The best way to determine actual value is to search the on-line auctions, such as www.gunbroker.com and www.auctionarms.com or even www.proxibid.com enter your details in the search and see what has SOLD and for how much. if there is nothing current try the archives of past sales or items sold. Another place to look is The blue book of modern black powder values available from www.midwayusa.com Don't forget condition has allot to do with value, so compare apples to apples.
One can purchase a CVA muzzleloader from the official website of CVA. These hunting equipment costs between 100-600 dollars and comes in numerous specifications.
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You need to seek the services of a good gunsmith.
Around $250 to $450 dollars, depending on where you shop. This website has all the CVA Optima V2 rifles in stock www.muzzle-loaders.com
It's on the barrel under the forend. You'll have to remove the forend.
For the CVA Eclipse Hunter .50 caliber muzzleloader, you typically use 209 primers. As for the propellant, popular choices include Blackhorn 209 or other muzzleloader-specific powders like Pyrodex or Triple Seven. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations and safe loading practices.
Cabela's or Dixie Gun Works would be your best bet, or gunborker website.
I purchased a 50.cal CVA Bobcat Muzzle Loader today at Kittry Trading Post in Kittery Maine (USA). The list price was $100.00 but i got it for $85.00. I have also seen the same gun for $65.00 on Google.
There are no known date codes for CVA, but with a low serial# such as yours it is obviously early in that models production. IF the model was known I could give you an idea of the year based on when production started. If you need help with identifying the model the online auctions like gunbroker, auction arms and proxi bid are good research tools. Enter what you know in the search (CVA .45 black powder) or (CVA 45 muzzleloader) and compare photos to what you have. You may have to search archives or completed auctions, but you should have good luck.
This is a modern reproduction. Depending on condition, anywhere from $75 to $200.
"Best" is a subjective term that depends, among other things, on your skills, intended use, pocketbook, "feel" of the weapon, etc..
A CVA Revolver with the serial number b52937 could be worth anything. But with your discription it is hard to put a price on it. How much it is worth depends on the condition it is in. It could range from nothing to a couple thousand.