Bob Mellik was also my first tast of handgun hunting. After years of getting used to modern long guns I started getting bored of them, found the ones I needed and they did what I needed them to do... At the time a pie plate at 800yds was a given and it didn't feel interesting. About that time I split in 2 directions, Handguns and muzzleloaders. I found that even though that first shot was most likely going where it needed to be, you still had to wait that split second longer to MAKE sure it did, you only have this one shot, there is no more...

So I sold most of my long guns and bought contenders and muzzleloaders, I really can't say what one I love more. The Contender gives me the modern firearm feel and ease, while the ML's give me that organic flow I love.