Can the Sidekick be adapted to using percussion or musket caps?

[Couger]

Does anyone know if the SideKick can be adapted to use percussion or musket caps?  Undoubtably a special breech-plug with the appropriate-sized nipple would be needed to enable this.  I'm hoping an innovative 'smith' or inventor has devised something.

Some states to be legal for hunting, require the use of only a percussion-type cap (if not flintlock ignition).

A 209-type ignition system is considered too modern by many state game departments and legislatures.

Does anyone know of a breech-plug that uses percussion-style caps, can be substituted for the 209-style plug?

I'm aware that a plug is available that uses a modified [and primed] .25 ACP case.  That device is defined as being [too] similar to the 209-system, at least in WA state - making the Sidekick illegal to hunt with in Washington during the blackpowder season.

Anybody!!??  Thanks!

[zookiezoom]

Just find one of the older model huntsmans that uses caps. I have a .45 that I bought some time back that used the caps but I had a lot of trouble with it not busting the caps when I pulled the trigger. I ended up having it modified by a machinist to accept 209s and using a shotgun receiver

[Couger]

Thanks ZookieZoom,  Your's is the first lead I've heard of!!


When you say "older model,"  how old are you talking about?  I would even go so far as to steal the breech plug from the older SideKick-type barrel to use in the newer one.

Really appreciate it!

[Couger]

ZookieZoom,

Do you possibly still have your old breech plug?  That you might be willing to sell?

Thanks!

[zookiezoom]

I still have the plug but the catch is its still in the barrel. We were having considerable trouble removing the factory plug so instead of removing it we turned out another to go on top of it ( because the factory plug was recessed in the breech  to accommodate the nipple there was plenty of room) it threads into the threads the nipple went into. I don't think one could be modified the other way around. I still have the action (minus the main spring that I used in another). If you happened to come across one of the older barrels I could let  you have it for a really good deal. As for the age, I have no idea. I'm not sure when they stopped that type. (Maybe early 80s?)

[Keith Lewis]

Be aware there are two sizes of breechplug for the Huntsman/Sidekick. The older ones used a larger size thread and apparently they felt the large size made the barrel weak so they down sized the breechplug thread size to make the barrel thicker in that area. One of the bigger problems will be altering the firing pin to set off a percussion cap instead of a primer. It would have to be made larger to cover the whole face of the nipple. Nothing is impossible but the cost of having all the machining work down might not be worth it. My suggestion is to find a White that uses percussion caps. There is one on the shelf in a gun store in Portland Oregon but the price is a little high $650. It is a .50 cal Super 91 blue.

[zookiezoom]

I agree, the cost of retrofitting a new model to use percussion caps would be high. Look around. I'm sure there should be a few of the older ones floating around for sale.

[trotterlg]

I have one of the older Huntsman 58 cal, I bought two for $100.00 at a paun shop and gave one to the Brother inlaw. It would be an easy fix to make a breach plug with a nipple for the cap.  A bigger trick would be making a fireing pin (it is flat and about the diameter as a small rifle primer) and drilling the receiver for it, but it is still workable I would think.  In WA you need to mill a slot in the top of the barrel so that the primer "is exposed to the elements".  Both of mine were done that way.  Larry