the sidekick is my 4 th muzzleloader i've had 2-T/C Black Diamonds and a Lyman Great Plains. The sidekick is AWESOME! I have the Williams Fiber O sights and she groups 3-4" at 100y...WAY better than I could get out of the black diamonds (and they were scoped)!! I use 240g XTP Mags with 90g of CleanShot/APP. Some complain about the breech plug stickin, but I have only had that once after shoot 16 rounds at the range and never checking it. Since I have used AntiSeize from NAPA and had no problems. I have the 24" barrel and find them well balanced and I think they have typical recoil. All BP's that ive ever shot seem quite mild in that the recoil seems more like a push on your should rather than the punch of a centerfire rifle. As far as removing the breech plug with a charge...not a bridge i've ever had to cross, although I still think I ever had to, I would soak the whole breech first. These are a great rifle for the price, I paid $149.00 Kittery Trading Post.
