[Shyoldman]

I have found a TC contender finally. It is used with a 12" 30-30 barrel. Price around $375. Is this a decent price? is that barrel useless for just target(but may try hunting later)? Some opinions would help, Thanks in advance

Rob

 

[crazydave]

It'll work - and the price is good if there's no rust. You can always trade / sell the barrel if you don't like it.

 

[BugShooter]

Read a few T/C web sites. You'll find there is a following of 30-30 folks that are fond of that cartridge for hunting w/ your same set-up.

Price is reasonable to me and as Dave sez, you can alway change the barrel if you don't like the caliber.

Barrels alone can cost you $150 used, $250 new.

 

[broom_jm]

That's a fair price if it's in good to very-good condition, but it's certainly not a great deal. Used G2 frames can be had for $225 and barrels for $150. I'd probably not pay quite that much.

 

[xphunter]

If you want a barrel just for target shooting, maybe consider a 223?
If you want a big game hunting barrel to practice with for future hunting, then the 30-30, 30-30AI and 7x30 Waters would be good options.
If the three the 7x30 Waters is my favorite.

 

[SD Handgunner]

For hunting at reasonable range the .30-30 is not a bad choice. As Ernie pointed out there are other, probably better choices but the .30-30 will indeed get the job done.

For strictly target shooting the .30-30 wouldn't be my first choice. Depending on the ranges you'd be target shooting at the choices in cartridge would start with the .22 LR and go from there. As Ernie pointed out the .223 Remington would be a good choice for target shooting and also be a good choice for dispatching Varmints up to and including Coyotes. In fact for Hunting Varmints and Coyotes a 14" .223 Remington Contender is my choice.

As per Whitetail Deer the .30-30 will work fine at reasonable range. If you handload and use a good Spitzer Bullet the range can be stretched a little vs the Flat Nose Bullets offered in Factory Ammo.

I am partial to the 125gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with either AA #2230 or IMR-4198 for hunting with the .30-30. According to my data my load with the 125gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with AA #2230 achieve 2150 FPS from 10" .30-30 Winchester Contender Barrels and 2400 FPS from 14" .30-30 Winchester Contender Barrels. The 12" should produce something in between those two velocities.

My choice for Whitetail Deer Hunting is a 14" 7-30 Waters (that I am going to have reamed out to the 7X30 JDJ Improved). I hunt in more open country and at times shot opportunities can and do exceed 200 to 300 yards so I want a little more reach.

I am sure if you purchase the used Contender you'll be like the rest of us and be on a continous search for additional barrels. I currently have 14" Barrel in .22 LR Match, .223 Remington, 7-30 Waters and .45 Colt / .410 Shotshell.

Let the addiction begin.

Larry

 

[Pete D.]

am partial to the 125gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with either AA #2230 or IMR-4198 for hunting with the .30-30. According to my data my load with the 125gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with AA #2230 achieve 2150 FPS from 10" .30-30 Winchester Contender Barrels and 2400 FPS from 14" .30-30 Winchester Contender Barrels. The 12" should produce something in between those two velocities.

+1 about that.
I am quite fond of my Contender .30-30 ten inch. Handy in the woods. Very accurate. I won a benchrest match for "hunter" pistols with that barrel and cast bullets - 99/100 - at 50 yards with the irons.
I have no doubt about it's usefulness.
Pete

 

[Shyoldman]

Thanks Guys, I will see how bad he wants to move it, he has had it for quite a while. Contenders are not big around here, but do have a small following.
Most target I would do is 100 yds probably less. The barrel buying adiction I understand, and I would be into it bad soon I bet. Oh well have to spend somewhere.