Contenders anyone?

[Buckhead]

Was rummaging through a drawer and found a 10” .44 mag barrel that I forgot I had. Was part of a trade I made 10 years ago. Plan to hunt with it some this season.

I sighted it in with 240 grain factory load soft points. Was shooting indoors, so at 25 yards. Tight groups from a rest, but some serious recoil. Way more than my buddy’s Smith revolver.

Curious what others think of the .44 in a Contender. Feeling confident out to 50 yds, maybe a smidge further with a good rest.

 

[IIICrkRepr]

Been trying to find a deal, want the super 14 in 44.

 

[frankwright]

I have hunted with a 10" 7-30 Waters for years.
This year I bought a .44 magnum barrel and another frame and plan for this to be my main hunting weapon.
I plan to shoot it right side up!

 

[Nimrod71]

Buck you may want to change the grip. I had the same fill from shooting mine so I changed the grip and it fills and shoots better. I have been shooting mine at 50 yds. and it is grouping within and inch. Yes, I am shooting from a table rest. I have been hunting with mine for over 15 yrs. and I have killed 6 deer from 25 to 75 yards. Good Luck.

 

[Robust Redhorse]

I had a Contender in .44 Mag, but sold it and bought a six-shooter in the same caliber.


I think the Contender really shines with flatter shooting rifle cartridges.

 

[Buckhead]

I had a Contender in .44 Mag, but sold it and bought a six-shooter in the same caliber.


I think the Contender really shines with flatter shooting rifle cartridges.

 

[Lilly001]

The 44 will kill them past 100 yds if you can hit them.

 

[Lilly001]

A few of mine.
None in .44 but that’s only because I haven’t found the correct deal yet.

 

[Buckhead]

Thought about getting another barrel in flatter shooting cartridge, but not sure I am a good enough shot past 50-70 yds, even with a good rest. .44 cooks out of the 10” barrel, plenty of thump out to 100

 

[Nimrod71]

Buck if you want to try another barrel I would get a 14 inch 44 barrel or a 357 Maximum.

 

[Lonegle57]

The 44 with a good rest can be sent out to 150 yards well. Have two, a ten inch and a 14. I reload so have a tame cast load and a hotter jacketed one. I set my limit by keeping shots on a paper plate as well as a cardboard deer in the kill zone.
As for the Contender, was my first handgun and now have a double digit herd. Posted the pic before, this is part of the herd, some were camera shy. Have from 22 to 45-70.
My favs are the 35 Remington and 41 magnum.

 

[Nimrod71]

Lone that is a nice collection of hand guns. I was surprised at how well the 14 inch barrels shot. I haven't shot any deer at 100 yds. with my T/C's but I have shot targets from bench rest and have 2 inch groups.

 

[Bubba Watson]

Got my MGM barrel today, in 300 blackout. Got her put together, sighting in tomorrow! Also have 44 and 223 barrel. That 223 has been a killer over the years!

 

[Buckhead]

You running a can on your Blackout?

 

[rosewood]

The .44mag in the Contender is too stout for me. The 44 is great in my 12" encore with the heavier frame. I bought a 44 Contender several years ago and it wouldn't shoot straight, finally figured out the chamber was bored off center. Sent it to TC and they had to replace the barrel. I requested a .357mag replacement and they said OK. It shoots great and much more pleasant.

I do have a 14" 7-30 barrel and it is more pleasant than the 44 and I really enjoy shooting it.

That being said, if you can shoot accurately with it at the range, I doubt a single shot at a whitetail the recoil will matter.

Rosewood

 

[Buckhead]

I bought Pachmayr grip and forend, should help. Aside from the softer rubber, heavier than the Rynite. Haven’t shot it yet, but sure it will help with recoil. Also, kind of like the looks. That matters, doesn’t it?

 

[Seminole Wind]

Sure it does! That is a classic hunting Contender and will be a deer killing machine.

 

[Bubba Watson]

You running a can on your Blackout?

I am, still haven’t shot it yet. Locking bolt not engaging butterfly . Sent back to MGM for fitting to my contender!

 

[rosewood]

I bought Pachmayr grip and forend, should help. Aside from the softer rubber, heavier than the Rynite. Haven’t shot it yet, but sure it will help with recoil. Also, kind of like the looks. That matters, doesn’t it?
View attachment 1110658

I am just the opposite, I don't like the looks of Pachmayrs at all, look old or something to me. Are good on recoil though.

 

[frankwright]

I don't really like Pachmayr's either but they really turn my .44 Mag into a ***** cat.
I like my Georgia Jim's on my 7-30!