cayugad,

I think the hammer broke in the pivot. It clanked when it was dry fired as I was getting a view of my new, elevated front sight. I am not able to remove the hammer, though I have tried to wiggle it loose. All of the inner workings of the sidekick are not easily accessible, requiring the removal of pins. NEF does not recommend anyone to disassemble one, but to return the weapon for service. I haven't checked yet, but I am hoping to be able remove the butt stock so that I flow hot soapy water through it occasionly just to ensure powder crud doesn't build up to much inside. All of the inner parts are Chrome or Nickel Alloys, I think, which have corrosion resistance. When my supply of pyrodex is gone. Only ascorbic acid based powders will go in this rifle.

This is what I can tell you after more than 80 rounds. If one is shooting Pyrodex or Black Powder, the blowback will get around the outside of the BP. It's not getting through the threads, on which, I have been putting anti seize compound. But if I shoot more than 5 rounds without removing the BP, the BP will be lodged in from outside. Spray alittle soapy water and some time to soften, and I can get the BP out in the field with no problems even after 15+ rounds. One should construct a good handle for the removable tool whichs fit tightly into handle hole. I used a phillips screw driver as a handlymy first day out and it scratched the reciever slightly.

As the number of rounds a primer carrier has served increases, one may find that primers get only slight dented and doesn't fire. On one carrier, it happened sooner than I anticipated, 10 rounds or so, but I found if I didn't push primers completely into the carrier, the primers continued to fire. I would advise to take new un-used carriers to the field, rather than chance a misfire while hunting.


As I have said before, this rifle shoots good groups at 50 yards,which span in the 1" to 1.25" range. This also under windy conditions. I am hoping and have confidence that the sidekickhas the potential to shoot sub-MOA spreads(clover leafs) at 50 yards in good range conditions with the open sights I have mounted. I do credit part of this rifle's precision to the modifications I have made to its sighting system.

I have unfettered views of the target and great edges to center all parts of the sights and target. My rear sight is amodified Pedersoli globe sight. I had toreduce the size ofits dove-tail to fit the ramp of the sidekick's rear sight. For the range, I use the post insert. The bead rests on and centers easily on the post. I use the top of the bead as the point of aim. So I have clear unfettered views of the target and can precisely repeat the point of aim each shot. The Globe sight lifts the rear sight enough that I had to purchase a taller front sight so that I could drop all my inserts in and use them.

I think I covered most things, but if you have a particular question, I'll do my best to answer it.

Happy Hunting, Phil