So last year I purchased my Super Blackhawk Hunter. This year, a Contender is top on the list. My plan is nothing exotic ... I want a 8-10" barrel G2 in .357Mag that I'll top with an UltraDot. The frame I'll order from my local FFL, but the barrel and mounts I'll handle myself.

Who do you guys suggest on a barrel? Any products/manufacturers to stay away from?

Thanks so much ...

I run a .357 Mag with 10" barrel from Match Grade Machine. It's pretty accurate and effective.

I agree with Zee. My 10" MGM barrel for my Encore is well balanced.

http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/168019/page/1#Post168019

Zee, what have you killed with that 357 mag. I have also thought about a 357 mag barrel for my contender.

Thanks guys.

MGM was the barrel I had thought I'd buy. Those are nice looking rigs!!

Zee, how's that gun compare in total length to a Blackhawk Hunter?

BRASF - that barrel looks to be the bead blasted blue?

Hey Zee, have you tried any lighter bullets with that barrel?

PsTan,

Yes, I got the Bead Blast Blued barrel, and my bad cell phone pics just don't do it justice. MGM did a great job on it, and it is a uniform deep black color that looks awesome.

I've only taken it hunting once and it resulted in this 220 pound (with the head on the ground) boar.



I'd like to use it on deer at some point.

Not with this barrel. I specifically had them twist it fast (1-14" twist rate) for the sole purpose of heavier bullets.

I use the 158gr XTP in my 6" GP-100.

I'm not where I can measure them right now. But, they are comparable in length if I remember correctly.

A Contender with a 10" barrel is pretty much the same length as a 7.5" SBH.

I have a SS Contender with a 8" barrel chambered in 356 GNR. This is the 41 magnum case necked down to .357. I shoot a 158 grain Hornady at 2025 fps. Gary Reeder makes these barrel and he calls them Pirate Barrels.

This makes an excellent packing pistol as I have a leather cross-draw holster that I carry the gun in.





You can see the size as compared to a Ruger Redhawk and a Star PD.

I've got an Encore in .480 Ruger with an 8.5" barrel. I believe it to be about the same length as a 7.5 Super Redhawk, but better balanced.

My barrel is from MGM, and is an absolute tack driver.

Thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm enjoying seeing these nice pistols!

Generally speaking a 10" Contender is the same size as a 6" revolver.