I am overly invested in the original Contender system.

by Hobie , Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Friday, September 22, 2023, 23:25 (363 days ago) @ Paul
edited by Hobie, Sunday, September 24, 2023, 09:35

I have something more than 30 barrels. I prefer the carbine length but have 8-25" in .17 HMR to 28 gauge shotgun. I have 2 of the new SSK-50 frames and others (I was surprised how many when I inventoried at the time of the "flood"). I like them as much as I like my leverguns when used as a rifle, don't really use them all that much as a handgun except in .22 LR and .223 Rem but do shoot them. I do have a recommendation.

.357 Rem Mag. All the others are interesting, fun even but the .357 Mag seems the most useful, brass is about as available as anything else, bullets, primers, powder likewise. 10" barrel performance is useful. Versatility is exceptional. If a rifle i.e. 21" barrel, .357 Maximum is better, really all you need if you want to play at being practical. Small charge of Bullseye in .38 Special case with 200 gr bullet is as close to suppressor quiet but effective as they come but with 158s or 180s one can load to move the bullet right along.

I was shooting my 10mm Auto barrel, set up as a 16"+ carbine with folding stock and peep sight on the SSK-50 frame, at a 4" plate at 100 yards. Don't know the load other than it was a 180 gr. cast bullet and the gun was accurate enough to hit that target repeatedly, offhand. Supported by some sort of rest most could do the same (or learn to) with the 10" gun.

I personally think that the .44 Mag 10" is the most unpleasant to shoot and I have shot as many as 100-150 rounds in a session from both my 4" 629 and Redhawk. Why? Don't know. Just seems that way.

I like the SSK-50 frame. Shoots my 10" .22 LR well, too. Straight up aces with a friends 6mm-.223 barrel.

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Sincerely,

Hobie