I'm just getting into muzzleloading and am finding it really interesting. I'm hoping to get my Dad to go with me for next season, but he doesn't want to invest in a rifle or all the associated equip. He does have a H&R handy rifle and I know that you can send it back to the factory and have a Huntsman muzzleloader barrel fitted for a total price of $110 including shipping. That sounds really reasonable, but I thought I'd ask here to see if any of you experienced folks had anything good, bad or ugly to say about H&R Huntsman barrel

-E-

Check out my comments on the post "what muzzleloader to buy" in this thread.

The only bad thing about the barrel is not the barrel - it's the ramrod. It's a telescopic rod that is pretty flimsy but totally workable for field reloading if used carefully (Don't extend it until you run out of rod while seating a projectile). So he needs a good range rod for bench work or practice (we all do). I would also recommend you get the barrel in stainless regardless of the current frame's metal.

I meant to add that Huntsman barrels are generally quite accurate and reliable. I started with one load in mine and stuck to it. Groups 3 at a hundred in about 1.75" day in - day out.

That would be a great choice for your Dad.

Thanks for the input. I've seen those primer carriers that are specific to that rifle barrel. Is thatbad system or a personal dislike?Do you know what the reason was for them devising such a system? It seems to me that they were trying to make it water proof or just easier toprime the barrel, but that's just my guess.

The primer carriers are a bit of a drawback in a way, but the good thing is they make it easy to tell if the rifle is potentially "live" and they last indefinitely. Just wash and allow todry after use. They are easy to use and make priming easy for old hands and eyes (or anyone else for that matter). PRBullet.com markets and .25 ACP breech plug that he might want to get later, but for now an extra package of carriers along with what is included with the barrel should be enough.

The carriersdo not limit blowback at all and the barrel cut where they fit allows blowback to be directed straight out. I've never heard anyone complain of that being a problem, even left-handers. They are also nota waterproofing enhancement.

The single biggest complaint aside from the ramrod (so far as I'm concerned) is the stupid breech plug tool H&R provides. It works but can be greatly improved. I suggest you check out thisTHREADfor a world of info. One link is to http://perkloafm.com/where he outlines tool improvement and other useful info.

As I mentioned on the other post the carriers are usually not liked and many including me convert to the .25ACP breechplug and normal type removal tool. The stock tool is pretty sad.

I have the sidekick andI bought a new cleaning ram rod. I just bought some extra primer holders, a spare breech plug from H&R and a scope rail. The primer holders make it easy and quick to load primers. My buddy has a TC Triumph and with that type of breech plug you are supposed to be able to get it in and out without a tool. I'll take my tool any day. I think you will find the barrel to be very accurate and for that price you will have a heck of a gun. The people at H&R are very nice to deal with as well.

I killed several deer with this gun using two 50 grain charges that ignite very well with the primers. One deer was 80 yards out open sites.

This gun is nothing fancy but a good way to get into muzzleloader hunting. If your going to go replacing the breech plug, stock, etc your better offgetting a ML in the $350 range.

I liked the primer holder's, just make sure you put lots of lube on the breech plug or you will have trouble getting it out! Also wear you hearing protection this gun is loud.

I had a ramrod go bad on me but the factory sent me a new one.