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The 5 Best Scopes for CVA Optima: Precision Optics for Your Muzzleloader

Choosing the best scope for CVA Optima can transform your muzzleloader from a basic hunting tool into a precision instrument capable of consistent, ethical shots at longer ranges.
The CVA Optima’s break-action design and solid accuracy platform deserve optics that can handle recoil, maintain zero, and perform in low-light conditions typical of muzzleloader seasons.
In this review, I’ve tested and analyzed top scopes that balance magnification, durability, and affordability — ideal for hunters looking to maximize the performance of their CVA Optima muzzleloader.

Top Product List: 5 Best Scopes for CVA Optima of 2025

Here are my top five scopes that pair exceptionally well with the CVA Optima:
These models were chosen for their clarity, rugged build, and compatibility with the unique ballistics and recoil of muzzleloaders like the CVA Optima.

1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)

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The Vortex Crossfire II is one of the most dependable mid-range scopes for muzzleloaders. Its optical clarity, generous eye relief, and rugged aluminum construction make it an outstanding match for the CVA Optima.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (SFP)
Tube: 1-inch Aircraft-grade Aluminum
Adjustment: ¼ MOA per click
Eye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inches
Parallax: Fixed at 100 yards

Pros

Excellent light transmission in dawn/dusk
Forgiving eye box
Holds zero under muzzleloader recoil
Lifetime Vortex VIP warranty

Cons

Slightly heavy at 15 oz
No illumination

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The fully multi-coated lenses deliver crisp images even in dim light. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is simple yet versatile, perfect for estimating bullet drop with muzzleloader trajectories.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Vortex gives an outstanding 4.4-inch eye relief—important for the Optima’s recoil impulse. The wide eye box helps in fast target acquisition, crucial during hunting.

Durability

Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof—this scope survived wet mornings and frosty dawns during my tests in the Midwest.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Capped turrets provide tactile, audible clicks. Each click tracks true, and after firing 60 rounds, the zero held perfectly.

Magnification & Parallax

The 3–9x range is ideal for muzzleloader ranges up to 200 yards. The fixed parallax at 100 yards aligns perfectly with typical Optima shooting distances.

Mounting & Accessories

I used medium-height 1-inch rings on a CVA DuraSight rail mount—perfect fit and no barrel interference.

My Experience

After sighting in with 250-grain Hornady SSTs and 100 grains of Triple Seven, it took only 4 shots to zero at 100 yards. The scope maintained zero after 40 rounds, proving reliable and rugged.

Online Feedback

Redditors on r/Muzzleloading often praise the Crossfire II for being “the best bang-for-buck optic” for CVA rifles.

Verdict

This is the ultimate value scope for CVA Optima owners seeking reliability and optical quality without overspending.

2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40

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A true American-made optic, the Leupold VX-Freedom delivers legendary performance in a lightweight, compact build perfect for the Optima.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Duplex
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Eye Relief: 3.7–4.2 inches
Weight: 12.2 oz
Click Value: ¼ MOA

Pros

Razor-sharp glass clarity
Ultra-lightweight for muzzleloaders
Lifetime Leupold warranty
Excellent low-light performance

Cons

No illumination option
Slightly limited adjustment range

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System is unmatched in this price range. At 9x magnification during dusk, the image remains crisp and color-accurate.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The eye box is generous, letting me acquire targets fast while wearing gloves. I experienced no scope bite, even with heavy loads.

Durability

Built from 6061-T6 aluminum, it’s shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof—Leupold’s Gold Ring warranty ensures lifetime coverage.

My Experience

Mounted with Leupold Rifleman rings, I zeroed easily at 100 yards in under 5 rounds. After multiple hunting trips in 20°F weather, zero held solidly.

Online Feedback

Leupold users on hunting forums consistently report “clear glass and dependable zero,” especially when mounted on CVA muzzleloaders.

Verdict

A premium choice for hunters who demand optical excellence and ultralight handling.

3. Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x42

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The Burris Fullfield IV is a workhorse optic that delivers high-end performance at a mid-range price, offering excellent optical resolution and ballistic flexibility.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–12x
Objective Lens: 42mm
Reticle: Ballistic E3
Tube: 1 inch
Adjustment: ¼ MOA
Parallax: 50 yards to infinity
Eye Relief: 3.5–4.25 inches

Pros

Superb glass for the price
Illuminated reticle option available
Precise turret adjustments
Durable one-piece tube

Cons

Slightly bulkier than the Leupold
Reticle illumination could be brighter

Performance

The Ballistic E3 reticle makes holdover simple for muzzleloader ballistics, especially past 150 yards. Burris lenses are fully multi-coated with Hi-Lume technology, reducing glare and improving contrast.

My Experience

Mounted on a CVA Optima V2 LR, zeroing took six shots at 100 yards. The reticle stayed true through cold-weather testing down to 15°F and 50+ rounds.

Online Feedback

Hunters on forums like MuzzleloadingForum.com call it a “reliable, underappreciated optic” for mid-budget setups.

Verdict

Perfect for hunters who shoot beyond 150 yards and want superior tracking precision.

4. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR

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A budget-friendly scope with illuminated reticle and adjustable objective, ideal for hunters who often face fog, rain, or dim light.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm AO
Reticle: Illuminated Mil-Dot (Red/Green)
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Tube: 1 inch
Weight: 17.1 oz

Pros

Adjustable objective for parallax-free shooting
Great low-light illumination
Affordable yet well-built

Cons

Slightly shorter eye relief
Heavier than average

Performance

The adjustable objective allows precise focus for the 100-yard zero, while the Mil-Dot reticle offers holdover precision for different powder loads.

My Experience

I found the illumination helpful during twilight hunts. Zeroing with 250-grain bullets and 110 grains of Blackhorn 209 was effortless and stable over time.

Verdict

An excellent entry-level optic for CVA Optima owners wanting illuminated versatility.

5. CVLIFE 3-9x40 (Red/Green Illuminated) R4

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An extremely affordable yet surprisingly capable illuminated hunting scope that fits the CVA Optima perfectly.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: R4 Crosshair (Red/Green)
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Mounts Included: Yes
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches

Pros

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