Topper chop or AAC rifle?

[colonelsanders]

Alright guys, I need some advice. I been eyeballing the new AAC blackout, but got this old Topper in 30-30. Like the look of the 16 inch AAC. My ? is should I cut the Topper and restock it or sell it and get the blackout? Read a lot about the 158 Topper and it seems very well liked, but I've got other of 30-30s, and want to do something different. What you guys think, sell or chop?

[thejanitor]

I myself would not chop the topper barrel. I have the topper and loaded with 130 gr spire points the barrel length gives you a little more burn time for a better traj with the bullet...
Many are excited about the AAC but the talk is if you dont plan to put a can on it and use it sub sonic then your 30-30 loaded down can do much of the same thing...  I think a fun new caliber to work on loads for sounds fun BUT a topper barrel is not a barrel I would chop. I would chop a modern 30-30 barrel with no guilt what so ever but the light to carry topper is a nice barrel as is.  Just my thought. thejanitor

[rdlange]

Sell Topper as is.  Use money to buy another barrel.  Topper is worth much more uncut.  Will sell fast I'd think.  JMHO...

[Jeff H]

.......BUT a topper barrel is not a barrel I would chop. I would chop a modern 30-30 barrel with no guilt what so ever.......

I agree 100%.  The nice, older slender barrels are not easy to find.  I would have no compunctions about shortening a newer one.
 
I have a newer 30-30 barrel and it's a shame that it is so beefy.  With a 22" barrel on the break-open action it's not terribly long overall, but the thought has crossed my mind to cut it down to reduce the weight some.  Wouldn't be a consideration on a Topper.
 
The 30-30 is a very versatile cartridge with brass fairly easy to locate.  Outside of the "normal" 30-30 loadings, I have loaded Sierra 110 grain HPs to shoot pretty flat and 165 grain cast to shoot pretty quietly.  I have not read up on the AAC so I don't know how versatile it is in comparison.
 
If you have other 30-30s, and handload, you have the components and dies already.  Shortening a newer 30-30 to play with cast, sub-sonic, Handi(er) configuration might be a cheaper and easier way to scratch that itch.  I am not advocating or suggesting being practical here - just a quicker, easier route to your entertainment objectives.  I have guns I have no practical use for but they are fun to play with.
 
 
 
 

[colonelsanders]

Gotta say that's pretty much the responses I was expecting. The old Topper is more valuable as is being their not made that way no more.. the new Blackout just looks like a lot of fun. Think I'm leaning more toward selling, so there is no guilt of ruining an old favorite.

[gcrank1]

When considering stuff like that, I always ask myself,"well, do they make it anymore?" and the answer is usually pretty obvious what to do, or not do  .

[av-doctor]

you wanna have some fun with that topper? load up some 125gr nosler bt's over h335,i'm holding about 3in groups at 300yds with mine,problem i have now is i'm runnin out of barrel (can't make anymore velocity) thinking about trying a faster burning powder (not sure which one yet)

[hoytcanon]

Sell your Topper... buy a modern SB2 .30/30, chop it to 16.25" and drop it into a textured black Boyd's thumbhole stock (which you can cut down if you wish or simply buy a youth synthetic stock) and work up some Trailboss loads for it... something like this ( );

[colonelsanders]

Thats a sharp looking Handi. I got the Topper barrel listed in the classifieds, but no hits on it yet. Thats a Boyds stock? Ive shot everything from 90 grainers up to 180s in 30-30, just want somethin new to play with and really thinkin it needs to be that 300 Blackout

[jparedes]

Not hijacking this chat, but I have to ask:  Where can one purchase the AAC Handy?

Thanks.

[44 Man]

I'm very glad you did not chop the Topper!  Mine just shoots way too good at 1/2" at 100 yds to change in any way.  As for the AAC, I still have trouble understanding why anyone would want a 30 cal gun that only shoot a 30-30 half load.  Yes, they are all fun to shoot but such a limited capability will get boreing quickly.  Isn't the 30-30 considered a minimum for hunting for most of us?  If you want to shoot something slow that can still take down game get a 45-70 loaded to trapdoor velocities.  Just my 2 cts.  44 Man

[Rustyinfla]

   I agree 44 Man. The only reason for the Blackout is for shooting in an AR. Other than that I think the .30-30 will work as is.

   I am wondering what a 220 gr bullet will do in a .30-30 though. Maybe with a small charge of Bullseye.