Author Topic: Beartooth/Wolf/Optima????? (Read 440 times)

JimG · « **on:** November 24, 2005, 01:58:30 AM »

I maybe wrong, however isn't the Beartooth, Wolf, and Optima/Optima Pro basically the same gun? If so what are the differences? If not then they look very, very much a like except for a few stock changes. How do they compare to each other? Is there any 'blowback'? I'm also looking at a NEF Sidekick. How does that compare to the other 3? Just want a SAFE, reliable, well made yet no frills BP. Thanks in advance.

Busta · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2005, 07:20:04 AM »

You pretty much nailed it on the three, all built by BPI in Spain.

As far as the NEF, I have a Huntsman and the Sidekick is the same design but with a shorter receiver to designate it as a "Muzzleloader" because there are no additional barrels that can legaly be fitted to it. The NEF's do have their warts, but I got around that with a few modifications that you can read about in the NEF Huntsman Forum.

I also own three Whites, two Knights and a T/C. There is just something about the NEF that I really like and has essentially turned my other very nice muzzleloaders into safe queens. The NEF Huntsman has the best factory trigger pull of all my rifles. My NEF will shoot any sabot from 200 grains up to a 460 grain conical very accurately and is the least fussy muzzleloader I have ever shot, bar none. All the Sidekicks I know of are very good shooters as well. I am not saying this is the best muzzleloader out there, but I seriously doubt you will do better in it's price range.

slayer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2005, 11:27:28 AM »

I will 2nd Busta, I have an NEF Sidekick and it litterally has shot everything average and above and the trigger is sweet!! I use the Veriflame system to shoot Small Pistol and Rifle primers instead of the 209 primers. I wouldn`t give up my Sidekick for anything. Jack.

tscott · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2005, 03:28:39 PM »

I'm with you guys on the Huntsman / Sidekick. Some years ago I added a Huntsman barrel to my NEF 45/70 frame. By far the most accurate, and easiest to use muzzleloader for me. Shot a very nice 10 with it on the NC northwestern Muzzy opener on 11/12. I'd post a pic, but got discouraged trying to wade through photobucket. Anyway this is 4 years in a row for the Huntsman on bucks.