NIB Sidekick Is it worth it?

[fredster22]

     Been thinking about getting back into muzzleloaders for a while now. I ran across a new unfired Sidekick at a place a few days ago.
 It is blue with wood stocks, 50 cal looks good, and feels good. I realize I'll probably have to get different plug and ramrod. My main
 question is it worth 150 + tax as it is new old stock?  Would it be worth going back for or just keep looking?  Would appreciate any
 comments.  Thanks Fred

[PA-Joe]

Great gun using Hornady sabots clover leafs right out of the box. Buy extra primer holders.

[Jal5]

I think the Sidekick is one of the best bargains in the ML field of rifles.  For that $150 you are going to get a very accurate rifle and you can get the MU plug which is a big advancement over the factory one.  The ramrod is cheaply made but I still use it for hunting purposes.  If I decided to shoot this gun routinely though I would get the replacement ramrod for it. I have the same one you described.
 I use PowerBelts + Pyrodex pellets, against the common wisdom with this rifle, but the 10 pt. buck I took with it last year didn't know any difference!
Joe

[Keith Lewis]

That is about what I paid for a used one and have never been sorry. You will want at least one MU plug. I ordered two for mine (that way you won't have to worry about finding the carriers which don't work all that well anyway). The MU plug makes the rifle capable of shooting BH209 if you should be so inclined. Mine is a Huntsman but they are basically identical except for a shorter action where the barrel attaches in the Sidekick. The barrels are extremely accurate and will handle all types of conical bullets as well as Sabot and Powerbelts. If you don't want it I will bet someone else on this forum would jump on it. I also ordered the Hubbard ramrod and think it is a definate improvement. It extends two inches longer than the stock rod, has the correct threads and is relieved for pointed bullets besides being a lot stronger.

[carbineman]

fredster, I have a Sidekick stainless that I paid 169 dollars for on a closeout pricing sale from a store in PA. What a nice rifle it is for the money. I would suggest that you purchase it for that price as they are nolonger made from my understanding.

[Doug B.]

Go back and buy it! You (or somebody else) will kick yourself if you don't.

GREAT ML's.

[kevinsmith5]

Nah don't buy that you wouldn't want that....
Where did you say this store was? Just outta curiosity....

[PHATINJUN]

Every gun I ever bought was worth every penny I ever paid for it. Kurt

[fredster22]

Thanks Guys for the interest and answers, decided to buy it as seemed a good deal. Have brand new Monte Carlo stock to replace the
 straight stock as I plan to scope it with a Bushnell 1 X 4 shogun scope that I had around. Still have question as its been years since I
 have actually used one to hunt. Getting the mu plug seems to make sense and hubbard ramrod is the next step. I do shoot left handed
and have read about spitback. Any loads or suggestion wopuld be appreciated.  Total price brand new otd was 159. Thanks Fred.

[Doug B.]

Thanks Guys for the interest and answers, decided to buy it as seemed a good deal. Have brand new Monte Carlo stock to replace the
 straight stock as I plan to scope it with a Bushnell 1 X 4 shogun scope that I had around. Still have question as its been years since I
 have actually used one to hunt. Getting the mu plug seems to make sense and hubbard ramrod is the next step. I do shoot left handed
and have read about spitback. Any loads or suggestion wopuld be appreciated.  Total price brand new otd was 159. Thanks Fred.

Where did you find a left handed Monte Carlo stock? I WANT ONE!