Back into Contender handguns

**Teep** · 02-04-2023, 05:03 PM

After too many years I am getting back into Contender handguns, just purchased a 10" .357 Magnum to go an a G2 frame. I am sure to add a .22lr, wonder how much deeper I will go.

**Rooterpig** · 02-04-2023, 06:54 PM

It’s a rabbit hole for sure. Good job finding a frame.

BT · 02-04-2023, 08:03 PM

Welcome back! The 357 will be fun for sure.

**BobT** · 02-04-2023, 08:13 PM

That .357 will likely be a good shooter, mine sure is!

**Blue Avenger** · 02-04-2023, 09:08 PM

Sold out twice, only to find to good of a deal to pass a while back myself.

**Stumpkiller** · 02-04-2023, 10:02 PM

I have a pair of frames and a handfull of barrels. GREAT handguns.

And not a bad rifle action. The .223 carbine is definately my most used centerfire rifle.

I even had a .22 Jet barrel (.357 Mag necked down to .22). What a rabbit-hole that was to go down.

**Teep** · 02-04-2023, 10:37 PM

I also have a pair of G2 that I keep as rifles, a .22lr and a .223, that I keep for a quick grab. I have reworked the triggers on both of them for a 1-1/2 pound pull. I'm still debating how light I want to make the handgun trigger.

**toddtd** · 02-04-2023, 10:55 PM

i got into handgun hunting when i was 22ish yo, it was a Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 mag. i killed several deer and then i got divorced and the Ruger was sold. 12 years ago i bought another Ruger SRH in 44 mag and then i had a stroke. 10ish years ago i buought a Encore with a 15" MGM barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor. i killed a couple of deer. 9 years i sold SRH to get a SBH with a 4 5/8" barrel in 44 mag. i killed several deer and now it is a 44 spl.

my dad (RIP) had a Contender with a 14" muzzle brake in 7x30 Waters. he killed alot of deer with it. i have it now and i bought a 30 and 357 Herrett in 10" barrels. i am reforming cases for the 30 Herrett. when i'm done, i have 130gr Speer hp and Reloader 7 to shoot it. i will hunt deer with it and i'll see if i like it. then next year i'll try the 357 Herrett. i think i'm going down the same rabbit hole!!!

**Mjshell** · 02-05-2023, 10:17 AM

I know of no Rehab facility for treatment of the TC addiction in Missouri. Many of us suffer from it.

**BobT** · 02-05-2023, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Mjshell

I know of no Rehab facility for treatment of the TC addiction in Missouri. Many of us suffer from it.

I have been struggling with the addiction since 1979, occasional attempts at quitting cold turkey have only resulted in relapse and quick reversion to full blown addiction. In addition, your shooting buddies (enablers) offer little support except to encourage you from a mild dependence to full blown addiction

**Blue Avenger** · 02-05-2023, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by BobT

I have been struggling with the addiction since 1979, occasional attempts at quitting cold turkey have only resulted in relapse and quick reversion to full blown addiction. In addition, your shooting buddies (enablers) offer little support except to encourage you from a mild dependence to full blown addiction

Exactly!! When offered stuff that the finish was damaged but function was perfect at a heavy discount you don't pass when you can only win! He did the same with .308 Savage Strikers. Told me I needed to buy it. I said I did not. Yes you do. No I don't. He then put the gun and 3 rounds in front of me. When it clover leafed at 100yds I paid him $300-

**Ed K** · 02-06-2023, 08:29 AM

Forty years ago upon seeing the possibility of 22LR through 45-70 on one frame I was a gonner. The herd grows and shrinks but never goes away - probably never will.

Welcome back!

**Blades** · 02-06-2023, 12:54 PM

cancer of the wallet no cure

**RCE1** · 02-06-2023, 02:26 PM

I never went beyond the original Contender. Never tried the G2 or Encore, but have several lovely Contenders.

**jroc** · 02-07-2023, 04:56 PM

As you know wabbit holes can be deep.

**Magnum Mike** · 02-14-2023, 05:56 PM

357 Mag in the contender/g2 is 1 of the most versatile barrels, inho. With lightweight 110 grain bullets, it's fantastic on varmints and predators (as long as your not collecting pelts). With 180's it's a great medium game gun out to around 100 yards. 158's are great for steel dispatching at distance. I cannot begin to tell you how many 357 mag barrels I've had over the years but it's been way more than a few! LOL! Not sure why I still them but eventually I buy another!

Enjoy!

**Teep** · 02-15-2023, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Magnum Mike

357 Mag in the contender/g2 is 1 of the most versatile barrels, inho. With lightweight 110 grain bullets, it's fantastic on varmints and predators (as long as your not collecting pelts). With 180's it's a great medium game gun out to around 100 yards. 158's are great for steel dispatching at distance. I cannot begin to tell you how many 357 mag barrels I've had over the years but it's been way more than a few! LOL! Not sure why I still them but eventually I buy another!

Enjoy!

I will have to try some 110gr bullets in the Contender. I've been shooting some 125 and 158 in a 686 but found the 125's to not group well from it. Testing is going to be an issue until I can locate some primers.

**Vance in AK** · 03-03-2023, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Teep

After too many years I am getting back into Contender handguns, just purchased a 10" .357 Magnum to go an a G2 frame. I am sure to add a .22lr, wonder how much deeper I will go.

My last year has proven the rabbit hole is indeed deep...

**ramon** · 03-06-2023, 08:58 PM

They are definitely addictive . I have not bought any barrels in the last two years but it was because i already had one or it was not enough different than one i have. They are mostly what i hunt with now. The prices have certainly increased up to some being unreasonable. But some will pay. Now waiting on SSK frames.