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Author Topic: Barrel length for hunting  (Read 645 times)

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Offline jschance

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Barrel length for hunting
« on: December 16, 2003, 02:21:56 AM »
I'd just be interested in hearing from folks on their preferences of which barrel length for hunting (primarily deer, but I'd be interested in hearing all applications).

In your response, please indicate caliber also, if you will.

For me, it's historically been a 14" 45-70, but lately I've been playing around with a 10" 30-30 and just recently traded for a 10" .44 Mag that I'm considering using for woods hunting.
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Offline Rev

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Barrel length for hunting
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2003, 02:27:43 AM »
7x30 waters in 14in. Been an excellent experience for me.
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Offline Bug

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« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2003, 02:57:36 AM »
I've been "in & out" of Contenders, over the years. It all started when a friend got a new "Super 14" when they first came out. Have had various 14 and 16 inchers at one time or another, in several cartridges. But, they never seemed to keep my attention for very long. They just seemed clumsy, or awkward, when compared to my other handguns. Then, about 4-5 years ago, I traded into one, that came with a 10" .22LR barrel, and a 10" .30-30 barrel, both octagon.  Shortly after that, I acquired a 10" 7TCU bull barrel. The 10" length has opened my eyes up to a whole new world of the Contender. They are as packable as any revolver, in suitable hunting calibers. I now have two frames, a half-dozen barrels, and will buy a few more as funding allows. The 10" versions have definately hooked me, like the 14 & 16s never could. I guess it's just a case of "finding your niche"..........Bug.
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Offline helobill

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Barrel length for hunting
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2003, 03:44:45 AM »
Well, when thinking about Contender barrels when referenced to revolvers remember a 10" Contender barrel (which includes the chamber) is about the same as a 7.5-8" revolver barrel because you have to add the length of the cylinder to compare it. I'm getting rid of my 9.5" SRH in favor of a 7.5" because the 9.5 was too long for what I wanted. I had a 10" 44mag Contender with open sights. Didn't like it because it was too light and recoil was straight back, traded it for a 14" 7-30 with brake. That was too loud, so that went trading too for another frame. My favorite right now is a 13.5" .30 Bellm barrel. But I'm trying to reaquire a 10" 44 mag and mount a heavy scope on it and see how it behaves or get a longer 44 mag barrel and try that. even thought about a 41 mag in 10" or a 357 max. I think the 10" is a pretty good compromise if quick reaction is needed (still hunting or where a quick shot might be needed). I like the 14" barrel for stand or blind hunting. Don't care for the 16" in a pistol (just personal preference). Calilber for me is limited to what I can use here in Illinois, so the straightwalls longer than 1.4" just opened up (45-70, 500 S&W, etc) but bottlenecks have to have a 1.4" max case length, hence the reason the .30B was developed.
Helicopter Bill
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Offline Gregory

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Barrel length for hunting
« Reply #4 on: December 16, 2003, 03:11:57 PM »
I'm hunting Illinois also and have taken my 300 Whisper 10" and 357 Max 10" to the woods so far, both brought down deer in the this year's firearms season.  I've used a 10"44 Mag with good success in the past.

For the January season I may try my 14" 44 Mag. even though those 10" barrels are my favorites.  However, a 10" 44 Mag has more wrist "snap" than a 14" barrel.

I think a 10" TC in 357 Max, 44 Mag, or 41 Mag is an ideal deer setup for ranges to 100-125 yds.
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Offline flyfisher

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Barrel length for hunting
« Reply #5 on: December 16, 2003, 03:12:14 PM »
14" .375 Win with 2x Bushnell scope for deer and other large creatures and a .222 Rem with 3-12x Burris for whistle pigs and other vermin.  I like the 14" length.  I haven't found it to be too cumbersome, and like the longer length for shooting at the range.
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Offline Graycg

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Barrel length for hunting
« Reply #6 on: December 16, 2003, 03:54:39 PM »
I've got a Bellm rechamber of a custom shop 12 inch that is now in 357 maximum  I really like the 12 inchers!

regards,
 Graycg
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Offline luredaddy

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Barrel length for hunting
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2003, 01:50:23 AM »
My first Contender barrel was a 10" 44 Mag, it was almost my last.  I used heavy bullets in it, and to me the recoil was totally objectionable, to say the least.  The handling characteristics were great, but I did not enjoy shooting it.   I picked up a 14" barrel, used lighter bullets, and now I totally enjoy shooting it. My vote goes to a Super 14 if heavy recoil is involved.  8)
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