Author Topic: Huntsman Vs. Sidekick?? (Read 2223 times)

Wlscott · « **on:** February 20, 2004, 03:45:35 AM »

I've been looking at both of these and have some questions as to what the difference is between the two.

First, what classifies one (Huntsman) as a firearm and the other (Sidekick) as a non-firearm?

Second, besides offering the Sidekick with a 26 inch barrel, what are the physical difference between the two?

Gotta go for now....

MSP Ret · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2004, 03:56:17 AM »

Wlscott, The Huntsman is calssified a a "firearm" because it is capable of being fitted with a centerfire (self contained cartridge) barrel. The Sidekick cannot be fitted with any other barrels. It has a shorter action (reciever) and a longer forearm. Since it can only be used as a ML and no centerfire (self contained) cartridges can be fired or used in it, it is a "non-firearm" under ATF rules. It comes in either 24 or 26" barrels and is capable of being fired with up to 150 grains of BP or approved BP substitute (why anyone would want to do that is beyond me however)....<><.... :eek:

MTNMAN · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2004, 04:31:26 AM »

Wlscott,

Remember back when... Over on the Ol' Forum, every once in awhile someone would want to know WHY NEF/H&R wasn't making any Magnum Calibers.... NEF's answer to the Problem was the Sidekick.... Heehee, MTNMAN :grin:

MSP Ret's got ya covered....

Primer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2004, 05:13:37 AM »

The Sidekick will also be fitted with METAL Williams Gun Sight Co. sights. However,and as reported, seems H&R will be using the plastic day glow type sights (as used on the Huntsman) on their first offerings untill their stock of that type is depleted/lowered. :roll:

MSP Ret · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2004, 05:15:36 AM »

Thanks Primer, forgot that....<><.... :-)

Wlscott · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2004, 05:50:43 AM »

Quote

Gotta go for now....

Sorry 'bout that. Had a bomb threat at the high school. Had to go play firefighter :grin:

So, a Sidekick will handle magnmum charges, is offered with a 26" barrel, but can't accept other barrels, correct?

What's the price difference between the stainless Sidekick, and the stainless Huntsman?

I'm leaning toward the Sidekick right now despite the fact that I can't put centerfire barrels on it.

MTNMAN · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2004, 06:08:13 AM »

Wlscott,
Have you taken into consideration the Handi-RifleTM 243 Win./HunstmanÂ® 50 Cal. Muzzleloader (SB2-543) Think mine cost me about $239 from my Mom & Pop's.... MTNMAN :grin:

Both are shooters....

lik2hunt · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2004, 02:25:01 PM »

Wlscott there are some handi 243/Huntsman combos at Outdoor America Store in OKC. Go their site to check 'em out.

Wlscott · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2004, 02:37:45 PM »

Quote

Have you taken into consideration the Handi-RifleTM 243 Win./HunstmanÂ® 50 Cal. Muzzleloader (SB2-543)

Is this a combo that comes with both barrels, and you can change them out as you like?

lik2hunt · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2004, 03:05:55 PM »

Wlscott,
Here's what the OA site says:

HANDI 243 IRON SIGHT 50/ADJ OS
Code: NEW_SB2543
Price: $281.94

NEW ENGLAND FIREARMS, Huntsman Combo,243 Winchester and 50 caliber, 22"
barrel

New England Firearms has the versatile and economical solution to your
all-season hunting needs. This combination gun gives you a choice of
rifle or muzzleloading performance and features a rugged and field-
proven single shot action, with lightning-fast side-lever opening. The
Transfer Bar System provides an enhanced measure of safety against
accidental discharge, and each combination gun includes its own
special locking device for safe transport or storage.

Specifications:

Model: Handi-Rifle 243 Win./
Huntsman 50 Cal. Muzzleloader (SB2-543).
Caliber 243 Win. and 50 Cal.
Action: Break-open, side lever release, transfer bar system.
Stock: American hardwood pistol grip stock, walnut finish,
ventilated recoil pad.
Barrel: 22" 243 Win./24" 50 Cal.
Sights: 243 Win.-Scope base included/
50 Cal.-Fiber optic open sights, tapped for scope base
Length: 38"-243 Win./40"-.50 Cal.
Length of Pull: 14".
Drop at Comb: 1 1/4".
Drop at Heel: 1 1/8".
Weight: 7 lbs.-243 Win./6 1/2 lbs.-.50 Cal.

SSI# Mfg# Description
----------------------------------------------------------------------
89129 SB2-543 Huntsman Combo 243/50C

bull b 25-06 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2004, 06:04:17 PM »

Wlscott the price depending on whether you want the s/s or blued. The Sidekick is running $5(or more) more than the Huntsman,it depends on where you get it. Also you can't add a centerfire barrel to a factory Huntsman (unless they have strengthened the receiver). I always heard that you have to buy a canterfire rifle first and then add the Huntsman accessory barrel. Unless you buy the previously mentioned combo 243/huntsman. I was going to order the Huntsman as a whole, but now am ordering the 45/70, and adding the Huntsman accessory barrel :grin: i can't wait!!!This is my ultimate big-bore combo.

later bull b 25-06

MTNMAN · « **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2004, 06:49:39 AM »

.243/50cal are interchangeable as easy as removing one screw... mine was the first run back when the huntsman first appeared with the screw-in-breech plug, they dropped the combos for a year and all of a sudden they reappeared in the 2004 catalog... Mine is real Purty with the case hardened receiver and a real desent piece of wood for the stock...nicer than most I've seen and like I said before both shooters... MTNMAN :grin:

Rogmatt · « **Reply #12 on:** March 09, 2004, 01:28:24 PM »

Has anyone started seeing the "Sidekick" in stores yet? I have not.

bubba · « **Reply #13 on:** March 09, 2004, 02:22:05 PM »

I called H&R last week to check on my accessory barrels. They said at that time the sidekick is not available yet. They plan by mid April at that time.