.45/.410 Question

[jpsmith1]

How effective are these barrels?  I've been looking at adding one to my limited arsenal, but I have questions about the .410.

I've never used anything smaller than a 12, so is a .410 good enough for bunnies and squirrels?  I'd rather a 12 for pheasant.

The .45 isn't too much of a concern to me because I have a Ruger in .45 that shoots better than I can.

[J-Train]

I had one of those barrels for a while and really liked it, but as for using it on squirrels,I would be hesitant.  A .410 is light for those tough little critters, so you've got to be really close with the Contender.  Cottontails are another story--much easier to kill with a .410.

[Bill,SC]

I have use the contender .410 since 1969 for squirrles and rabbits.  You are wasting your time using it for squirrles unless you are within 10yds.  If the critter is 50ft up a tree he will just laugh at you.  If you catch one on the ground, at the right distance, it will do the job.  For rabbits, yes, they are easier to kill.  Also, you usually can get much closer to the little thing.  The .410 is marginal, at best.  But, if you get close enough, it will do the job.

If you really want some fun, try it with clays.  Be careful!!  It is very easy to point in the wrong direction.

[spinafish]

I have used mine on squirrels, rabbits, crows and the occasional snake..works like a charm.  Mine prefers #7 and #6's, three shells.

[jw4570]

I think mine shot best with #6's as well.

Mine is an old octagon with the choke.  The effective rifling distance is rather poor.  Someone here did a write-up I think on using other brass to overcome the huge jump the bullet must make when shooting 45.

JW

[rickyp]

I have a 10 inch contender and a 12 inch encore and love them both. I use 7 1/2 for squirrel and rabbits and with in about 20 yards it is a good killer. I have also used buck shot (3 .350 round balls)  of my own making and have used it to take several coons and opossums. my 10 inch contender barrel has the normal iron sights on it and is just good enough for deer out to about 50 yards. it will not be my first choice but if I need it to do the job it will work.

[steveus]

I shoot marsh hens (clapper rails) with mine on the Georgia coast. I use 2.5" and 3", both do well. Marsh hens are not hard to bring down,  but the 410 will kill them at 30 yards no problem. Shoots very well, give it a try on anything that makes a little bit of sense. I know friends who shoot bobwhite quail with contenders.  Anyway, it sure is a lot of fun.  Steveus

[Dusty Miller]

Are those barrels legal in the PRC?

[rickyp]

no you can not have one in kalaforina thye consider it a short barreled shotgun no matter what the ATF tells them

[Del]

A hunting partner of mine has a 10' bull barrel .410 / .45 colt which he mounted a small red-dot scope on, and he just loves it for grouse / ptarmigan.  Out to 25 yards he says it is "a sure thing" on the birds, 30 yards is stretching it since the pattern is opening up to much by then.  He used 3" / .410  shells exclusively, I think w/ #6 shot.  He would take it on his annual opening day Ptarmigan hunt, and when ever he hunted grouse.  One of his favorite fun barrels, for his Contender!

[jpsmith1]

Looks like I'll have to keep my eyes open for one at the next gun show.  Sounds like a lot of success for a little gun.  Since hunting trips to Kalifornia aren't in my future, I should be pretty safe.

[meister-jaeger]

I have a couple of the 45/410 barrels.  I haven't shot any .45 with them yet but the 410 sure is fun.  I used 3" number 6 shot in my 16"  to effectivley take squirrels out to 30 yards and a 3" inch load of number 4's rolled a full grown gobbler at twelve steps.       I was really surprised at how hard he went down.  It actually flipped him over.  The key is to be prudent with taking only shots that are within range.