Author Topic: recoil comparison (Read 640 times)

upnorthbacon · « **on:** December 17, 2003, 10:29:52 PM »

Well I've decided to buy either an encore or contender for sure. I asked a similar question before but here goes again. what is going to have more recoil, 30-30 contender 14" w/scope, 7-08 encore 15" w/scope, and how would both compare to recoil of single action 44 mag? I'm looking to shoot 75 yds, 150 yds absolute max at deer, no reloading, factory ammo. My concern is I spend a lot of time hunting out of "box" blinds with windows cut out. I'm thinking they might have to much muzzle lift in the recoil and I would be bashing my barrel on the blind when I shoot? Any thoughts would be appreciated I've narrowed it down most likely to those two guns/calibers. I am a little biased towards the thirty thirty because of the availability of ammo at most sporting goods stores. Thanks again for any thoughts.

handgunhuntr · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2003, 12:38:52 AM »

I have both calibers, and I must say hands down, the 30-30 is much easier to handle in the recoil area. My 14" contender has less recoil than my 10" 44 mag contender. Also, that 30-30 of mine is one of the most accurate barrels I have ever fired. Hope this helps.

Keith L · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2003, 02:36:11 AM »

I only have the 30-30 contender, and the recoil is quite manageable. My barrel is a 14 inch cut to 12 inches, and is scoped. I think the muzzle rise is about 4-5 inches, with no real rise at the grip. This is with 150 grain factory ammo. I shoot this at 50 yards or less and it groups well.

The recoil is less with this than it is with my 8 inch Vaquero in 45 LC if I shoot hot loads.

KYODE · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2003, 06:59:20 AM »

i shoot the 15" 7-08, a 14" 30-30 improved, and a 44mag redhawk, among others. i'd say these fellers made an accurate description of those mentioned. kinnda sounds like the 30-30 would suit you very well, but dang i'd hate to make the choice. they are both great deer cartridges. really, even 7-08 factory ammo is readily available around here, but that may not be the case in your area. try different available factory ammo's to find one your gun prefers for best accuracy. it will likely shoot one better than others. good luck, and let us in on your purchase, and how it performs for you.

RLSMITH · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2003, 10:03:52 AM »

I have all three you mentioned. T/C contender 14" 30-30, T/C encore 15" 7-08 and Ruger SRH 7 1/2" 44 mag. Without a doubt the 44mag is the harshest followed really close by the 7-08. I do reload for all and my loadings have always been known to be on the "wild" side(MAX). My personal preference between the contender and encore in pisto; form would be the contender. I had all contenders until the encore came out, then sold all of them to go the new encore route and now have come full circle back to the contenders. I still have encores in rifle form but shoot contenders and wheel guns for all my handgun hunting. I just like the feel better of the contender in my hand. With that being said...... If i were starting from scratch, I would definatly go with the 30-30 contender given the choices you presented us with. However.........my personal choice would be the 7-30 waters. Very light recoil and plenty of punch at the distances you mentioned. JMHO.........Good luck and happy handgunning

upnorthbacon · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2003, 12:12:02 PM »

Thanks for all the info! This forum has helped me so much in researching my purchase. It's nice to hear from actual owners instead of what salesman tell you. I think I've decided with a contender in 30-30, thanks again everyone.