For 2007, the Electra will be available in .50 caliber only and with synthetic stocks featuring either Realtree Hardwoods Green or Black FiberGrip finish. These stocks are fully ambidextrous, and the rifles are also equipped with a Quake Claw Sling and Crush-Zone recoil pad. A DuraSight rail scope mount with standard Weaver-type crosscuts, and DuraSight Fiber Optic Sights, are also included. The barrel-mounted open sights can be used without removal of the scope mount base and can be left in place without interference when a scope is mounted. A tang-mounted trigger safety is standard. The Electra’s standard length of pull is 14.5 inches, and its overall weight is 7.5 pounds. Recommended retail prices start at $460, depending on finish.
The ARC system is completely sealed within the “receiver,” negating the need for a flashhole. The system runs off a 9-volt battery.
Electronic ignition systems for centerfire (and rimfire) rifles have been around for a long time, and several major brand firearms-makers have taken a run at them from time to time. However, they’ve never really taken hold in the marketplace, largely because they require special ammunition that is not as readily available as conventional ammunition. I’ve never had much use for these rifles because the locktime improvement of an electronic centerfire system has never been better than that of a good conventional trigger, and there’s no real propellant ignition advantage within the cartridge case.
On a black-powder rifle, the situation is vastly different. The Electra system actually eliminates one traditional muzzleloading component long thought to be essential—the primer—along with all the problems of ignition lag, inconsistent burn, and additional cleaning that a primer system requires.
Less cleaning, easier to shoot, and better accuracy—what’s not to like? The new CVA Electra ARC muzzleloader is going to have a tremendous impact on the black-powder hunting community, which is already deeply divided by bitter dispute between traditionalists and in-line shooters concerning the types of guns, accessories and sights that should be allowed in muzzleloader-only seasons—in much the same way as the bowhunting community is split over the issue of vertical bows and crossbows. I suppose this is inevitable. All technical advances in any field have historically been met with resistance from the users of previous technology. My personal position is simple: Anything that gives me a better chance of fairly and efficiently putting meat on my table is something I’m going to use.
