30-30 Contender Handgun

[Neighbor_guy]

Ok, another gun question.

Anyone have a contender hangun in 30-30? I am always looking to add to the inventory and this is one I would like to add down the road. Hunting with handguns is something I enjoy and the 30-30 hangun can be used state wide.

It is also something I think my father could get into shooting. He is not a big wheelgun fan, but I think he would feel better about the single shot contender. Add a decent pistol scope and look out whitetail's.

Oppinions, likes, dislikes???

[Neighbor_guy]

Ok, let me generalize a bit more.....

Does anyone here have an Encore or Contender handgun in any of the rifle calibers? and How does it shoot?

Somebody has to know something.....

[Archerysniper]

I don't own one but borrowed my uncles 30-30 contender for 2 seasons great shooting pistol just remember too extend your arms all the way out because it would take my hat off with every shot. Had a 1-6 power scope and could shoot tight groups at 100 yards with a bench rest.

[picksbigwagon]

I have thought about getting one for years, but just haven't found a great deal. ballistically, even with leverrevolution ammo, I think you could find a better caliber than a 30-30. 243 would be my starting point in a contender or encore. When I hunted down in houston county, a guy hunting the property next to us I believe used a 264 encore. nothing like sitting there at 6:45 in the morning have a rifle crack off to scare the living daylights out of ya. he had it scoped and claimed he was good to 200 yards. he was on the corner of the field with shooting sticks and a bar stool to sit on.

[Archerysniper]

My other uncle uses a savage bolt pistol chambered in 243 and I have shot it and it definatley out shoot the contender

[magnum mike]

I had a 7x30 Waters barrel for the TC Contender years ago. It was a 12" ported barrel. The 7x30 Waters is a 30-30 necked down to 7MM. It was a sweet shooter and dropped every whitetail I shot at. It was a wildcat load and you had to hand load the ammo but that was part of the charm of this round. If you can find one, I would reccomend it.

[Dave S]

I have a G2 Contender rifle in .223. Very nice shooting gun.

I used to have a Magnum Research Lone Eagle in .308 (sans muzzle brake) and a 7mm-08 with muzzle brake, hence my username LEP7MM (Lone Eagle Pistol 7MM).

I agree whole heartedly that you want to keep your arms fully extended if you're new to shooting hand-cannons. I would also recommend to never shoot one without hearing protection. My 7MM put a guy to the ground one day at the range because he tought I had a 22LR and he had NO HEARING PROTECTION. He went home much wiser. Especially after I warned him he better cover his ears.

At 100 yards, I could put 3 shots into a half inch with the 7MM on a sand bag.

Picks is right in starting with a .243. IMO one of the best all around calibers for MN big game and not a bad caliber for 'yotes.