Optimum 30-30AI barrel length???

[drdougrx]

Hi All,
 
I'm interested in getting a Contender or G2 in 30-30AI for hunting.  I was also thinking about barrel length ....  my inclination is for a 12" as I'll have to carry it.  I know a lot of folks use 14" and some suggest 10". 
 
I'm looking for some of the more experienced TC shooters here to give me some food for thought.
 
Thanks in advance!
 
Doug

[Grumulkin]

When you talk about "optimum" barrel length, in the 30-30 AI it's probably about 22 to 24 inches but you're obviously going the handgun route.
 
For you, the best length depends on how you wish to carry it.  For me, the longest barrel length I can carry comfortably on a belt holster is 6 inches since otherwise the holster hits something when I sit down and I'm a fairly big guy.  That means, for a longer barrel you'll need to go with a bandoler holster or a shoulder holster.  With a bandoleer holster, you can go as long as you like up to at least a 15 inch barrel.  Once again, depending on your size, with a shoulder holster you might be able to pack one with up to a 15 inch barrel.  If you just carry your handgun like I do with Encores and Contenders, barrel length doesn't matter and I'd probably go with a 12 inch barrel.

[Hopalong7]

     Probably the best quality of a Contender is it's adaptability to personal wants & needs.  For ME personally I wouldn't want a 30-30, either WIN or AI, in a length less than 14".  Lot's of muzzle blast and velocity drop(especially with heavier pills)...If I wanted a shorter barrel and sometimes I do, I'd get a 30Herrett(I've had at least one since 'bout 1974).  Because of age, my woods walking has dropped a lot and become time sitting in one of my stands, so I don't use the shorter barrels near as much.  I use a sling on all my Contenders so barrel length isn't a big factor in carrying anyway, however, to me, barrel length is a big factor in ability from different shooting positions.  Rested in my stand I prefer 14" or more.  BTW, I've got a AI in 14" and a WIN in 16"...love 'em both.  May rechamber the 16" to AI someday...just haven't gotten around to it.
   JFWIW, back in the early days of Contendering, TC's longest barrel was 10".  Steve Herrett and Bob Milek decided the 30-30 just wasn't the way to go, and the .30 Herrett was born....especially designed for the 10" Contender and light for caliber bullets.
   Bottom line...one choice...I'd go 14" AI with a sling...But...remember that's for ME...not somebody else.  Good Luck with whatever You do.
Walt

[carlsflh]

while i don't have 30-30AI i have had 30-30 barrels both 10" and 14" muzzle blast from the shorter barrels is a concern.and i never had very good accuracy in eather length  .i now have a custom 13"barrel in 30GNR kind of a inproved AI it is very accurate shoots a 125g at 2750 or 150 g at 2500 fps

[drdougrx]

Thanks for the advice guys!  Carrying one is another thing I'm pondering, I suspect I'll use a sling and I'm going to do a pistol.  My buds suggest an encore rather than a contender as they are positive I'll be getting other calibers.....the nerve of them! 

Grumulkin / Hopalong....I'm only 5'7' and expect I'll use a sling rather than a holster so a 12' or 14" may not matter. I haven't shot enough of them to be able to make an informed decision as yet.  My best shooting friends have several T/Cs in handgun configuration but also have custom finger groove grips, thick stocks and bipods attached so it hard for me to judge.  I like simple....maybe a pachmeyer(sp?) grip and fore end and a 2x leupi scope.   I will think on it.

Carlsflh....I'll be with Gary at the HHC in a few weeks in TN and will ask him about 30GNR barrels.  I'll be using my Ultimate Black Widow in 475L shooting 480R.

[carlsflh]

have fun at the hunt i hope to make the oct hunt

[drdougrx]

If the March hunt is all its supposed to be, I'll probably see you in Oct as well!  I'll let you know how it goes!

[Ken ONeill]

14", hands down.

[drdougrx]

Thanks Ken...seems to be the consensus. 

[Grumulkin]

My buds suggest an encore rather than a contender as they are positive I'll be getting other calibers.....the nerve of them! 

Grumulkin / Hopalong....I'm only 5'7' and expect I'll use a sling rather than a holster so a 12' or 14" may not matter. I haven't shot enough of them to be able to make an informed decision as yet.  My best shooting friends have several T/Cs in handgun configuration but also have custom finger groove grips, thick stocks and bipods attached so it hard for me to judge.  I like simple....maybe a pachmeyer(sp?) grip and fore end and a 2x leupi scope.   I will think on it.

I would also recommend an Encore since it will take any cartridge up to the belted magnums based on the 300 H&H Magnum case.  The Contender is a bit lighter but, in my opinion, not enough to matter much.
 
I think all rifle cartridges shot in handguns have so much noise and blast as to make hearing protection in EVERY shooting situation highly recommended.  I don't think an extra inch or two of barrel makes a lot of difference.  The shortest barrel I have on a T/C handgun at this time is 10 inches on a 357 Herrett which is good for about 1.5 inches at 100 yards.  The next shortest barrel is a 13 inch braked 375 H&H Magnum barrel which is good for about 1.5 inches at 200 yards; the blast, noise and recoil if it is similar to the 444 Marlin, 460 S&W Magnum and 500 S&W Magnums in 15 inch barrels.

[drdougrx]

Thanks Grumulkin.....I'm also still looking and leaning towards the Encore....also seems to be the consensus.

[jbj-displays]

I have both the 30/30 Win and 30/30 AI both being 14". I like the extra length for velocity and also a touch more weight for recoil. Both shoot well out to 200 yards. That's a long shot if you are not too use to handgun hunting. My longest known shot being 216 yards with a Contender with a 14" 445 Super Mag.
I use a front load hunting vest that I stick the Contender/Encore into so up to 15" is comfortable.
At 5'7" I'm thinking that your hand is not all that big neither. With that said I'm 5'8" and really like the Contender grip size much better. Yes, I have both the Encore and Contender setup for handgun hunting. I'm a little backwards when it comes to the Encore. Instead of muzzle blasting rifle rounds in short barrels mine are 454 Casull,460 S&W,500 S&W,500 Linebaugh,480 Ruger,444 Marlin,475 Linebaugh.
In the Contender I have 13 times more Handgun barrels which I love to hunt everything with. SO, as you can see no matter which one you get I bet you get more than just the 30/30 AI barrel and love each one!!! Also, suggest using electronic ear muffs when shooting/hunting. You have been warned!