First Muzzleloader. Huntsman or sidekick.

[SeaBass]

I'm looking to buy my first muzzleloader.  I hunted with an encore last year and it was very accurate but not real comfortable to carry.  I think I was using the 250gr shockwave with 3 50gr pyrodex pellets.  I was quite impressed with its perfomance on deer as well as on paper!  I was considering the Thompson Omega or the Savage 10MLBSS.  I will probably only shoot it for a little practice before the season and hopefully once during the season.  With that in mind I've decided to economize a little.  I know the NEF's have a good reputation and I think one would serve me fine.  But which one to buy?  I'm probably going to pick one up locally instead of ordering one since they are pretty inexpensive anyway.

Does the Huntsman use 209 primers.  How much does it cost to put a new(centerfire) barrel on one?  That is the only real advantage I can see the Huntsman has over the Sidekick.  It would seem to be almost as cheap to just buy a new NEF than rebarrel one?  In which case might as well buy the Sidekick. 

What do you guys think?

I'm trying to decide between a Leupold 4x or 2-7x32.  Any suggestions?

[Keith Lewis]

The Huntsman uses 209 primers but requires a plastic carrier similar to the Knight rifles. The breechplug is a little strange and requires a special tool to remove which is a small problem. I bought the 25ACP conversion breechplug for mine and that eliminates the plastic carriers and allows use of small rifle primers instead. In addition the conversion breechplug can be removed with as standard six point socket. I converted my Omega to the .25ACP primer and really like it due to the extra benefit of ease of handling the .25 brass over the 209 primers which are difficult to handle especially when your hands are cold. buying additional barrels for the Huntsman requires sending it in for fitting and is really not worth considering as a benefit. As you stated it is about as cheap to just buy another NEF in whatever caliber you want. I bought the Huntsman secondhand and the price was great. The sidekick is fine if you only want the blackpowder use. Both seem to shoot great from what I have been able to find. I have not had mine long enough to tell at this time.

[SeaBass]

Thanks for the info.  I guess I'll buy which ever model they have in stock in stainless.

[bubba]

even if you wanted to send the huntsman in for more barrels, they would not put rifle barrels on it since it is a shotgun frame. In order to do such you would need to buy a rifle and have th ehuntsman barrel fitted to it.

[cwlongshot]

Correct,
  The SIDEKICK is a different receiver and because of that not considered a firearm and NOT subject to the gun control act of 1968. (You can buy it thru the mail, NO paperwork)

Also it is rated for 150 grns, the Huntsman is only rated for 100grns. Both are avalible Blued or Stainless and simularly priced.
 NO barrels accept another SIDEKICK muzzel loader barrel can be fit to the SIDEKICK receiver.

CW