How good is the NEF Huntsman .50 ?

Skippy

Skippy

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Earlier I was toying with the idea of possibly having my NEF shotgun converted to a muzzloader. However, I cme accross the NEF Huntsman Muzzleloader at SIR for a price that is within my budget.

I'm wondering what you guys think of this rifle. How accurate have you found it to be? What bullet/powder combinations work for you? Are there any tang style peep sights available?

I'd be buying this rifle to use on Ontario whitetail this year. Though I generally prefer the older style muzzleloaders for their asthetic, I'm on a very tight budget and this NEF for less than $200 at SIR seems to fit he bill, providing it will preform when I ask it to.
 
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I had one,it was my 1st in-line as it fit within my budget too.
It had a nice solid feel to it,as well with pointing it came natural.
The fiber optic sights are good.The only thing I was "iffy" about was the telescoping ram-rod? Other than that,for the price its a decent in-line for the budget minded person.I traded it up as it was a bit too heavy for my 9yr old,who will be getting a Traditions 209 Tracker in the mail this week.
I've since up-graded to a T/C Encore.
Good luck,
 
Skippy said:
Huntsman,
WHat about the ramrod was iffy?

Also, what sort of projectile/powder did you use?
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Believe me,it does what it's supposed to do,
This is a quote from famed gun writer Chuck Hawks:
"The ramrod is a telescoping monstrosity that gains notoriety as the worst ramrod I've ever seen on a muzzleloader. It is basically a piece of dowel rod, with a tin tube crimped over it. There are stronger automobile antennas available, and it seats all bullets tried with equal inability."
After reading this,I still bought one!!
I used mine only when out in the bush! At the range I used a standard one piece ramrod that I put together using hickory dowling with brass ends.
For bullets and powder I used both Pyrodex & Triple 7 pellets (100 grs max) and 240gr Hornady .44cal XTP's. I was able to get under 2" groups @100yds.
Cheers,
 
Thanks for the helpful info Huntsman. I guess I'd put together a replacement rod as well. Will the rifle hold a full length one or is it only long enough to fit the telescoping one?
 
I don't know if there is a tang peepsight, but there is a reciver sight.
Here is a page that has links to the various sight options. I am pretty sure the huntsman is drilled the same as the other NEF rifles.
 
Tang sights are available from a company called buffalo arms in the states.Last year they would still ship to can. .As for the ramrod the bend easily( S.I.R. stocks extras),especially if you shoot them through a moose.
 
altagunguy said:
I have a stainless Huntsman. Love the gun, broke the ramrod. Actually my uncle broke the ramrod. I thought it was because he is part ape, maybe it was not his fault.
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Thats the "iffy" part I was talking about,I don't think it would take much to bust a rod,therefore it should be reserved to 2nd shot situations.
What I would while hunting was to load the NEF at my truck using my range rod,and if by chance I needed a follow up shot which was never quite the case because the 240gr XTP dropped the deer in its tracks, would be to use the supplied factory ram rod.

Another bit of suggestion from me Skippy,would be to spend the extra bucks a get the "NEF Sidekick". This way you can up your charge to 150grs if need be to adapt to your hunting situation.For instance,my T/C Encore can handle up to 150grs (3 pellets),which I've never had to use but I was able to find a sweet spot load with 120grs of Triple 7 FFG powder and a Hornady 250gr SST.With this load I'm deadly out to 150yds! At 200yds she drops 11 inches,but to me 150yds is far enuf.
I'm also using Winchester AA target primers(for skeet & trap loads).
Good luck:)
 
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