Last yr, I wrote about my customized CVA .50 cal blackpowder pistol setup — my favourite firearm for muzzleloader looking. This construct was made potential by a buffer tube adapter manufactured by FarrowTech. This aftermarket half permits the addition of any buffer tube and brace to CVA’s Optima V2 pistols.
As we strategy muzzle loading season within the north east, I used to be excited to be taught that Farrow Tech has launched a brand new brace adapter that’s filled with options.
Scouting for Optimas
FarrowTech gives a welcome oasis within the desert of choices for CVA pistols — a shortage little doubt brought on by CVA’s resolution to discontinue most of their break barrel single shot pistols. Originally, CVA had many variations of the pistol – which glided by a number of names: the Optima V2 Pistol for the muzzle loading model, and the V2 Scout Pistol for the centerfire variations. CVA used to supply centerfire pistols in quite a lot of calibers, together with .243, 300 Black Out, 44 Magnum, 6.5 Grendale, and – most excitingly — .223/5.56.
Since manufacturing discontinued, these pistols have largely vanished, and might solely be obtained by way of secondary markets. If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to often discover a used or outdated inventory .243, 44, or 6.5, however the .223 variants have seemingly vanished from the face of the Earth. CVA, in the event you’re studying this – please carry them again!
Fortunately, CVA continues to distribute the .50 caliber blackpowder variations of the pistol by way of muzzle-loaders.com, although they’re often backordered attributable to low manufacturing.
As one of many fortunate individuals to personal a CVA pistol, I’m grateful that FarrowTech is placing within the effort and time to supply high quality elements for this firearm.
FarrowTech’s unique buffer tube/Brace adapter was strong, reliable, and precisely what you’d count on from a 3D printed gun piece – the deal with had apparent printing marks, with the common vestigial imperfections that consequence from printing a bit that has multiple axis. As anyone who’s dabbled in 3D printing is aware of, any form of multi-axis form requires helps constructed wherever a function on the half overhangs the construct plate, and these “mid air” sections lack a clean end and have seen printing traces.
Despite the beauty imperfections, the unique brace was printed in Nylon, which is the strongest and most sturdy 3D printing materials. To give a fast crash course in 3D printing, the most typical printing supplies are PLA, which could be very simple to make use of and pretty weak, and ABS, which is barely extra finicky, however stronger. Nylon surpasses PLA and ABS in each of those classes – it’s each very tough to efficiently print with (the filament and mattress have to be heated considerably hotter than PLA and ABS), and it’s considerably stronger. (Check out this hyperlink for a radical comparability of Nylon to different 3D printing supplies, in addition to some cool check movies). Nylon additionally has a a lot increased warmth score. For these causes, Nylon is the go-to materials for any gun accent.
In abstract, the unique brace was practical, however had that “makerspace” look. Enter Farrow Tech’s brace adapter Version Dos.
Below is a comparability of the outdated brace adapter (left) and the brand new brace adapter (proper):
The elevated high quality arises from FarrowTech’s new manufacturing course of — as an alternative of utilizing normal extruded filament printing, FarrowTech makes the brand new brace adapters utilizing “Selective Laser Sintering,” or SLS. SLS printing is extensively revered within the maker neighborhood for creating robust, practical elements. FarrowTech continued to make use of Nylon 12 for the brand new elements, and the character of SLS printing means the grip and brace adapter are printing at 100% infill (No hole sections). If you’re questioning how this compares to a daily rifle inventory, many polymer shares are additionally constructed from nylon, however they’re not often strong, often incorporating some sort of inner honeycomb construction. Due to the SLS course of which creates full solids, the Farrow Tech brace/grip would possibly truly be stronger than the unique manufacturing facility grip.
FarrowTech didn’t simply get a elaborate new printer and reprint the unique mannequin – they redesigned the adapter from the bottom up.
The grip now has customized hatching for higher hand traction:
Two New Variations
Importantly, CVA designed the brace adapter in two types – the basic Buffer Tube, and an up to date picatinny rail model:
The Picatinny model appears completely geared to the numerous side-folding picatinny braces on the market, such because the Sig Sauer folding PCB brace:
Currently, my CVA pistol is ready up with the buffer tube adapter, and a side-folding buffer tube attachment:
It ought to be famous that my side-folding attachment provides virtually 1 inch to rig when collapsed, so the general size of the picatinny model could be that a lot diminished:
Once assembled with the supplied bolt and chateau nut, the Farrow Tech brace turns into part of the gun. It appears as becoming on the firearm as the unique manufacturing facility grip:
New Sling Fixtures
As you’ll be able to see from the photographs above, FarrowTech packed much more options into the brand new brace – on the backside of the grip is a fast launch sling swivel socket, permitting you to simply connect a single level sling:
I actually like this function, since I continuously use the pistol in a tree stand. It’s good to have it dummy corded off because it’s such a small gun and could possibly be dropped simply.
Conclusion
Best of all, FarrowTech gives the brand new stabilizing brace with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re fortunate sufficient to personal a CVA pistol, the FarrowTech brace adapter is a must have accent. And, in the event you had been holding off on buying one because of the apparent 3D printing-features of the outdated mannequin, all that’s modified with the brand new mannequin – it’s a high quality piece of gun furnishings you gained’t remorse proudly owning.
