Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots Interchangeable Barrel question

My nephew has a CVA Optima Elite with a 45/70 barrel on it. I have an Optima Elite barrel in a 30/06. Is it possible to put the '06 barrel on it.If so, do I need to use a go gauge? No go gauge? Any changes to the bolt face? Thanks for any help.

Doesn't the owner's manual cover that?

I was not aware the Optima was a switch barrel rifle. The Apex is but i know of no other CVA offerings that are able to change barrels.

Pappy...I think he bought it used and doesn't have a manual. I have tried googling it and haven't found a definitive answer. When daddy died about 7 yrs. ago, I found the barrel in his gun cabinet. He did not have a gun to use it with and have no idea where it came from or why he had it.

OSU...that might very well be true. I will try again to find the answer online. Most of what I have seen online, people are confused over the CVA rifles when it comes to changing out barrels.

Thanks both of you for your help! Eddie

Found this on begarausa.com .

Will the Bergara Barrels Optima Elite barrel fit my CVA Optima, or Optima Pro?
A:
No, due to federal laws the center fire barrels will only fit the Optima Elite. Any attempt to alter a barrel to fit to any gun frame not specifically designed to take it will void any and all warranties.

I know now that it is interchangeable. I guess my concern is, I have a friend who has a Thompson Center he changed the barrel on and it had headspace problems. And I just want to be safe, and need to know if need a go gauge or no go gauge to check the headspace on it.

You should be fine. A friend of mine bought an Optima Elite muzzleloader new and it had a discount card in the box entitling him to a great buy on a centerfire barrel for the rifle. He ordered a 7-08 for his daughter to hunt with. The barrel mounted properly and shot great.

Thanks Leon. That's information I did not know.

Thank you, Sir! I appreciate the info...Eddie

"I know now that it is interchangeable. I guess my concern is, I have a friend who has a Thompson Center he changed the barrel on and it had headspace problems. And I just want to be safe, and need to know if need a go gauge or no go gauge to check the headspace on it."

If the TC had a head space problem, it was a barrel problem, not a switch barrel problem. TC has put out barrels which had chamber problems. I know because I was the recipient of several. Generally speaking, switch barrel systems usually work well. Just make sure you have a gun that is designed for such.