Contenders are remarkable tools and open the door to many smiles. Their versatility has limits however. I’m not inclined to self abuse, especially when not necessary. .22 Short Match, .22 LR Match, .30 Sneezer and .30-30 make up my inventory, ranging from 19”-22” length. The .30-30 provides all the smack my shoulder needs.
Nor am I inclined to load cartridges down to cat sneeze levels so they are comfortable to shoot. There be a variety of cartridges available for virtually all calibers and most function best with normal loads. Why put a .45-70 chamber in a Contender barrel when a .45 Colt will function quite well? I ask because a standard .45-70 load will knock the snot out of you on a Contender frame. In Carbine format you have a rifle that weighs about 5.5 pounds.
