I got an email today, they're starting R&D on a Huntsman/Sidekick muzzleloader that will have modern improvements such as a better breech plug and ramrod, it's always good news when they're interested in bringing back and improving products that were once discontinued.
Tim
Great News Tim! Did they give you any other information, as to when it might be ready for the public? 2009 (wishfull thinking), or a 2010 release? It sure wouldn't take much to make it an outstanding rig, if they would let us do a poll and take our suggestions into consideration. Not looking for a miracle, but there are a few key features that need to be addressed if they want to compete with the big boys. I'm sure with our collective experiences, we could help them build an outstanding rig.
My suggestions would be a new bare primer 209 breech plug with a hex head for removal, that seals the blowback gasses, similar to the Encore. The forend lug would need a hole for a full length ramrod to pass through. The full length ramrod would need 10-32 threads instead of 8-32, and a good jag for patching/cleaning/loading pointed bullets. Of course that goes without saying, get rid of the primer carriers and the slot in the barrel for the primer carrier tab where it mates up with the standing breech. The Williams Fire-Sights are fine, but would like to see an optional steel scope base offered. Keep the 26" barrel or longer standard, but maybe offer it with a 24" as well. Offer it in a .50 caliber with the 1:28 twist, but also a .45 caliber with a fast twist (see Below).
(AS LONG AS WE ARE DREAMING) Laminated stocks (mainly forends) offered as an option or production ready, that way they could be customized to an individuals taste by adding a straight/pistol grip/Monte-Carlo/thumbhole buttstocks.
(REALLY DREAMING NOW) Also offer it in a .45 caliber with a fast twist 1:20 barrel, with the new powders such as Blackhorn 209, these 45's can really crank out the bullets. A faster twist will allow us to shoot a little heavier bullet than the 200 grain SST/XTP than the 1:28 and 1:30 twist can stabilize. This would also open up a whole world of full bore conicals that would also stabilize very well in that 1:20 twist. With the advent of Blackhorn 209, the .45 caliber world is making a BIG comeback, the problems with the old 45's is most were not designed with the right 209 breech plug or twist rate to take advantage of that. I have tested Blackhorn in several rifles, one was a 1:20 twist White M-98 Elite. With the 209 conversion (not a suggested breech plug by Western by the way), it was shooting very well with the 200 grain SST's, but an outstanding 1 hole group was achieved with the 350 grain White PowerStar saboted bullet.
Thanks for the information. These really can be made into outstanding rifles, I have customized my 2003 SS Huntsman into my favorite smokepole, but it surely didn't start out that way.