Newbie Questions

[docc30]

I’m looking to buy a G2 Contender for deer hunting.  I have been looking for used, but they do not appear around here that often.  I thought about buying online, but the local FFLs charge high enough fees that I’m probably better off getting one locally.  I found a small shop that will order the Contender frame in SS for $326. 
I can only afford to buy one barrel right now and will probably get that online or through the classifieds here.  I have a friend at work who is trying to talk me into the 45-70, but at 5’ 6” and 150lbs, I’m afraid that’s probably too much recoil so I’m thinking 30-30. 
So, finally to the questions:
1.    Is the “muzzle tamer” on a 30-30 really worth the extra money?
2.   Does the 45-70 really kick as hard as I think it does?
3.   What’s a good 30-30 round for a handgun if I don’t reload?  I was thinking of the Hornady Leverevolution which I’m shooting out of my Marlin 336 with good results.
4.   Any advice before I buy?
A few years ago I was worried about going to a single shot, but I’ve been black powder hunting so much I’ve found I leave my rifle at home and take my TC black diamond with me even during rifle season.  I originally wanted a Redhawk, but given the prices I don’t want to be stuck with 1 caliber.

Thanks,

Michael

[onesonek]

Hi Michael,,,Welcome to the board!
Personally I don't care for brakes  on hunting rigs,,,but that's pretty much a personal choice. They do help manage recoil however.
The 45-70 is a brute without question, and would be one I would consider porting or braking. The one I had did have 4 magna ports, and still was more than I really cared for. Brakes are generally more effective, but I can't say about the muzzle tamer, as I haven't shot one. The 30-30 will be much more pleasant to shoot, even without any recoil reduction of sorts. I would invest in a good fitting grip first.
Handloading is the best way to utilize the potential of these type of handguns, but the 30-30 will make for a good deer round with factory ammo, so long as you use it within it's limitations. The lighter weights like the 150gr. would be good. I hear of some using lighter bullet weights with good results.
Single shots really aren't a disadvantage, just hunt a little closer and make the first shot count. They do however present a different challenge.

Dave

[Grumulkin]

I'm assuming you know what is legal for deer where you hunt.  Some states only allow straight wall cartridges, some have bore diameter restrictions, etc. for handguns to be used for deer hunting.  In Ohio, for instance, the 30/30 Win. wouldn't be legal for deer hunting while the 45-70 Gov. would.

If you were to get the 45-70, I would recommend a muzzle brake but I use ear protection even when hunting.  In fact, if you aren't tolerant to recoil in handguns, I would even recommend a muzzle brake with a 30/30.  Also, where deer hunting is concerned, you could consider such rounds as the 357 Magnum (recoil not bad) or the 44 Magnum (recoil actually bad in an unscoped handgun).

Also, consider an Encore.  Within the last year I bought a minimally used stainless steel Encore frame on a major auction site for less than you would be paying for your Contender frame; your cartridge options will be much greater.  Also, shop around for FFL holders.  I found one in ohio that will do a transfer for $10 to $15.

[David D.]

Hello Michael

The 30-30 is a good choice for the G2. Most 30-30 barrels will shoot well with factory ammo. But with the bullet selection there is reloading is a big plus. Recoil from my 13" MGM barrel isn't bad at all. It is actually pleasant to shoot.

The Muzzle Tamer from TC dose a great job and is worth the money if you fill you need one.

I have never shot a 45-70 but would suspect if I did I would want it braked.

[skarke]

30 30 in a 14 has been my deer gun for years.  It kicks, but not bad.  Get a rubber grip.  And like many say, handloading this thing is fun and easy.  I use the Nosler 125s BT and 38 of 748 and it shoots great.

[docc30]

Thanks for the advice.  As far as legal, in VA the only requirement is .23 or larger so that leaves a lot of caliber choices.  The big question is how much recoil I can handle.  The largest handgun I’ve shot was a .357, and that was 10 years and 90+ lbs ago.  My current handgun is a Ruger Super Single Six, but that is small game only and has almost no recoil.  I think I’ll stick with the 30-30 to start.  Especially since a friend of mine has offered to reload for me if I buy all the powder, primer, and bullets.   I have several boxes of empty brass fired from my Marlin.

