the difference?? NEF Sidekick or Huntsmen
 

I am going to buy a black powder gun and had my mind made up on the huntman due to reading old post and because of the price, I am going to purchase one in a few weeks, however I went to Wal-Marts website and for the same price I can get a sidekick($145)What is the difference and which one would be better? Thanks

RE: the difference?? NEF Sidekick or Huntsmen
 

The Huntsman and Sidekick differ I believe in the model of the receiver. The Huntsman is able to be fitted with different barrels like a shotgun and some centerfire barrels. You send the rifle back to the factory and they fit them (as I understand it). The Sidekick is not and therefore does not fall under the centerfire sales and shipping regulations. Also the Sidekick I believe has a 2" shorter barrel. Other then that they are the same rifle.

The out of the box accuracy of these rifles as I had read is most impressive.

RE: the difference?? NEF Sidekick or Huntsmen
 

The Huntsman requires federal paperwork mainly because of barrel interchange ability as Cayugad has mentioned, however it is built on the SB1 action which will only accept shotgun barrels not including the 10 gauge.Handi-rifles can be purchased as a .243/.50 caliber combo package - in that instance the SB2 action is used (that is their centerfire action). The SB2 will accept a muzzleloader barrel while the SB1 will not be fitted with a CF barrel.

The Sidekick was H&R's effort at marketing a "Huntsman-like" muzzleloader ONLY that will not accept alternate barrels of any sort (by them) and therefore be available online, via mail, or over the counter without the paperwork requirements. As Cayugad indicated, the Sidekick action is a bit shorter but otherwise houses veryfew differences from its older brothers. Sidekick barrels are most commonly 26" but a 24" model is still available. The Huntsman barrels are 24".

Another difference is the powder handling capability of the rifles - the Sidekick is capable of handling so-called "magnum" loads while the loading limititations for the Huntsman are more restrictive. This is something I find puzzling, but true.

I own an SS/Nickel Huntsman that has the finest trigger I've encountered on any muzzleloader straight out of the box. I don't think you would go far wrong with either model, particularly if you only intend to use the rifle as a muzzleloader.They represent perhaps the best value available in their price ranges and most owners are amazed by their consistently good accuracy with a multitude of loads.

Both have quirks and a few issues that H&R could easily solve, but I guess they do not see the need.

RE: the difference?? NEF Sidekick or Huntsmen
 

Thanks guys, I am buying the sidekick online from Bass-pro here in Missouri, its my first blackpowder rifle, so Im excited.

RE: the difference?? NEF Sidekick or Huntsmen
 

Good luck with the rifle and keep us posted on how you like it. The only thing I have heard the owners complain about is the ramrod. I have never seen one so I am not sure what the problem is, but then I don't particularly like any ramrod that comes with any of the rifles we buy, and use a heavy range ramrod when ever possible...

RE: the difference?? NEF Sidekick or Huntsmen
 

Oh be sure we complain about other things too. :) The provided breech plug tool is a nightmare. The ramrod is telescopic and easily broken if not used properly. The hammer sits high enough to make scopes a bit of a problem (be sure to get the H&R scope base and hammer extension if you buy one and intend to scope it). Some people like the primer carriers while others can't stand them. I'm pretty neutral on the carriers - at least they are made to last many shots. A few people have reported actions dropping open when the action gets fouled (just carry a rag to wipe it out if you do a bunch of shooting)...and the firing pin area is not easily cleaned.

Those are the issues I mentioned, but none of are of such significance asto make the rifle undesirable.

But you are absolutely right, many ramrods are lacking and a range rod is always invaluable.