Is it enough???

[Ranger413]

O.K., I can admit I have a problem.  I want more frames and barrels.  Got a 209X50, .223 rifle barrel, and the latest a .308 pistol barrel.  My plan next is to get a SS Encore frame to dedicate it specifically to the pistol barrels - see, I only have one pistol barrel so far and I'm saying "barrels" already.  

As far as the handgun situation goes do you think the .308 is all that I need for deer sized game?  I have a .44 mag revolver that I'm thinking of ditching in order to afford the new frame.  Would a .44 Encore pistol barrel be a good choice to mix things up now and then?  What would the .44 do that the .308 wouldn't?

Also, down the road I was thinking of getting a G2 as well.  Probably to shoot 22lr and for a "first gun" for my son who is only 2 1/2.  Of course, I could use it until he was ready . . . sounds like a good plan to me!

Ranger413

[helobill]

Well, a .44 makes a bigger hole  :grin:  but seriously that is a consideration. The old statement of, "you can eat right up to the hole." rings true. I like my 44 mag for close in, and in my Contender I use a wildcat in 30 cal for longer shots (up to about 250 yards). Shoots flat with lots of retained energy, and a 308 would outperform mine. For deer I'd have both a short range barrel when I know I'm only going to have short shots (stand in the  thick stuff) and a long range barrel (siting on the edge of a cornfield at sunset). Now you also need a coyote barrel (22-250) and a varmint barrel (17hmr). And probably a squirrel barrel (22lr) and a couple wildcats just for good measure.
Bill

[KN]

You left out a "4", as in 444.   KN

[kciH]

You NEED a Contender AND Encore.  No sense in dragging a big pistol around when a smaller one will do the job...just think of it as a "mountain pistol", the Contender that is.  17HMR is superb, no matter what you may have read.  I'd stick with a 12-15" barrel to realize it's potential.  The .44 Mag is a handful in a 10" TC and provides a tremendous velocity/energy increase over a revolver.  There is no comparison in power....or recoil.  I would just as soon shoot a .308 in an Encore, unless you are trying to shoot truly large animals.  If you handload, get a .445 Supermag (Contender) .444 Marlin (Encore) if you really want to get your money's worth when you light it off.

Just to make your decision easier, have a look at www.bullberry.com , so you have an idea of the barrels you CAN have.  There are several great barel makers for these pistols, but I've not seen the need to stray from the one mentioned above.  That is not to diminish the others, I've just had great results with the Bullberry barrels.

[Gregory]

Also, down the road I was thinking of getting a G2 as well.  Probably to shoot 22lr and for a "first gun" for my son who is only 2 1/2.  Of course, I could use it until he was ready . . . sounds like a good plan to me!

Ranger413

Ranger
I gave my two boys a Contender Carbine of their own when they turned 9.
With a 410 barrel, 22LR, and 22Mag available for them to use.  My older boy hunted deer with his using a 7-30 Waters.  I like your thinking.