Is the new CVA Northwest addition muzzleloader Legal in the Northwest states?

[droptyne]

Is the new CVA Northwest addition muzzleloader Legal in the Northwest states?  This a question that has game officers all ready divided on.  I know of two who disagree with each other.  One says he will give out tickets if seen used during muzzleloader season and another wont.  The problem with the rule of open ignition is what does it mean to be expose and how much.  I am from Oregon and now live in WA but both states say the same thing when it comes to open ignition. The problem it comes down to how they interpret  the law.  I think CVA found a loophole because it does not say how much exposure there needs to be.  One officer said something about certain amount of inches, which I can't find anywhere and neither the other officer.

I guess I am wondering how many people might get tickets this year and have to fight it out in court?  I might be one of them because I bought the northwest optima v2 and love it.

Also, someone mention about putting black electrical tape around it and I been told by both officers that will for sure be illegal because it is now totally enclose and you can't see the nipple.

love to hear your opinions.

[d.winsor]

The primer area is definitely open to the elements, unless they rewrite the rules I don't see how they could ticket you, of course to win using the CVA Northwest if ticketed, one might have to get a lawyer.  You would have to pay either way, so what would you win.  Seems to me the warden that would want to hand out the tickets would win either way the case went.

[grundy53]

maybe we could get the game department to issue a finding on it to clear the issue up. It would also (hopefully) get all of the game wardens on the same page.

sent from my typewriter

[BNAElkhntr]

I Don't Under stand why its open to interpretation   Its open to elements and uses non centerfire type primer

a.   Ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock,
flintlock, or percussion using original
style percussion caps that fit on the
nipple and are exposed to the weather.
"Exposed to the weather" means the
percussion cap or the frizzen must be
visible and not capable of being enclosed
by an integral part of the weapon proper.
Primers designed to be used in modern
cartridges are not legal

[droptyne]

Elkhtnr the question I think is how much exposure to the weather.  I do no think they thought a company would just drill some holes to fit that requirement.  Also, I think it might be more of an issue in Oregon because all their muzzleloader tags are draw and not very many of them.  A lot of people think it should just be traditional.  But technology has taken us a long ways, just take a look at archery equipment.

[baker5150]

I Don't Under stand why its open to interpretation   Its open to elements and uses non centerfire type primer

a.   Ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock,
flintlock, or percussion using original
style percussion caps that fit on the
nipple and are exposed to the weather.
"Exposed to the weather" means the
percussion cap or the frizzen must be
visible and not capable of being enclosed
by an integral part of the weapon proper.
Primers designed to be used in modern
cartridges are not legal

Clear tape?  it would be visible, and not a part of the weapon proper.

[BNAElkhntr]

The Law does not specify  amount of Exposure only that is exposed    When I carry my CVA Elkhorn inline  I cover with my glove
Am I now Violating?

[BNAElkhntr]

Concerned About the Holes?   Drill Them out   

[bobcat]

If a muzzleloader meets the requirements, covering it with black electrical tape, or anything for that matter, does not make the gun illegal.

If the ignition is exposed to the weather, even if only by the tiniest hole, it's legal. (IMO)

I believe the original intent of the law was to only allow traditional, sidelock muzzleloaders for hunting, because inlines at the time did not qualify under our law.

But that's the law and I don't see how a person could be cited for hunting with a gun that meets the requirements of the law, even if it just barely meets the requirements.

[Bob33]

(a) Ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock, flintlock, or percussion using original style percussion caps that fit on the nipple and are exposed to the weather. "Exposed to the weather" means the percussion cap or the frizzen must be visible and not capable of being enclosed by an integral part of the weapon proper. Primers designed to be used in modern cartridges are not legal.

[droptyne]

Bob and elkhtnr I totally agree with you.  The issue is about the people who get paid to interpet the law, can they put their own personal feelings a side.  Just like our supreme court it seems like their always divide because they interpret the law with their feelings (sorry for the short rant, had to get it out).

[grousefether]

Is the new CVA Northwest addition muzzleloader Legal in the Northwest states?  This a question that has game officers all ready divided on.  I know of two who disagree with each other.  One says he will give out tickets if seen used during muzzleloader season and another wont.  The problem with the rule of open ignition is what does it mean to be expose and how much.  I am from Oregon and now live in WA but both states say the same thing when it comes to open ignition. The problem it comes down to how they interpret  the law.  I think CVA found a loophole because it does not say how much exposure there needs to be.  One officer said something about certain amount of inches, which I can't find anywhere and neither the other officer.

I guess I am wondering how many people might get tickets this year and have to fight it out in court?  I might be one of them because I bought the northwest optima v2 and love it.

Also, someone mention about putting black electrical tape around it and I been told by both officers that will for sure be illegal because it is now totally enclose and you can't see the nipple.

love to hear your opinions.

    I dont see how the officer that said he will be giving out tickets will get away with it after he writes the first one. The law is the law. My new wolf meets wa muzzleloader requirements whether he sees it that way or not.

[Bob33]

Also, someone mention about putting black electrical tape around it and I been told by both officers that will for sure be illegal because it is now totally enclose and you can't see the nipple.

"...the percussion cap or the frizzen must be visible."

I don't follow how putting electrical tape around the ignition allows the cap to remain visible. Do you?

[grousefether]

If they do start writing tickets and it holds up in court, CVA is going to be giving out a chit load of refunds

[washelkhunter]

Once the nipple is capped paint it over with some nail lacquer to seal it if youre that worried about it. The NW CVA is certainly legal under the open to the elements stipulation. I like the NW nitride coated rifle, wish I had a few extra shekels to spend.