Author Topic: NEF Huntsman (Read 1063 times)

Craig M. Bellis · « **on:** July 04, 2004, 02:48:25 AM »

I hunted in PA with a flintlock for the first time last year and I'm hooked! I would like to expand my horizons and add an in-line. I would like to stay around $150-$175 for a gun. What are your thoughts on the NEF Huntsman? Do you have any other recommendations in this price range?

oneshotonekill · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2004, 03:07:58 AM »

The pros: The huntsman tends to be an accurate ML and it is priced right for someone to get into ML's, you can add shotgun or additional ML barrels to the action, but it does have several cons: The breach plug and breech plug wrench designs are terrible and most people wind up making their own wrench. They are knuckle busters from the factory. If you shoot 777 they also tend to seize up. The sights are not very good, the collapsible ramrod is a piece of junk and will break its just a matter of when so you would be smart to invest in a range rod and only use the factory rod in the field, the 209 cap holders have caused some problems on a few huntsmans. You may want to look on gunbroker or auction arms for a used knight or T/C I see them in your price range frequently. I bought a T/C Black Diamond with scope in like new condition for $160 on auction arms a few months ago. The CVA's are another option in your price range accuracy seems to be pretty good but they have their share of problems as well. Do a search on this forum and you will see some strong opinions about the CVA's, Traditions, etc.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2004, 06:42:23 AM »

The Huntsman will work, but oneshotonekill hit the nail on the head with all the con's. CVA is in the same ball park. I would try to get a used Knight disk. You don't want to get discouraged fooling around with the less expensive ML's. But if you don't mind the small draw backs the Huntsman will do the job. Just get a better ram rod. :grin:

DannoBoone · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2004, 07:22:30 AM »

Another "amen" to the range rod. The threads on mine shreaded while
out in the field, and really needing the second shot. That rod could be a
good one, if they would use steel inserts for all threaded areas instead of
the brass.

jh45gun · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2004, 04:02:12 PM »

For the money they are good guns. Have a few faults yea but then there is not a muzzle loader out there that some one has not found fault with all you have to do is read the forums. The design is a strong one and they shoot well. I made my own rod for mine and while 777 can foul the plug I have heard of other makes doing the same thing so it is not just a huntsman issue. Jim

buckbeast · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2004, 05:28:05 PM »

If you want advice or thoughts from Huntsman owners and how they feel about their ML, you might try reposting this in the Huntsman Muzzleloader forum in the NEF/Marlin talk section of this site.
Buck

squirrel_hunter6 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2004, 05:56:23 AM »

I have a Winchester X-150 Mag that I really like. It also has a solid aluminum ram rod. You can buy one for $200 from Bass Pro Shops.

pap · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2004, 02:54:42 PM »

You might want to check out the Rossi inline. It's about 10 bucks higher at walmart. Around 150.00

nrb · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2004, 09:13:32 AM »

I have several mls but prefer my Huntsman for tree stand hunting. The Huntsman is a great buy for the investment. Mine has a great trigger and is very accurate with sabots or lead bullets (1-2 in at 100y). The company can be reached by telephone and gives fine support. These are made in America - I buy American when I can.
The breech plug problem occurs only with Triple 7 and can be prevented with teflon tape and antiseize grease. I like the primer holders as they are a nice way to handle 209s when it is 20degrees and I have gloves on. If you like you can buy the Huntsman with a stainless barrel. Best of luck in making your choice.

nrb