Guess what followed me home...

[Keith L]

While pricing a S&W 617 yesterday (ouch, $615) I noticed a used stainless 7-30 Waters barrel in the case that I wound up getting for $140.  It looks like new and included a scope base but no sights.  There aren't even the normal wear marks from the frame on this one.  It is a 14 inch barrel, but has a TC factory break on it.  It is not marked as a "Hunter" so I don't know if it started this way or had the break added later.

I have a 12 inch 30-30, but have always heard the 7-30 is an ideal whitetail gun.  I have a scope for it, and will get that mounted this weekend so I can try it out when the snow melts off the range and the mud dries up a little.  Now between this new barrel, my 30-30, 45LC, and 357 Mag barrels I should have one that will work for deer this fall.

[SLAVAGE]

welp if you deside you dont want the barrel toss me a pm with ther name ide give it a shot or two

Dave

[SD Handgunner]

That sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I am betting you are gonna like that 7-30 Waters (well maybe except for the Muzzle Tamer / Brake).

Good luck with the 7-30 Waters, it really does make an excellent Handgun Cartridge for Whitetails.

Larry

[Quan Toi]

Add me to the list. I been looking for a 14" hunter model in 7x 30 Waters for a long time. Lots of 12 inchers and 14 inch plain barrels out there.

[Keith L]

I measured it myself this afternoon, and it is really about 12 1/2 inches to the end of the Muzzletamer.  It also has front sight screws, and I recall the hunter models coming without sights.

I put a 4 power old time Tasco Pro Class on it.  I have traded away that scope twice and it keeps coming back.  It will be fine to tell if this barrel shoots.  It is raining today, and it will be a couple of weeks before the ground firms up enough to get to the 100 yard target.  In the mean time it will be burning a hole in my pocket...

[Heavy C]

You'll like it.  And yes, I'd say you're covered as far as deer go.  I bought mine off Ebay and it has the factory muzzle brake.  I always wear hearing protection - yes, even when hunting - so it being too loud has not been an issue.  I have had no complaints at the range.  The deer haven't complained either - they were just as dead. 

My barrel did okay with the factory ammo, but Ron Reed reloaded some ammo using the 120 Nosler ballistic tips.  Big difference.  It shot much tighter groups.

Good luck Keith and enjoy the 7-30 Waters.

[Keith L]

I hear you on the ballistic tips.  I got three boxes of factory ammo off the clearance table yesterday and am in the process of getting some dies.  I want to see what this one will do.  I have heard about 7-30 Waters since starting with Contenders and it has all been good.