2016 Muzzleloader of the Year: CVA Accura LR Nitride

by
posted on May 7, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
muzzleloader_year_gba.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Muzzleloader of the Year: CVA Accura LR Nitride
The Accura LR Nitride has many features offered on CVA’s popular Accura muzzleloader—a Quick Release Breech Plug, Trigger Guard Actuated Breeching Action and a Bergara barrel—but it’s the nitride treatment on the 30-inch barrel that puts the rifle in a class by itself. It is, writes Editorial Director John Zent online, “about the closest thing to a ‘rust-proof’ muzzleloader as you’ll find.”

Thanks to a chemical change during a salt bath that hardens the steel on the gun, hunters can carry an Accura LR Nitride in harsh conditions without worrying about rust. Unlike exterior ceramic coatings, nitride is applied to the inside of the barrel as well, providing protection when the gun can’t be immediately cleaned during a lengthy hunt. Any rust that might develop can be wiped away with an oil rag. Nitride will not shoot out.

The process is used in military applications to harden the outer layer of steel; it’s more durable and corrosion-resistant than even chrome-lining, previously the highest standard in bore-toughening techniques.

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

Spandau RL Chris Olsen
Spandau RL Chris Olsen

New for 2026: Spandau Arms RL

Long renowned for its scatterguns, Spandau Arms has now entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Remington 700-pattern clone, dubbed the RL.

New for 2026: CZ 600+ ST3 American

CZ Firearms is off to a hot start in 2026 with a switch-barrel rifle system patterned off its successful Model 600.

CVA Expands Optima and Scout Lines for 2026

CVA is rolling out its new XP and XP‑SB Series, bringing updated ergonomics and enhanced adjustability to both its muzzleloader and single‑shot centerfire platforms.

Dead Air Silencers Unveils the Nomad Ti Over-the-Barrel Suppressor

This new .30-caliber suppressor from Dead Air goes over the barrel, to only add 4.6 inches to the end of your rifle.

Hot From SHOT: The Best New Hunting Shotguns of 2026

If you're back with us, fresh off of yesterday's SHOT show coverage, welcome back. If you're just checking in with us for the first time, be sure to go back and check out our roundups of the best rifles, optics and bowhunting gear to come out of the show so far this year. Today, however, read on to see the best shotguns of SHOT 2026, compiled by longtime contributor and diehard hunter, Brad Fitzpatrick. 

Nosler Whitetail Country Line Extensions

For 2026, Nosler has seen fit to extend its Whitetail Country line, and Phil Massaro likes their choices. Read on for more.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.