Question on sidekick

[crimsontalon]

I am looking to purchase a muzzleloader.I own a couple Handi's & I really like them,but i have read some things about companies having quality control issues & I wanted to know are these things really safe.

[PHATINJUN]

I have not heard anything about them not being safe.Kurt

[Keith Lewis]

The only safety issues were with some of the older CVA models (one in particular which I do not remember the name of. It is my personal opinion (note I said opinion) that the American made rifles are probably subjected to more stringent testing and certification than the rifles made in Spain. I prefer to trust an American company that has been in business for a long time like H&R/NEF. The barrels are made here and I trust American steel and manufacturing more so than some from out of the country where I have no idea what or how they operate. There are a lot of CVA and Traditions owners that are completely satisfied with their rifles and that is fine. I just told you what I feel.  Any of the black powder rifles can be dangerous if not handled properly and according to the owners manuals (so can a knife or a baseball bat). Seriously however the loading and operation should be conducted with respect and when done properly the rifles are completely safe as designed. There was an early model of the H&R break action that used a push in breechplug rather than the screw in one that they now use. Apparently there could be a problem with that design if the rifle did not fire immediately and the action was opened before being sure of a non-hangfire. My Huntsman is very similar to the Sidekick and I have all the confidence in the world that it is safe as designed when properly handled.  Be advised the Sidekick has a rather wimpy ramrod that can be replaced with an aftemarket one that is a lot better but costs $25. I also converted mine to the .25ACP breechplug to eliminate the plastic carriers and most of the blowback into the firing pin area of the action.

[Illhunter]

i have a hunhtsman to and i feel completely safe with it and i did invest in the better ramrod and would highly recommend it i have also thought about the 25 acp breechplug but haven't done that yet.