I'm thinking real hard of getting a Thompson/Center Contender.
The goal is to increase my draw chances in hunt lotteries in AZ by switching from rifle to handgun. I want to put in for deer, elk, antelope and possibly javelina.
Elk is the biggest critter I'd be going after, javelina the smallest at about 50-75 pounds. Antelope would probably be the hardest to get near and require the longest shot on the plains where they are typically found here in AZ. I've been able to stalk to within about 150 yards of a small antelope herd in tall grass while out with an elk tag, couldn't get closer. Been closer to deer and elk plenty of times (not with a tag...), just not antelope. So I'd like to have something that I can rely on to shoot to 200 yards.
What would you consider the essential TC calibers for such a rig?
I'm thinking that a spirepoint lightweight .30 bullet somewhere around 120-140 grains, fired from a .30-30 chambered 14" TC barrel would make a great antelope round. I already reload for .30-30. Rimmed case for good, positive extraction if I need to get another cartridge in there quickly. Scoped with a low power pistol scope or even a red dot, and put a bipod on it. Not sure what kind of velocity I could get out of a 14" barrel and 30gr of typical rifle powders suitable for .30-30, but I bet there's oodles of load data out there for .30-30 TC pistols.
And then probably a .44 magnum barrel. I'd like shorter than the 12" they offer as their shortest... 8" would probably be sufficient, maybe 10". Irons, hi-viz fiber optic front sight. If not .44, then moving up into the .454 or .475 territory.
Does anyone offer barrels/chamberings for the Contender other than Thompson?