CVA Scout rifle guide: every version compared

The CVA Scout rifle is a break-action single shot, and it’s one of the cheapest ways into a quality centerfire hunting rifle. We stock 31 versions from $269. They all share the same idea: open the action, load one round, close it, cock the hammer. The differences are in the barrel, the finish and whether the rifle comes apart.

What every CVA Scout rifle has

Every CVA Scout rifle has a 100 percent ambidextrous stock, so left-handed shooters get the same fit. A CrushZone recoil pad takes the edge off heavy rounds like the 45-70 and 450 Bushmaster. The hammer spur reverses for either hand, and a DuraSight rail or mount makes scoping it easy. There’s no magazine and not much to clean.

Scout vs Scout V2

The original Scout comes in blued or black finishes. The Scout V2 moves to a fluted 416 stainless steel barrel, which handles rain and humid weather better. If you hunt wet country, the V2 is worth the small price jump. Compare the Scout 450 Bushmaster in blued at $449 with the Scout V2 45-70 in stainless at $399.

The CVA Scout rifle takedown models

Takedown models come apart without tools. Push the release and the barrel separates from the stock, so the rifle fits in a pack, a boat locker or the small case behind a truck seat. The DuraSight DEAD-ON mount stays on the barrel, so your scope holds zero when you put it back together. We have the Scout Takedown 350 Legend in Veil Summit and several V2 Takedowns with KonusPro scopes, like the Scout V2 Takedown 45-70 scope package.

Compact models for smaller shooters

The Compact Scouts have a shorter stock and a 20 inch barrel. They’re a good first deer rifle for a teenager, and plenty of smaller adults use them too. Look at the Scout Compact 243 or the Scout V2 Compact 243, which weighs about 5.5 pounds.

Picking a caliber for your CVA Scout rifle

Straight-wall states (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and others) limit deer rifles to straight-wall cartridges. The Scout covers them: 350 Legend for light recoil, 450 Bushmaster and 45-70 for bigger animals, 44 Magnum for close cover. Elsewhere, the 243 and 6.5 Creedmoor shoot flatter, and the 35 Whelen is a strong elk round in timber. Wikipedia has a good summary of the 350 Legend if you’re new to it.

CVA Scout Compact 350 Legend$299CVA Scout V2 Takedown 450 Bushmaster Stainless$399CVA Scout Takedown 35 Whelen$489CVA Scout V2 300 Blackout$399

Scopes for a CVA Scout rifle

Most Scouts come without glass, which lets you pick. A 3-9×40 with a simple reticle suits nearly every caliber the Scout comes in. For the 45-70 and 450 Bushmaster, give yourself plenty of eye relief, because a light single shot kicks more than a heavy bolt gun. If you’d rather not shop for a scope, buy a scope package; the KonusPro on the V2 Takedowns is already mounted. Budget buyers can add the Konus KonuShot 3-9×32.

Zero at 100 yards with the exact ammo you’ll hunt with. Straight-wall rounds drop fast past 150 yards, so learn your holdover at 200 before the season, or keep your shots inside the distance where you don’t need one.

Our picks

• CVA Scout Compact 243 Winchester Single Shot Rifle – Blued and Black – 20in, $299
• CVA Scout Takedown 350 Legend Single Shot Rifle – Matte Stainless – 20in, $369
• CVA Scout V2 Takedown 45-70 Government Single Shot Rifle with KonusPro 3-9x40mm Scope – Stainless – 25in, $499
• CVA Scout Takedown 35 Whelen Single Shot Rifle – Sniper Gray Cerakote and Veil Summit Camo – 25in, $489

Not sure a single shot is for you? Read our CVA single shot rifle guide, or compare with the Cascade bolt action guide.

CVA Scout rifle FAQ