CVA Northwest Edition Breech Plug/Nipple Thread

[andersonjk4]

Now that the updated CVA Quick Release Breech Plug (QRBP) for muskets caps has been around for a year now.  And more and more questions keep popping up here I figured we could have a dedicated thread for people to share info and ask questions about the CVA Northwest muzzleloaders.

I am wondering if anyone has removed the nipple from the breech plug?  I prefer #11 mag caps to musket caps and would like to figure out a way to convert this BP over to #11's. 

Another thing I don't like about the updated BP is they used their 209 BP and just added a nipple where the 209 primers would go.  This BP has a long flash chamber with a tiny flash hole at the end of it.  I assume this design is to keep excessive back pressure from the 209 primers.  However, I have noticed that if you do not pay very close attention to keeping this flash chamber and flash hole clean you can experience hang fires and/or fail to fires.  I found a small drill bit (1/8"?) that fits perfectly down the nipple and flash chamber that I use to clean this out.  I also have a tiny bit that I use to clean out the flash hole.   

A little background of this breech plug.  The original BP released with the early version of the NW edition CVA Accuras and Optimas had a one piece BP in which the nipple was a machined into the BP.  This BP had severe issues with failing to pop caps.  Last year they released an updated BP. This updated breech plug has a "removable" screwed in nipple (made from a harder steel) that has been epoxied in place.  CVA is concerned with people replacing the nipple with one that is too long and having an accidental discharge when the break action is closed and the capped nipple contacts the back of the action.     

[Sabotloader]

Now that the updated CVA Quick Release Breech Plug (QRBP) for muskets caps has been around for a year now.  And more and more questions keep popping up here I figured we could have a dedicated thread for people to share info and ask questions about the CVA Northwest muzzleloaders.

I am wondering if anyone has removed the nipple from the breech plug?  I prefer #11 mag caps to musket caps and would like to figure out a way to convert this BP over to #11's. 

Another thing I don't like about the updated BP is they used their 209 BP and just added a nipple where the 209 primers would go.  This BP has a long flash chamber with a tiny flash hole at the end of it.  I assume this design is to keep excessive back pressure from the 209 primers.  However, I have noticed that if you do not pay very close attention to keeping this flash chamber and flash hole clean you can experience hang fires and/or fail to fires.  I found a small drill bit (1/8"?) that fits perfectly down the nipple and flash chamber that I use to clean this out.  I also have a tiny bit that I use to clean out the flash hole.   

A little background of this breech plug.  The original BP released with the early version of the NW edition CVA Accuras and Optimas had a one piece BP in which the nipple was a machined into the BP.  This BP had severe issues with failing to pop caps.  Last year they released an updated BP. This updated breech plug has a "removable" screwed in nipple (made from a harder steel) that has been epoxied in place.  CVA is concerned with people replacing the nipple with one that is too long and having an accidental discharge when the break action is closed and the capped nipple contacts the back of the action.   

I actually wish I had one - I would like to see If could machine it to work with a #11 nipple...  When the first came out I was talking to the guys at ML.com about doing that very thing...

mike

[The Big Game Hunter]

I actually have both a Wolf Northwest and an Optima Northwest. I bought the Wolf back in 2014 and got the Optima last year. I initially had some issues with hangfires/misfires with the Wolf. However, I sent it back to the factory and CVA replaced the firing pin spring, which fixed the problem. I have not had a single issue with the Optima. Maybe that was because the NW breech plug was a year old by that point and they had some time to work out the kinks in it?
In any case, I've spent a bunch of time at the range with both muzzleloaders and I'm very picky about keeping them clean, especially the flash hole. Since 2014, I've taken a blacktail and a bear with the Wolf and a whitetail with the Optima. In all three cases, the gun fired when I pulled the trigger. All in all, I've been very impressed with their performance.
For more information on both muzzleloaders, how I've got them set-up, and the loads I use, check out my blog posts below.
http://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/2015/09/cva-optima-northwest-review/

http://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/2014/06/cva-wolf-northwest-review/

[andersonjk4]

Now that the updated CVA Quick Release Breech Plug (QRBP) for muskets caps has been around for a year now.  And more and more questions keep popping up here I figured we could have a dedicated thread for people to share info and ask questions about the CVA Northwest muzzleloaders.

