Contender and G2 Questions

I've had the opportunity to shoot a few Contenders over the years from 22LR thru some custom long-range cartridges, but I've never owned one. Now I am getting the itch to add a T/C to the accumulation.

Is there a summary or list of cartridges the original Contender frame will safely handle? I like the old originals and would like to stick with those if at possible and if it make sense to do so.
My initial thought is 22 barrel, 223 and very likely 30-30.

However, I've got a 2-gallon bucket full of 300 Savage brass that needs a mission:)

Can the Contender house the 300? Also wondering about 6.5 Creedmore.

Thanks for any info you guys have.

Randy

The 300 Savage is on the edge. Custom makers such as MGM and Bullberry have done barrels but use caution when loading. There is a list at MGM which indicates which are Encore only:

https://matchgrademachine.com/chambers-list/

Can't handle the Creed.
Encore can though.
Tell us about what you want to do, and at the distances you would like to do it at, then, we will do our best to be good enablers

X2

SSK chambers the 300 Savage, and there was a used one on Gunbroker.com not long ago. 30-30 is good, or you could do a 30-30AI. Loads of options, and once you get started it just doesn't stop. I have 11 frames, and over 20 barrels, and I still keep looking for something I don't have.

ONE OF MY SONS JUST ASKED ME FOR A CONTENDER OR ENCORE SO HE COULD DO SOME HANDGUN HUNTING. I ONLY HAVE 2 ENCORE FRAMES AND HE ISN'T GETTING ANY OF THEM, BUT I HAVE SOME G1 CONTENDER FRAMES SO I CAN GIVE HIM 1 OF THOSE, BUT I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE HIM MY 6.5 JDJ BARREL, NOR MY BELLM RECHAMBER 357 MAX BARREL, NOR DO I WANT TO GIVE HIM MY SSK 300 WHISPER BARREL, AND A 22 OR 22 HORNET BARREL ARE NOT ENUFF FOR WHITETAIL, SO AT THE GUN SHOW LAST SUNDAY I WAS LOOKING FOR A 14 INCH 30-30 BARREL, A GREAT FIT FOR THE CONTENDER, WITH A LOT OF AMMO AVAILABLE FOR THE NON-RELOADER. ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE A 14 INCH 30-30 THEY WANT TO MOVE QUICK AT A GOOD PRICE? SEND ME A PM.

If buying today, I would get a new G2 Contender over a used G1.
I would also recommend getting 14" barrels.
First one would be a 22 LR.
Second a 223 Rem.
Third would be a 30-30 AI or you could go with a custom barrel in 300 Savage to put your brass to use. As was said above, the 300 Savage is borderline on being more that a Contender can stand pressure wise. Read up on the 300 Savage in a Contender, and tone the loads down.

That will take care of Rimfire Plinking/Practice, Varmint or centerfire practice, and a good all around hunting barrel for deer, etc.

Barrel Number 4 would be a 357 Maximum now that you can get brass from Starline. This is one of my favorite barrels.

Next I would get one of Tonys Forends on order in a 10" with a forward Bipod Stud. I have Walnut on my Contender with the old original Walnut with rubber down the back grip. The wifes still has the Rubber Pachmayer grip, and a charcoal laminate forend to best match it.

Back in the 1990's when I bought my original barrels I put Burris 2.5-7 scopes on them. If buying today I would still go Burris and get the 2-7 Plex. With the Burris the eye relief gets a little shorter as you crank up the power. Some do not like this. Myself I tend to hunt on 2-3X, and when working off a bench on 7X I am normally choked up tighter on the scope, so the change in eye relief is not a problem for me. I also prefer the 27 feet field of view at 100 yards on 2X with the Burris over several other pistol scopes that have 10-14 feet field of view on 2X.

I field carry the Contender in a Boyt Harness canvas case with Dee's attached to the loop handle close to the case body on the inside(4 each). I attach a strap to the Dee's and carry it with the strap cross chest with the case under my arm like a possibles bag.

Get a small and larger Brick shaped bag filled with something like airsoft pellets for under the butt, and a short Harris Bipod, and you should be in business.

One last thing, I would probably get all my barrels from someone like MGM, or Bullberry if buying new barrels.

Bob

Thank you!
Exactly the kind of info I was hoping for.

It'll be a bit before the buying spree...several big projects at work in process, but no commissions until the checks clear the bank:)

As things get closer I'll likely have more questions.

"I field carry the Contender in a Boyt Harness canvas case with Dee's attached to the loop handle close to the case body on the inside(4 each). I attach a strap to the Dee's and carry it with the strap cross chest with the case under my arm like a possibles bag."

How about a picture showing how you did this?