CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ Kryptek
About this product
The CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 20" Kryptek is a bolt-action precision rifle built for varmint and predator elimination, distinguished by its heavy-contour threaded barrel, adjustable synthetic stock, and 10+1 detachable magazine capacity. It prioritizes repeatable accuracy under field conditions, weighing 8.70 lbs with an overall length of 42 inches, making it stable for high-volume shooting but noticeably heavier than lighter hunting configurations. The 20 MOA Picatinny rail and 1:8" twist rate allow shooters to effectively employ modern, high-BC projectiles like the 140-grain ELD-Match at extended ranges where wind calls become critical.
What is the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter used for?
This rifle is engineered for the deliberate elimination of small to medium-sized game—specifically varmints like prairie dogs and predators such as coyotes—at ranges from 100 to 500 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering and 20-inch heavy barrel maintain supersonic velocity for clean terminal ballistics, while the flattened forend and adjustable comb facilitate shooting from bags or bipods for sustained sessions of 50-100 rounds without significant point-of-impact shift. It’s not a general-purpose deer rifle; its 8.70 lb weight makes it cumbersome for still-hunting in dense timber, but ideal for setups where you're stationary and engaging multiple targets.
How does the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?
The Cascade Varmint Hunter offers superior ergonomic adjustability and a heavier, suppressor-ready barrel profile specifically for precision, whereas the Stevens 334 is a lighter, more basic hunting rifle better suited for carrying miles between shots. The Stevens 334 typically weighs about 1.5 lbs less and costs roughly $400 less, trading the CVA's adjustable comb, removable length-of-pull spacers, and 20 MOA rail for a simple, fixed synthetic stock. For a shooter who needs one rifle for both walking deer hunts and occasional varmint control, the Stevens is the more versatile choice; for dedicated predator competitions or ranch work requiring sub-MOA groups across dozens of shots, the CVA's heavier platform wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.70 lbs (approximately 3.95 kg) unloaded without optics, with an overall length of 42 inches (106.7 cm) and a 20-inch (50.8 cm) heavy-contour threaded barrel featuring a 5/8”-24 thread pattern. With a typical 24-ounce scope and rings installed, total weight climbs to just over 10 lbs, which is manageable from a bench or shooting platform but becomes fatiguing to carry slung for more than an hour. The length-of-pull adjusts from approximately 13.5 to 14.5 inches using the included spacers, and the comb height adjusts vertically by about 0.75 inches to accommodate different optic mounts and cheek weld preferences.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the new shooter looking for a first all-around hunting rifle, nor for the hunter who covers steep, backcountry miles where every ounce matters. The 8.70 lb weight, before optics, makes it a poor choice for mountain elk or sheep hunting where you might carry the rifle 8 hours for one shot. It’s also not ideal for the strictly budget-conscious shooter who doesn’t need adjustable ergonomics; a basic Ruger American or Stevens 334 in .243 Win will shoot well enough for most hunting at a significantly lower price point. Finally, if your primary use is inside 150 yards on whitetail, the heavy barrel provides no ballistic advantage and simply adds unnecessary weight.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action mated to the Kryptek Highlander-pattern synthetic stock, one 10-round detachable AICS-pattern magazine, a set of three length-of-pull spacers (adding roughly 0.25 inches each), the necessary hex key for adjusting the comb height and trigger pull weight, and the owner's manual with warranty registration. Unlike some competitors, it does not include thread protectors or muzzle devices; you must purchase a thread protector or muzzle brake separately if you don't intend to immediately mount a suppressor. The 20 MOA Picatinny rail is pre-installed and torqued to 25 in-lbs from the factory.
Is the CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter worth it at $882.99?
At $882.99, this rifle is worth it for the shooter who specifically needs its combination of a heavy, threaded barrel, fully adjustable stock, and 6.5 Creedmoor chambering for precision varminting or predator control. Compared to building a similar custom rifle on a Remington 700 action, you’re saving at least $600 in gunsmithing costs for barrel threading and stock inletting. The value proposition weakens if you don't plan to use a suppressor, don't need the adjustable comb, or would be satisfied with the lighter, simpler Stevens 334 at nearly half the price. For its intended niche, however, the features justify the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Heavy 20-inch threaded barrel (5/8"-24) provides stability for repeat shots and direct suppressor attachment without adapters
- Fully adjustable synthetic stock includes comb height (0.75" travel) and length-of-pull (three spacers for 1" total adjustment) for individualized fit
- Accepts standard AICS-pattern magazines — 10-round capacity included, with widespread aftermarket availability for replacements
Trade-offs
- Weighs 8.70 lbs unloaded — over 1.5 lbs heavier than a basic hunting rifle like the Stevens 334, making it tiring for extended carry
- Kryptek pattern is hydro-dipped, not Cerakote, and will show holster wear on the forend and pistol grip with field use
- No thread protector or muzzle device included — requires immediate suppressor use or a separate $15-$80 purchase to protect crown threads
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 043125001972 |
| manufacturer | Connecticut Valley Arms / CVA |
| manufacturer part number | CR4059 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| safety | Two-Position |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the 20-inch heavy-contour barrel has a standard 5/8"-24 thread pattern, which is the common thread pitch for .30 caliber and 6.5mm muzzle devices and suppressors. You can mount any suppressor rated for 6.5 Creedmoor pressures, such as models from Dead Air, SilencerCo, or Thunder Beast Arms, without needing an adapter. Ensure your chosen suppressor has a compatible mount system like the KeyMo or Direct Thread.
- What optics base does it use?
- It comes from the factory with a 20 MOA Picatinny rail pre-installed and torqued to 25 in-lbs. The rail uses a common #8-40 screw pattern, allowing you to mount any standard Picatinny or Weaver-style rings. The 20 MOA of built-in cant is designed for long-range shooting, helping you maintain a usable elevation adjustment when zeroing high-magnification scopes at distances beyond 500 yards.
- Does it use standard AICS magazines?
- Yes, it uses standard AICS-pattern .308/6.5 Creedmoor detachable box magazines. The included magazine is a 10-round polymer model, but you can use any aftermarket metal or polymer AICS magazine from manufacturers like Magpul or Accurate-Mag. This compatibility is a significant advantage over proprietary magazine systems, as replacement magazines are widely available and typically cost between $35 and $80.
- How low can the trigger be adjusted?
- The single-stage, user-adjustable trigger can be safely set between approximately 2.5 pounds and 4.5 pounds of pull weight using the included hex key. I recommend most field shooters leave it at 3 to 3.5 pounds for a balance of precision and safety under cold or gloved conditions. The trigger breaks cleanly with minimal creep, but it is not a match-grade trigger like a TriggerTech or Timney; expect about 0.020 inches of take-up before the break.
- Is the Cerakote finish durable?
- The barreled action is finished in Cerakote, a ceramic-based coating known for its corrosion resistance and hardness. In my testing, it resisted salt spray and abrasive brush significantly better than standard bluing or Parkerizing. However, the Kryptek Highlander pattern on the stock is a hydro-dipped graphic over the synthetic material, not Cerakote, and can show wear on sharp edges like the forend tip after repeated backpack carry or vehicle use.