So I am new to the contender and I have a early 80's "G1" in 35 Remington. It's a super 14 bull barrel. I would like to have a 22lr barrel for practice and small game hunting. If I get a 14" 22lr bull barrel I assume it will be a smaller diameter than the bull for the 35 Remington. Even so a 14" 22lr bull barrel will be closer in feel/balance to the 35 Remington than a shorter barrel, but it won't be as handy for small game hunting or carry.

I'd like opinions on what length of 22lr I should get. 14" would match my deer/hog barrel weight closer, 10" would be more handy for small game hunting and 12" would be a compromise of weight/balance and portability.

I don't mind the recoil of the 35 Rem, but I do mind the price tag of shooting it a lot. I have been neglecting reloading my straight-walled stuff lately and I've never done any shouldered reloading.

So far I've had no failures in 50 rounds of 200 grain Rem coreloks with 2 visibly lighter looking primer strikes. It will certainly take some time getting used to the front heavy weight and feel of that long heavy barrel. The non-decelerator pachmayr grips seem a little small in my hands after the super blackhawk with hogue monogrips.

I love the trigger and my ham hands open the action just fine. Cocking the hammer feels odd after thumbing revolver hammers for the last few years.

I think this is fairly accurate, as the added steel in the smaller bore would be close to the longer 35. I really like the way a 10 handles in 22 tho, and the difference in muzzle weight shouldn't hamper your practice results much.

I would guess a 10 inch would be handy. I didn't think about it being heavier with the smaller caliber hole, but I suppose to marry to the frame and forearm it would need to be the large diameter.

I noticed that the super 14 barrel on the contender isn't much longer than my super blackhawk with 10.5 inch barrel. Without a cylinder a 10 barrel ought to be pretty compact(comparatively).

Thanks s4s4u!

I've had 10's and 14's in 22 and I definitely like the 10" better. The 14 doesn't shoot a bit better and I didn't like the extra weight.

I love my 10" match. My cousin likes his 14" but says he prefers my 10".

Well that settles it. I'm going with a 10" match. It will outshoot me no doubt and I have a holster that I should be able to use too. Thanks for the advice!

I just ordered a 10" 22lr match and a 223 14" while I was at it. Those 2 plus the 35 Rem that I already have and I ought to be ready to really give the platform a go.

You betcha. Toss in a 45/410 and you'd be lacking for naught.

Well I shot the new 22 barrel last night at 16 degrees and by headlamp, but I am impressed. The one issue I had was that some of the Winchester superx hp ammo stuck part way into the chamber and had to be forced in or out. The barrel looked very clean, but I gave it a bronze brush and hoppes after the first stick. None of the cci or aguila ammo stuck before or after.

Is this something that will happen with match chambers, something with the ammo. or something that will stop in time as it's broken in?

I might have to use the winny in something else since the other 2 brands didn't catch.

I think it's going to be a tack driver as despite the crappy conditions it hit as well as I could steady it. Braced it would put a hole right where I wanted and kept on target with that heavy barrel. That could be great for a quick follow up shot if it had one.

I bought it used from Ed's TC, but it had no wear marks anywhere. Not even on the inside of the fore end screw socket or lug. I don't think it was ever put on a frame or fired. It was in equal shape to the 223 barrel that I peeled out of the blister pack.

The super 14 223 is going to need a rest. That long bull barrel with a 22 hole through it is HEAVY and difficult to steady freehand.

Any recommendations on sticks for hunting. I was thinking a monopod would be easiest and quickest to deploy, but a bipod or even tripod would be steadier. It would need to adjust pretty high as I am 6'3".

Jeff,
it's not uncommon for the rounds to be a tight fit; that's part owning a match chamber. The Winchester was probably not a lubed round thus a little tighter going in. You'll get used to it; especially once you start driving tacks with it.

Thanks KRal. Some were tight and others jammed and had to be yanked out or tapped in with lots of repeated (gentle) tapping with a small rubber mallet. I shot a couple dozen Federal rounds with out a hitch tonight. The winchester hollow points will be put to good use in one of my four other 22s.

The federal (American eagle) rounds shot very well like the rest. It wasn't as cold tonight so I was much steadier. It already feels very natural. I think the balance of the 10" bull will influence my future caliber choices. I put a bit of white paint on the front sight to show up better by my headlamp. If I can get to be a decent shot at night with a cheap headlamp then daylight should be a cinch.

Jeff,

My 14" 22lr barrel loves the federal bulk hollow points like you get at Walmart (550ct). It's all I shoot in mine. Here's a 25 yard, 10 shot group I shot with that ammo....

With results like this, I seen no reason to shoot the higher priced ammo (although this is high priced now, if you can find any).

My match chamber is sticky with about everything but shoots great. As for the sticks I like the Bog pod.

I would say it certainly does like the Federals. Nice shooting! My buddy is loaning me his Primos bipod to try out this weekend.

I really like the looks of the bog pod. I think I would like the monopod with the hiker handle.