I am wondering if anyone has removed the nipple from the breech plug?  I prefer #11 mag caps to musket caps and would like to figure out a way to convert this BP over to #11's. 

Another thing I don't like about the updated BP is they used their 209 BP and just added a nipple where the 209 primers would go.  This BP has a long flash chamber with a tiny flash hole at the end of it.  I assume this design is to keep excessive back pressure from the 209 primers.  However, I have noticed that if you do not pay very close attention to keeping this flash chamber and flash hole clean you can experience hang fires and/or fail to fires.  I found a small drill bit (1/8"?) that fits perfectly down the nipple and flash chamber that I use to clean this out.  I also have a tiny bit that I use to clean out the flash hole.   

A little background of this breech plug.  The original BP released with the early version of the NW edition CVA Accuras and Optimas had a one piece BP in which the nipple was a machined into the BP.  This BP had severe issues with failing to pop caps.  Last year they released an updated BP. This updated breech plug has a "removable" screwed in nipple (made from a harder steel) that has been epoxied in place.  CVA is concerned with people replacing the nipple with one that is too long and having an accidental discharge when the break action is closed and the capped nipple contacts the back of the action.   

I actually wish I had one - I would like to see If could machine it to work with a #11 nipple...  When the first came out I was talking to the guys at ML.com about doing that very thing...

mike

Sabotloader,  I have one of the old style breech plugs I would be willing to give to you to play with.  I would love to see a solution that allowed the use of #11 caps.  It was a BP that CVA sent me early on to try and solve the issue, so it didn't cost me anything.  And I have an extra of the new style, so I don't need it as a back up any more.

[Sabotloader]

I would really like to take a look at the BP and possibly convert it to a #11.  I really know if the length it is now is the correct length for your rifle.  In other words does the rifle set the musket cap off reliably now!

Sending you a PM

[andersonjk4]

With the new BP the caps go off reliably.  But with the old one not so much.  I will have to take measurements of both BP's to see if there is any difference. 

[TriggerMike]

Just bought an Optima V2 today and really like the feel of it. Have had a CVA Hunterbolt Magnum for the past 15 years so I'm familiar with CVA but a few shots in today with the optima and I had a hang fire. Took the BP out and immediately noticed how tiny the flash hole was in it and how dirty it was, cleaned it out with a pick then it seemed better. Had another hang fire in there later too. But, I was using powder and musket caps that I bought last year so maybe that could've caused an issue with hangfires?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[andersonjk4]

I would suggest getting something like a pipe cleaner or drill bit that fits down through the nipple into the flash chamber. This flash chamber with the tiny flash hole at the end is designed for 209 primers, so it is not ideal for musket caps. Make sure that the flash chamber is clean and the flash hole is clean like you did and you should have better luck. At least I have seen an improvement.

[WoolyRunner]

Just picked up a CVA Accura V2. After 3 shots it hangfired on me. I cleaned the gun very well and put it back together and then loaded it up... another hangfire. So it cane apart again and cleaned. Put back together and this time a misfire... im not impressed. I called CVA today and expressed my concern. Theyre sending me a new BP and firing pin assembly to try. I also thought about having the flash hole drilledout to a bigger size?

[TriggerMike]

I just called CVA and they're sending me a new breech plug as well. Hopefully it gets here by next Wednesday.

[TriggerMike]

Just picked up a CVA Accura V2. After 3 shots it hangfired on me. I cleaned the gun very well and put it back together and then loaded it up... another hangfire. So it cane apart again and cleaned. Put back together and this time a misfire... im not impressed. I called CVA today and expressed my concern. Theyre sending me a new BP and firing pin assembly to try. I also thought about having the flash hole drilledout to a bigger size?

