A Closer Look at the CVA Scout and the 350 Legend
A Reliable Single-Shot Design: The CVA Scout Rifle
The CVA Scout is a study in straightforwardness. This single-shot, break-action rifle is built on the principle of simplicity. Its design makes it generally reliable, easy to maintain, and often quite accurate for its price point. The break-action mechanism is simple to operate, making it user-friendly, even for beginners. Typically constructed with a steel barrel and receiver, the Scout often features a synthetic stock, making it weather-resistant and durable. Its lightweight nature also contributes to its appeal, allowing for easy handling in the field. CVA markets this rifle toward a wide range of users, from youth hunters taking their first steps into the sport to seasoned outdoorsmen looking for a reliable and affordable option. The Scout’s affordability makes it an attractive choice for those who may not want to invest heavily in a more complex, multi-shot rifle.
The Reign of the 350 Legend Cartridge
The 350 Legend has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the shooting world. This straight-walled cartridge offers a compelling blend of performance characteristics. Designed with a smaller case diameter and a wider bullet than many other cartridges, it delivers exceptional downrange performance. Its straight-walled design often meets legal requirements for hunting in areas that restrict bottleneck cartridges. The 350 Legend provides a relatively flat trajectory and plenty of energy on target at moderate distances, making it a great fit for hunting various game animals, including deer and hogs. The cartridge’s relatively low recoil is another significant advantage, making it a pleasure to shoot, and easier for shooters of all skill levels to manage. Its popularity has driven the widespread availability of ammunition, making it easy to find at most sporting goods stores.
Common Issues Encountered with the CVA Scout 350 Legend
While the CVA Scout and the 350 Legend combination is often successful, certain issues are worth considering. Addressing these potential problems proactively can greatly enhance your enjoyment and performance with this rifle.
Extraction Difficulties: When the Case Stays Put
One of the most frequent complaints associated with the CVA Scout 350 Legend centers around extraction issues. This manifests in several ways, including cases becoming stuck in the chamber or being difficult to remove.
When the Case Refuses to Budge
A stuck case is a frustrating problem, but it’s often indicative of a specific issue. Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon. A dirty or corroded chamber is a common culprit. Carbon buildup, powder residue, and rust can create friction, causing the spent case to stick. The use of ammunition that is slightly over-pressured can also be a cause. This can lead to the brass expanding more than intended, making it difficult to extract. Another potential issue arises from manufacturing defects. If the chamber dimensions are not perfectly within specifications, it can create extraction problems. Another thing to consider is the type of ammunition. Some brands may have slightly tighter tolerances or different brass compositions that can contribute to this.
When faced with a stuck case, the first step is always safety. Ensure the rifle is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Next, consider the methods to deal with the problem. First and foremost, properly cleaning the chamber is essential. Using a chamber brush and a quality solvent, scrub the chamber thoroughly. Check the chamber for any obvious signs of corrosion or damage. Next try a stuck case extractor tool; These tools are specially designed to grip the rim or body of the stuck case and pull it out. If the problem continues, consider trying different ammunition. If all attempts fail, seeking professional help from a qualified gunsmith is always recommended.
Extracting with a Struggle
Even if the case isn’t fully stuck, difficulty extracting spent casings can be a common occurrence. The extractor claw, the small piece of metal that grips the case rim to pull it out of the chamber, may be the source. Over time, extractors can become worn, chipped, or damaged. In other cases, the chamber’s dimensions may not be ideally suited to the 350 Legend cartridge. Additionally, the presence of dirt, grime, or dried lubricant within the action can impede smooth operation.
If you experience difficulty extracting, start by cleaning and lubricating the action. A dry or gummy action won’t extract smoothly. Consider trying a high-quality gun oil or a light grease. Also, examine the extractor claw. Look for any signs of damage or wear. If the extractor seems problematic, consider replacing it with a new one. If the extractor is in good condition, and cleaning and lubricating don’t resolve the issue, seek professional consultation from a gunsmith. They can assess the chamber’s dimensions and make recommendations for modifications, if necessary.
Striving for Consistent Accuracy: Addressing Challenges
The CVA Scout, when properly cared for, is known for its potential accuracy. However, certain factors can affect its ability to consistently group shots on target.
Inconsistent Grouping: Hitting Wide of the Mark
Inconsistent grouping refers to the scattering of shots, often leading to wider groups than expected. This can be a frustrating issue because it prevents accurate shooting. One of the most significant causes can be barrel vibration. When a rifle fires, the barrel vibrates, and that vibration can affect accuracy. Rifles are typically designed to manage barrel vibration effectively. However, with certain loads or in certain conditions, these vibrations can be amplified. The bedding of the action, where the receiver sits in the stock, can also play a key role. If the action isn’t securely and consistently bedded, movement between the action and stock can affect accuracy. Problems with the scope can contribute to poor groups. If the scope mounts are loose, or the scope itself is damaged, it can also affect accuracy. Lastly, ammunition can also play a significant role. Loads with poor quality control can contribute to inconsistent grouping.
