Yes I have...


Weight with Weaver bases is 7.50lbs and useable barrel length is 24.5 inches. Just FYI, the Omega .50 weighs 7.60lbs with a Warne base and has 26.0 inches of useable barrel length. LOA-41.50 inches, Omega 42.25 inches. Lets talk trigger pull. My well-used Omega .50 breaks at a clean 3.6lbs. Not the lightest trigger pull in the world but it's VERY clean and feel lighter. The Sidekick, right out of the box, breaks at a creep-free TWO POUNDS!
Straight out of the box, that's the best muzzleloader trigger I've ever seen.

This rifle uses "primer carriers." Insert a 209 and place in the breech. They are MEANT to be reused. You can insert a primer into the carrier easily with your fingers and extract with a gentle push from any pointed object. I didn't find them to be a hinderance at all. This rifle has a little blow-by from the primer. Most goes out the right side of the breech but a little seeps around the barrel/receiver contact area. Really didn't mar the scopes finish and really just dusted it a little. Almost, but not quite as scope friendly as an Omega. One item I need to point out is the barrel/breech area needs to be wiped off every 20 shots or so otherwise the action won't lock. I just used a spit-patch and moved on.

WHY do I dare compare this rifle to an Omega? Because its accuracy compares very favorably. After I actually MEASURED the groups, they were in fact, better than I thought.

First thing I tried were 240gr .429 XTPs in Harvester sabots with a powder charge of 100gr 777 ffg(as were all loads). Groups were VERY soso. Not worth measuring although I did shoot three 3-shot groups to make sure. Average velocity 1981fps. Next up were 245gr Powerbelt Aerotips. It shot these MUCH better. I have not measured the groups but they were in the 2 inch area. Average velocity 1794fps. Next up were 260gr Harvesters. About the same as the Powerbelts. Average velocity 1736fps.
Tried the 300gr Harvesters next. Could have stopped right here. 3-shot groups were 1.05, 1.87, 1.51, 1.75 inches. Average size 1.56 inch! Velocity 1690fps. Finally I tried the 250gr PTX and a Harvester short sabot. Groups were 1.47, 1.31, 1.21, and 1.50 for a average of 1.37 inch! I should have taken a picture. Groups were symetrical and in the same place every time. VERY confidence inspiring. Average velocity was 1810fps.

I REALLY like this rifle and I can't wait to get back to the range to try some more loads. I plan on many more shooting sessions with the Sidekick and hopefully they will be problem-free.

I was leaning toward buying one and I think that you have convinced me. Everything that I have read about them has been positive. Wal Mart can order for 128 dollars plus 10% tax.Thanks very much.