Know anything about TC Thunderhawk or CVA Optima Pro Magnum?

[Pete112288]

So a family friend offered to sell me one of two or both of her father's muzzleloaders (he passed a couple years ago) for getting my stepson and possibly my father set up for muzzy hunting. She doesent know much about guns. I have only had a chance to get a couple phone pics from her and the names of the make/model. I dont know much about either of them. Anyone know more about them? Good? Bad? The TC she is asking $100 and the CVA she is asking $200. I knew her father and he was meticulous about gun care so I am sure they are good shape on the inside and out. Just normal hunting wear. I like the break open style of the CVA (I have a traditions vortek), they are just so easy to take down and clean. The thing about the CVA is in the small picture she sent me it has a scope and no irons. Her dad hunted other states and a few firearm restricted areas during rifle season so I dont know if the ignition is legal on it or not. I wont have a chance to talk to her or get any more pictures for a little while so I also thought I would ask. Would the CVA be easy to convert to washington legal? A buddy said CVAs normally are pretty easy to convert but I have no idea.

[Bullkllr]

I've owned a TC Thunderhawk in 54 cal since the year they came out. So I can hopefully give you some helpful info.

It's a TC- so fit, finish, overall quality is above average.
I have the blued/wood model. 2 partners each have the stainless/synthetic model- less outside maintenance on those.
Mine's always been a decent shooter with heavier conicals. Never could find a sabot/load that I liked. Barrel is kinda short- 20 inches. Always thought accuracy might be better with a longer barrel
Sights were not so good- replaced with rear peep and fiber optic front. Sights now may be hard to find since the gun has been out of prod. for awhile and I don't think was ever real popular.
Gun is nice and light. Recoil is noticed with heavier loads.
It does not have a removable breech plug- one of the biggest detractors- and possibly why they didn't make them very long.
Came with good triggers. Think its a Timney.

Summary: Decent little inexpensive gun for the quality. But if I was serious about BP hunting and wanted only 1 gun a Thunderhawk would probably not be it. My

p.s.- They are legal in WA State as is. The TC Firehawk and then Black Diamond I believe replaced the Thunderhawk. I have a Black Diamond and the actions are very similar; a few refinements and a removable breech plug were added.

[Bullkllr]

Sure thing dude No need to mention it. Just glad to help out.

[Pete112288]

Sorry I hadnt got back to ya. I was short on time when I read your reply and frankly forgot. I do appreciate the feedback. I got my hands on both the guns today. The thunderhawk has been used pretty hard but for the price and the fact that I hunt where shots beyond 40 or 50 yards are rare it fits the bill. The CVA is completely closed at the breech and there is no way for me to change it so thats out of the question. Has a good nikon on it though would have made a good gun for hunting modern season in firearm restricted units. Thank ya again.