Learn me on Contenders

**bortle** · January 12th, 2012, 10:09 PM

If I go from a 10" barrel to a 12 or 14 inch barrel will I need a new forearm? Also is there that much difference in accuracy between the 3? My shots are usually less than 100 yards. Last deer I shot was 50 feet away. I'm planning on getting a 30/30 or .35 rem barrel. Thanks for any help you can give a T/C newbie

**harold63** · January 12th, 2012, 11:01 PM

Yes, you will have to get a new forend. These things are super accurate. Accuracy will not be affected by the 4" difference, but the velocity will be different. A five inch barrel on an accurized 1911 will print 5" or better at 100 yds, so you can figure out what the 10" or better will do. The Kel Tec with a 9" barrel prints under 2" off of a rest with .223 match ammo.

**Pete D.** · January 13th, 2012, 07:55 AM

T/C Contender - one of the truly great firearms of the 20th century (and the 21st). I have a ten inch .30-30 barrel. Great shooter. Loud. Accurate.
You will find that the best balance of bullet and velocity for that length is a 125 to 135 grain bullet.
I have never cared for the 14" barrels (though they are very popular). The additional four inches suggests "carbine" to me. The ten incher says "pistol".
That is not a criticism, just a statement of preference.
Pete

**harold63** · January 13th, 2012, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Pete D.

The additional four inches suggests "carbine" to me. The ten incher says "pistol".
That is not a criticism, just a statement of preference.
Pete

Pretty good way of putting that.

**bortle** · January 14th, 2012, 06:02 AM

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to go with the 10" 30/30. Smaller, lighter and yes it's a pistol not a small rifle. Plus I'm too cheap to buy a new forearm