I find a contender handgun with a scope to be real slow to get on target. I don't find shooting sticks to be good enough. If I can't belly down on the ground and shoot over my pack, I'm S-O-L so far as hitting anything. With iron sights it's a lot better situation ... much like a long barreled revolver. The 10" barrels are not bad at all, the 14" barrels are kinda clumsy even w/o a scope.
I haven't tried it, but one of the very very light red dots might work out pretty well .. just guessing.
Most of my field time with a Contender is with an old 10" SS .22 LR match barrel that's been punched for .22 magnum. It is spooky accurate. Iron sights and a very slick trigger pull on the G2 frame.