I thought about the Encore, but I held both in a pistol configuration and the Encore seemed considerably heavier to me.  It’s probably just my perception.  Also, I can’t remember the last time I shot a deer at over 150 yards.  Most of my shots are less than 100 yards.  I’ve found that the older I get, the more patient I get waiting for the right shot.  I even got rid of my .270 in favor of the Marlin 336.
I was at the gun dealer and they have a SS Contender (not G2) with a 14” 30-30 and a muzzle break for $599 with a 2x Leupold on it.  They’ll take $550 cash, but I’m still thinking of holding out for the G2.   I wasn’t fond of having to open the action to re-cock it if I let the hammer down.  Also, I’d like the option of putting a muzzleloader barrel on it eventually and from what the shop told me I can’t with the older Contender.

If I buy new I’m planning on using open sights until I can afford a good scope.  I’m used to using a 3-9 on my hunting rifle and was thinking 2-7 or so for a pistol.  I’m not sure a fixed magnification would suit my needs.

[onesonek]

You are right, the Encore is heavier. It does help recoil however. FWIW,,,I always shoot from some sort of rest when hunting, like x-sticks. Makes for easier shot placement, although more challenging as it takes longer to get into shooting position. Takes some of the weight issue out of the equation.
Dave

[jhalcott]

 While FACTORY 45-70 rounds are not as vicious as SOME handloads they still have a lot of recoil. Since you already have a lot of brass for the 30-30 and a friend to load them, that seems to be your best option. I would get him to help ME load the ammo. That way it would be MY ammo that I shot the deer with. The feeling of accomplishment can't be duplicated. Have you checked what the ENTIRE  gun will cost you instead of buying it in parts? The barrel ,frame and grips as a unit SHOULD be less $$ than a frame here a barrel there and a set of grips some place else.

[docc30]

Have you checked what the ENTIRE  gun will cost you instead of buying it in parts? The barrel ,frame and grips as a unit SHOULD be less $$ than a frame here a barrel there and a set of grips some place else.

I asked two different dealers and they both said you buy the frame and grips as one item and the barrel as another.  However, i see it listed on TC's website as a unit.  I may have to find a different dealer.

I am interested in handloading, but I don't have the money for the equipment right now.  I will ask my friend to teach me how and load rounds myself.  I've been reading everything I can find on Contenders and it seems the 125 noslers are a pretty popular handload.  I'll try those first.

[David D.]

docc30

If you are going to buy new you may want to consider the 30-30AI. Simple to fireform for. Most will shoot with good accuracy fireforming loads with factory ammo. I know mine dose. You will gain a little more M.V. with the AI version. Nosler 125 gr. Ballistic Tips perform great in my 30-30AI.

[docc30]

Thanks for the help everyone.  I went to a gun show today and found nothing of interest.  On the way home I stopped at a small shop and they are going to order the Contender for me as a package, frame and barrel for $559.  I'm getting the 14" 30-30 in SS.  I should have it in about two weeks.  I am really looking forwarding to firing this for the first time.

[Grumulkin]

When my son was 12 or 13, he had been used to shooting my Contender in 22 LR.  Then, unbeknownst to him I bought another barrel in 30/30.  One day after we had been shooting the Contender with the 22 LR barrel I went up to the house and switched to the 30/30 barrel and loaded it.  I walked back down to my range, handed him the gun and told him to hold tight because of the recoil.  He said, "Ah dad, this doesn't kick too much."  You should have seen the look on his face when he touched the 30/30 round off.

I know, I know.  That wasn't nice.

[Tommyt]

.  I'm getting the 14" 30-30 in SS.  I should have it in about two weeks.  I am really looking forwarding to firing this for the first time.

Congrats
 Plan on buying more barrels ,its just something that happens with TC's look at Ed's TC link right here on GBO also the For Sale page is a hot place
Good luck with your new purchase , just wait and see how exciting it is when you drop the hammer on a Deer / Hog what ever critter your after it takes on a whole new meaning
Tommy T