So what is it like to shoot a .30-30 as a handgun?
I shot a 460 S&W a couple weeks ago and it kicked my ass.
Not bad at all. That barrel is a 14" heavy barrel with scope, so it's got a decent amount of weight. It just rolls upwards a bit. It's much less punishing than my 44mag with 300gr @ 1300fps (once those handloads are gone, I'm reducing that to something in the 1100 range).
Seriously, I can shoot the 30-30 all day long.
The 7mmTCU was disapointing. Almost as much recoil (almost same bullet weight, but with no scope and less barrel) and too much noise. It's a popular cartridge with the target and sillywet shooters, but it's not quite enough to make me comfortable using it to hunt (some do, but I want more room for error). As for target shooting, my 30-30 barrel is very accurate, so I gain nothing there.
Chris
I don't understand the fuss over them, their prices are way out of proportion compared to comparable L-Frame guns in different chamberings. I also don't understand why S&W can't simply turn on the stainless L-Frame line again, just stuffing another 5-shot .44 Special cylinder and 3" barrel in them to make another batch. Maybe they will, once they get enough letters, but you know they'll have the wart and two-piece barrel by then. I have shot the alloy-framed 296 and 396 versions, and appreciate the extra weight of the stainless 696 when firing my 240gr handloads.
I don't get it either. Based on what I read, it experienced lackluster sales when it was available. I didn't give it much thought until I actually shot one. It was the right balance of weight to power IMO. Then again, maybe everybody feels that way.
I have been looking for a hunting pistol, which is why I tried out the 460 S&W. Also why I asked how tough was the .30-30 in a handgun.
I currently hunt with a .357 magnum and I want something a lot bigger.
The 30-30 is a pussycat. If you're comfortable with the 500, you'll have no problem with the 30-30. For that matter, the 7mmTCU isn't bad either, just not what I want to shoot for recreation. I'm kind of weird about the Contender. I want less reoil, flatter trajectories, etc than I'm willing to tolerate in my revolvers.
Chris
I'm still trying to figure out the use for the SNUBBIE .500, myself.
The muzzleblast on that thing must be something close to a nuclear explosion.
Its designed to shove down a bear's throat as he is trying to eat you for a mid day snack.
I'm still trying to figure out the use for the SNUBBIE .500, myself.
The muzzleblast on that thing must be something close to a nuclear explosion.
Means that if the bullet doesn't get your target, the flames will still turn them into something that looks like it's been on the barbeque for too long.