Contender 44 mag barrel

[seb]

I saw a used Contender barrel in a local gun store that I have never seen before.  It was about 7 or 8 inches long in 44 mag with an external choke tube.  The chamber was round while the remaining length of barrel was octagon.  They want $125 for the barrel (It is in great shape).  Does anyone know anthing about this barrel:  When were they offered and does it handle full power loads.  I assume the choke is for 44 mag shot shells.  Any info would be great.  Thanks.

[Mark Berry]

Seb,
   What you have is a bit of a collectors item. I own one of these barrels and boy can it be fun. First of all you are correct about it being used for shot shells, But they went one step further and extended the chambe to accept whats called "hot Shot " shot loads. That screw on choke creats a full ckoke pattern at 20 yrds, And yes it will take full power loads. Beware of the recoil though. I ran some full power 300gr. XTP loads threw it and my wrist hurt for a month. If you aquire it send me an email to  
mberry1217@juno.com    and i'll email you some printed loads from Hot Shot. Also beware that that barrel requires an octagon forestock.
                       Good luck, mark