been tampered with or removed. • CVA recommended powder charge has been exceeded. • Any form of plastic patch has been used other than standard wads. • Any buffer component has been used. • Any or slug has been used. Connecticut Valley Arms, 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, GA 30071 P.
8. SERVICE – (770) 449-4687 Should your CVA firearm require repair, we recommend that it be returned to our factory. This will ensure all work is performed by a competent staff of trained technicians. Any firearm returned to the factory should be marked to the attention of the Service Department. A letter of instructions should be enclosed to facilitate handling. All firearms must be uncharged and shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS). Our Service Department will inspect and evaluate the problem.
Questions With Assembly? Need Parts Information? 770-449-4687 34
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Mail this form, with check or money order to: Connecticut Valley Arms 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, GA 30091 Please Send To _____________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State ______ Zip ________________ Model No.
WARRANTY CARD (Please complete all sections) Name ____________________________________________Phone (_____) ____________ Street ____________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________ State ______ Zip _______________________ Store Name _____________________________Date Purchased _____________________ Street _______________________City _______________ State ____ Zip ______________ Product: ___________________________________________________________________ C
Place Stamp Here Connecticut Valley Arms 5988 Peachtree Corners East Norcross, GA 30071 Form No. 300 REV.