To improve accuracy, first inspect and tighten all scope mount screws. Next, try different ammunition brands and bullet weights. Find what your rifle likes. You can experiment with different loads to find the one that produces the tightest groups. Furthermore, consider having the action properly bedded by a qualified gunsmith. This will ensure a stable and consistent platform for the barrel. Finally, to identify the best ammunition, you’ll need to take the time to test.
Point of Impact Drift: Where the Bullet Lands
Point of impact (POI) drift is when the shots consistently move up, down, left, or right, even when you haven’t adjusted your scope. It’s like your rifle is aiming to a point that isn’t the center of the target. Barrel heating during rapid firing can also contribute to POI drift. As the barrel heats up, it can expand and warp, changing the bullet’s trajectory. Finally, variations in ammunition can also cause the POI to shift. Differences in bullet weight, powder charge, or primer type can all affect where the bullet lands.
One of the initial steps to address POI drift is to allow the barrel to cool down between shots or strings of shots. If you’re shooting a series of shots, take a break every few shots to allow the barrel to cool. Next, meticulously check the scope mounts. Make sure they are properly tightened. Furthermore, ensure the scope itself is in good condition and functioning properly. Finally, try shooting different brands and bullet weights to eliminate the problem of ammunition inconsistency.
Other Functional Aspects to Consider
Beyond extraction and accuracy, there are a couple of other aspects that should be considered to maintain the best possible experience when using your CVA Scout.
Trigger Dynamics
The trigger on the CVA Scout is a straightforward system. Any roughness or an excessively heavy trigger pull can impact the accuracy. A trigger pull that is too heavy makes it harder to shoot consistently. Over time, triggers may accumulate dirt, debris, or even rust. Additionally, wear can cause the trigger to become less smooth.
To address these issues, clean the trigger mechanism using a gun cleaning solvent. Next, apply a small amount of a quality gun oil or lubricant. Many gun owners also opt to have a gunsmith adjust the trigger pull.
Scope Mounting: Ensuring Proper Alignment
Proper scope mounting is critical for accuracy and consistent shooting. The most common challenges are loose scope mounts and improper alignment. If the scope mounts are not properly tightened, the scope can shift during recoil, causing the point of impact to change and potentially damaging the scope. Improper alignment of the scope to the bore axis can result in the need for excessive windage or elevation adjustments, which can make it difficult to zero the scope.
Before mounting, make sure the scope and mounts are the proper size for the CVA Scout and ensure the mounting base is securely attached to the receiver. Then, make sure to use the proper torque setting on the scope rings to prevent movement. Follow the instructions on how to mount the scope on your rifle.
Potential Solutions and Ongoing Maintenance
The keys to resolving and preventing issues with your CVA Scout 350 Legend are regular maintenance, ammunition choices, and the proper steps to address any potential problems.
Keeping Things Clean: Regular Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your rifle. Clean the barrel after each shooting session. The chamber is a key area for regular cleaning, so make sure to focus on it each time. Regularly apply a quality gun oil to the rifle’s moving parts, such as the action and trigger mechanism. Also, always inspect the rifle for any signs of wear and tear.
Ammo is Key: Ammunition Selection
The quality of the ammunition plays a significant role. Invest in good-quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Try different brands and bullet weights to find the ones that shoot most accurately in your rifle.
Scope Setup for Optimal Performance
Make sure that the scope is securely mounted and properly aligned with the barrel. Use a torque wrench to tighten the scope rings to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. If you are unsure about proper scope mounting, seek professional help.
Professional Help When Needed
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith or armorer.
Comparing the Scout: Other Rifle Considerations
The CVA Scout chambered in 350 Legend is an effective rifle. It offers excellent performance for the cost. When buying a rifle, it is always worthwhile to compare it to other rifles to make the best possible decision. Other options include lever-action rifles. However, these rifles typically cost more. Many of the other options are similar in price, but you must consider the reliability and function. The choice depends upon your personal preferences.
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts
The CVA Scout 350 Legend offers a reliable and affordable platform for shooting the popular 350 Legend cartridge. By understanding the common problems associated with this rifle, you can take steps to address them and maintain its accuracy. Remember that regular maintenance, proper ammunition selection, and careful attention to scope mounting are key to a satisfying shooting experience. Should any complex issues arise, do not hesitate to consult a qualified gunsmith. With a bit of knowledge and diligence, you can ensure that your CVA Scout 350 Legend remains a dependable and accurate companion in the field and on the range.
