I need a scope for a 30-30 contender
- Thread starter igor
- Start date
Is it a pistol or rifle?
ETA, Nevermind, read handcannon so, now I know...
A buddy had one with an FX-II 2x on it. Lots of fun on 200 yard 12"x12" steel. He cast 110 gr boolits for it...lots of fun. If it were me, I'd go with a 4X...but thats just me. These are a tad more than your requested price, but I feel they're about the best value in pistol scopes.
If you are really stuck to $300 max, I would look into the Weaver selections.
ETA, Nevermind, read handcannon so, now I know...
A buddy had one with an FX-II 2x on it. Lots of fun on 200 yard 12"x12" steel. He cast 110 gr boolits for it...lots of fun. If it were me, I'd go with a 4X...but thats just me. These are a tad more than your requested price, but I feel they're about the best value in pistol scopes.
If you are really stuck to $300 max, I would look into the Weaver selections.
I have a 13" .30-30 Ackley barrel for my Contender on which I mounted a Burris 2-7x32. It has been a great scope for me; no issues at all. I recommend it, but it looks like they run about $350, unless you catch the blemished version in stock at Natchez. I use a Bushnell trophy 2-6x32 on my .223 barrel, but have read about problems with that model on harder recoiling cartridges. I suspect you'd be safe with a .30-30, but can't say from personal experience. The Weaver 2.5-8x28 might be a good choice, but it has a pretty narrow field for view. The Swift 2-6x32 has a decent reputation and may be an option, though it too has a pretty narrow FOV. I had a 4x on a .223 Encore barrel and it was a pretty nice little scope. The Nikon 2.5-8x32 is also in your price range and should be a good scope. I've never owned one though, so can't offer much.
Looked thru a Bushnell 2-6x32 and liked it. Amazon has it for about $165 but saw mixed reviews. They also have a Weaver classic 2x28 Dual-x Reticle for $189. What the heck is a dual-x reticle. Only one not so good review on the Weaver. Going to load the lightest 110 grain loads I can.
What is your intended game? If anything other than varmints, I heartily recommend 125 grain Nosler ballistic tips. They perform very well on big game at the velocities achievable with pistol length barrels. I've killed deer, antelope and hogs out to about 150 yards and have only recovered one bullet from a hog. All others passed through with evidence of excellent expansion, while not damaging too much meat.
I hope and doubt I will shoot this at anything with a pulse. I have several other fine weapons I hunt with. Just something to plink with while another barrel cools down. Never been a real handgun fan except to keep beside the bed. Never been a 30-30 fan either and never fired the cartridge in any weapon. Was curious and am now surprised with the recoil. New it was going to be a hand full because I did a little research. I just like the look and elegance of the Thompson Contender. And in a pinch you can find ammo anywhere. Don't get me wrong, guns are not toys to me, I am retired and have the time to experiment a little. Waiting on my dies to come in and thinking about sights or optics. Probably should save some money and just buy a rear sight but I prefer glass most of the time. Probably will end up trying both. Sure is a purty gun.
Thanks Ram. Good to know. Lyman likes 748 but I have 4198. Who's 125 grain bullets do you like. Looks like coal is going to be interesting. I am as anal about accuracy with my long guns as most people on here but this pistol is another matter. By the way ordered the Weaver Classic 2x today.
Cool, let us know how you like the Weaver.
When I first got this barrel, I followed the advice of a fellow on Accurate Reloading who is very experienced with Contenders in general and the .30-30 (including AI versions) in particular. He recommended IMR 4198 and 125 grain Nosler ballistic tips. I tried his combo and was impressed enough with accuracy and performance that I looked no further. Years later, I'm still shooting the first load I tried. I don't remember the powder charge off-hand, but since mine's an Ackley version, you'd probably not want to use it anyway.
When I first got this barrel, I followed the advice of a fellow on Accurate Reloading who is very experienced with Contenders in general and the .30-30 (including AI versions) in particular. He recommended IMR 4198 and 125 grain Nosler ballistic tips. I tried his combo and was impressed enough with accuracy and performance that I looked no further. Years later, I'm still shooting the first load I tried. I don't remember the powder charge off-hand, but since mine's an Ackley version, you'd probably not want to use it anyway.