Im new to the B/P side of this forum, so please be gentle... The last time I played with a muzzle loader was in the 80s and that was a Brown Bess. Ive been bitten by the "you need a Double Rifle" bug; but I cant afford the "wife Tax" for a modern cartridge SxS. Since going to Africa is in that same "Tax", Im still searching for a way to scratch that itch.

Ive been considering a Pedersoli in 58 or 72 cal, just in case theres a break out in the local zoo, or I suppose for White tail and Black Bear. Yesterday at a gunshow, I came accross a CVA Express Double Side by Side rifle in 50 caliber. It looks unfired. The only negative is the barrel pin is possibly bent. It sticks out a little. The dealer said he thinks it could be straightened or replaced. Theres no manual so Im not sure where to start with loads.

It looks like a Pedersoli. Theres only one rear sight. Its adjustable. Its a straight grip stock. I got it for a trade of about $400. I know the knew Pedersoli's are pushing $800 so I figured my trade that I was trying to move was probably a good deal; but now Im confused.

Did Pedersoli make guns for CVA, or is this a sole CVA venture. Ive heard there were issues with some production years of the Perersoli guns. One Thread talked about glass beading the stock to prevent cracking; but that was for 200 gr loads in the 72 cal gun. Should I do anything for my gun?

Did I get a deal or is this a wall hanger?

Clean it well, determine the twist in the barrels, make a choice as to projectile(s) based on twist rate, and shoot it..!!!!
Post the results. I'm sure there are a few folks here that are curious to know how well regulated it is. You'll probably have to try a number of different loads to get one that shoots both barrels reasonably close, but that's part of the "charm" of doubles. ENJOY..!!

The CVA "Double Express rifle is a CVA venture. It is not related to the Pedersoli Kodiak doubles in any way! IMO, the Pedersoli's are head and shoulders above the CVA's quality-wise. However, I believe the CVA's are serviceable enough. They have "hardwood" stocks, not walnut. But I believe the relatioship between the barrels can be adjusted, allowing you to "regulate" it for any load you decide to use.

I have one of the Pedersoli's, a .54 from Dixie Gun Works that has a 1/66" twist, so it is a round-ball rifle. The Pedersoli .50 and .58 have 1/48" twists, so can use conical bullets giving them the nod for heavier game. The .72 is a RB twist gun as well, but it uses very heavy balls of over 500 grains.

I am pretty much stuck with one load, and have found that mine shoots very close, R-L, R-L, at 100 yards with a .535" ball and 85 grains of Swiss FFg.



No doubt, this would do for deer.