I never saw a confirmation E-Mail from CVA after I spoke with them about sending me a replacement BP and firing pin assembly last week so I called them this morning and it turns out that one person bought over 300 BPs and firing pin assemblies last week and they no longer have them in stock but will be getting them back in either today or tomorrow, which is why I never got the confirmation E-mail because nothing was available to ship. Needless to say, they didn't notify me of this and I only learned it after I called to confirm so I would highly recommend you call and confirm that they sent you one because I have a feeling you're in the same boat as me.

[WoolyRunner]

Oddly enough I never received an email either. Ill call tomorrow. Thanks.

[arees]

My son has a CVA Wolf with the musket cap breach plug.  We have lots of problems with the flash hole getting plugged.  Sometimes it takes quite a bit of effort to pick it clean.  The caps always go off, so we aren't having a hammer problem.  The last time the flash hole was thoroughly plugged after only one shot.

This was using the RWS musket caps.  Are there any cleaner burning caps out there?

[Dead-Eye]

A tip I learned from shooting my old CVA Mountain Rifle. The guy who I bought it from played guitar, and he took an old string that just fit through the hole from one of his guitars, cut a 2-inch piece (plus or minus) and an antler tip, drilled a little hole in the end of the antler tip, and glued the guitar string piece into the tip. The windings on the string help to clear the hole and scrub off the walls of the hole. Very stiff, too, so it'll push through the heavy built-up junk. Takes up almost no room in your gear. I found it works great on my Optima breech plug orifice. Boy, when you unscrew the musket cap plug from the main breech plug, you realize that is one long hole for the flash to make it through! You HAVE to make double-sure to keep it clear.
I found a tiny pinch of loose powder (you decide on how many f's work best with yours, I have friends that use the fff from their primitive gear) can help with a consistent ignition process, especially when using the pellets.

I hope this is of some help.

[WoolyRunner]

I solved the issue. I drilled out the fire channel just a touch and she fired 11 times in a row, no issues.

[Booyah13]

I have one of the original Optima Northwest models and have never once had it fire powder in pellet form. It fires loose 777 just fine, but i would like the option of using both. What size drill bit did you find success with WoolyRunner?

[MountainDevil54]

Just picked up a CVA Accura V2. After 3 shots it hangfired on me. I cleaned the gun very well and put it back together and then loaded it up... another hangfire. So it cane apart again and cleaned. Put back together and this time a misfire... im not impressed. I called CVA today and expressed my concern. Theyre sending me a new BP and firing pin assembly to try. I also thought about having the flash hole drilledout to a bigger size?

I never saw a confirmation E-Mail from CVA after I spoke with them about sending me a replacement BP and firing pin assembly last week so I called them this morning and it turns out that one person bought over 300 BPs and firing pin assemblies last week and they no longer have them in stock but will be getting them back in either today or tomorrow, which is why I never got the confirmation E-mail because nothing was available to ship. Needless to say, they didn't notify me of this and I only learned it after I called to confirm so I would highly recommend you call and confirm that they sent you one because I have a feeling you're in the same boat as me.

LOL that most likely was www.Muzzle-Loaders.com they do the same to Traditions with their kit guns and sidelocks. They have a ton of stuff in stock. Give them a call and place an order.

[WoolyRunner]

I have one of the original Optima Northwest models and have never once had it fire powder in pellet form. It fires loose 777 just fine, but i would like the option of using both. What size drill bit did you find success with WoolyRunner?

I will get you the drill bit size tomorrow.

[andersonjk4]

I have one of the original Optima Northwest models and have never once had it fire powder in pellet form. It fires loose 777 just fine, but i would like the option of using both. What size drill bit did you find success with WoolyRunner?

I will get you the drill bit size tomorrow.

I use an 1/8" drill bit to clean out the flash chamber.  I don't remember if I had to remove a little material the first time or if it fit perfect from the start.  But now I keep a drill bit in my kit and after every shot I use it to clean the flash hole.  Just a couple spins with your fingers and it keeps it nice and clear.