Gonic Arms .45 in Contender

[River runner]

Just wondering if anyone else has the Gonic Arms .45X209 barrel on their Contender, and what kind of accuracy are ya getting?

I experimented around with mine, using a Rapine casted HB 405 grain bullet mil spec 1873 (pure lead) sized to .457 lubed with SPG over 70 grains FFFG. I haven't chronographed it yet, but at 100 yards that puppy was printing moa and a bit better, at 200 yards it was just a tad over moa.

That load appeared to be the most accurate by far, but several other charges of BP were quite acceptable. Using the "100 grain Magnum charge," opened up to 3" at 100 yards, and was not at all pleasant to shoot, and heavy fouling to boot. RRD

[Dragon31]

River Runner:

I've got the 16 inch barrel and have never fired it.  I bought the barrel to get the frame.  What do you think of yours?  How long is your barrel?

[River runner]

I've got the 24", I just recently got to milk it out the last couple of days out here. Have to get out before 9:00 AM as it's still getting over 100 out here.

So far I like it. The book says to use .458 pure lead naturally, but I had a really hard time getting it down the bore, and didn't get the accuracy I thought I should. Probably damaged the bullet jamming it down on the powder charge. The past couple of days I've been sizing the described bullet to .457, the bullets weighed 399-404 grains, I seperated the bullets by weight, and pre measured the charges. Sure is simple to clean.

I also used some hornets nesting, self made grease wads over the powder, along with Wonder Wads. Using that hollow base bullet, and lubing with SPG was all I really needed.

I have one other in-line and that's the Thompson Scout, and it to is very accurate. Still prefer the traditional smoke poles, but it sure is a kick shooting the holy black no matter what it's coming out of. RR

[Underclocked]

Not really related to the Gonics (where are you guys getting those?) but I would like to have an Encore or a G2 with a White .451 barrel.  Think that would also make a great combo.

[Dragon31]

River runner

I bought mine from Whittakers just outside of Owensboro, KY.  I was by yesterday and he had some barrels in the case.  I was picking up 28 ga wads for my Savage, so I didn't pay any attention to what they were.  You can e-mail him or visit his web site at whittakers.com.
Another guy you want to talk with is Ed.  You'll find Ed's web page on this site.  I have bought from both and both are super folks to deal with.

[sduve]

The only pics I saw were of horse trailers.

[River runner]

I got my Gonic Arms barrel from a really nice guy on this board named Ernie Shipman, FFL dealer, (Redwood) he really went out of the way to take care of me. I can't say the same for Gonic Arms, the guy that runs the company, "Dale," is the worlds worst procrastinator, doesn't return calls, and leaves ya hanging. The barrel I got didn't fit my Contender frame properly, and had to be sent back, for what was supposed to be, a maximum of a "one week turn around", 7 weeks later after threatening legal action, I got my barrel back from Gonic. They are located in Gonic New Hampshire. If ya want I'll check my records for Gonic to give ya few more details, but I really can't recommend Gonic after my experience.  I must say it is really an accurate little pup. RR:grin:

[Underclocked]

Randy Wakeman keeps telling me the situation with Gonic but I've forgotten several times.   :wink:   They are either going out, combining with someone else, or otherwise making some major change in the company situation.  

I contacted Whittakerguns.com and he replied that he has no extra barrels for the Encore at this point.  That's really good for me because just now I need another rifle expenditure like my wife needs a new iron skillet.   :shock: