Wow! Great pictures, nice T/C, and a very accomplished hunter!

Yes, I have a very limited basis of comparison with these guns so it seems I may be over thinking the recoil on a 30-30, since 44 mag is something I shoot regularly in both wheelguns and also a 12" TC Encore.

I also have been reading that another reason the 30-30 is so popular is that it's pressure is compatible with the Contenders strength. Since I have an Encore, it seems I have many more options, however I still want a very shootable package and 30-30 seems to be that ticket, and I'd likely get an aftermarket barrel of 14 inches.

IC