Just bought this beautiful G2 in 204 and trying to decide which direction to go with regards to barrels. I'd pretty much decided to downsize my rifle caliber range to .223 (black rifles), .243, .308, and 44 mag. I have a 22-250 and 6.5 Creedmoor I'm thinking to sell and now suddenly I have a 204 as well. (All these, not to mention the 256 Winchester I inherited from my Dad (Marlin Model 62) which I'll keep). My downsizing thoughts were that I could cover every need with those calibers, avoid duplicity, and simplify my ammo supply.
In time, I know I could get a barrel in each of the calibers I've decided to keep and maintain the versatility of each round with different rifles.
In the meantime, if I was going to trade/sell the 204 and get another barrel I've been thinking 45-70 for whatever reason. Seems like that would be a hoss on this frame but they make them so why not? Yes, it's adding another caliber and yes, I can mostly cover what it would do with what I have but just a thought. Any input?
Anyhow, wondering how some of you have managed your gun calibers overall and how you've used your Contender/Encore for fun/versatility/diversity.
I've thought about doing a down size of the guns I own with the T C Encore system of interchangeable barrels. I currently own 2 Encore frames and 5 barrels but I can't bring myself to sell off my other guns. I own mostly level actions and single shots that have a sentimental value to me.
MickinColo, I get that! Pretty much all of the guns I want to keep are lever actions - Winchester 88 308 & 243, Savage 99 308 & 243, Henry 44 mag. Those I’m thinking about selling are bolt guns and are great but just don’t have that same feel!
There comes a time in your life that you're too crippled up the go Elk hunting anymore and realize you really don't need a 338 Win or 375 H&H. You are not going to take it to the range and shoot it for the fun of it so why not sell it and get something you can shoot and have fun with?
A Contender Carbine in 45-70 is serious medicine in front and behind the rifle. I sold my carbine barrel and now have a ported handgun barrel in 45-70. The handgun is much more pleasant to shoot. Just a thought, but a 444 Marlin barrel might be a nice addition for you. You would have a true punkin' roller and could even fire your 44 Mags though it.
ttpoz
in silvam ne ligna feras (don't carry logs into the forest)
I picked up a 20" 444. It weighs in at 5.5#'s . It's a beast with full power loads. I tried some cast, with red dot and it's a pussycat. It is a fun one to shoot.
It doesn't matter who gets more votes, It matters who counts the votes.
I just checked,they have it on the website. SSK Hunter is what they call it. Marty is the owner there, very nice guy,very helpful. I would ask him what he thinks about shooting 44 mags in that barrel.It is about an inch shorter.
It doesn't matter who gets more votes, It matters who counts the votes.
!!!I stand corrrected!! Twopatch and bcp are correct. I must have been confusing the 445 Supermag and the 444 in my memory and I should have checked my facts before I commented. I apologize for the misinformation.
ttpoz
in silvam ne ligna feras (don't carry logs into the forest)
My main strategy has been to use the contender as a pistol as well as a carbine. I love all the super 16 barrels, but they tend to be hard to find and expensive these days.
“One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.” - James Russell Lowell
My collection is currently at its lowest. I have kept the following barrels: rifle--22 rimfire match, mgm 22 hornet, mgm 300 savage, mgm 357 max, 45-70, 410, 45 black powder 12" pistol--22 rimfire match, mgm 22 hornet, 30 herrett, 35 rem, mgm 44 mag 3 pre G-2 frames and 2 G-2
A 45-70 on any contender frame can't be loaded to full potential. It's simply a pain. I tried one on an Encore frame. One range session and it was gone. Unacceptable accuracy.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father but by me. John 14:6
