I'm assuming you're referring to the Contender in a handgun configuration.
I have one in 7-30 Waters, Super 14 barrel.
Pros:
- Excellent performance and accuracy in the lightweight Contender frame.
- If you can handload--and you'd probably better be able to with the Waters- you can geta wide range of bullets.
- Terminal performance is excellent. Last fall, I knocked a buck over like he was a steel target. He never took an additional step. 130 grain Nosler.
Cons:
WARNING: Adding a hammer extension creates huge issues in cold weather. This is a well-known issue among cold weather Contender users. Everyone knew but me. The hammer extension combined with the fact that a spring is weaker in cold weather due to metal contraction, slows the hammer down just enough that it often won't touch off the primer.
This HAS happened to me and cost me a nice buck AND a nice doe before the Contentder community clued me in on what I was doing wrong. Click! Click! S#$%! You have been warned, do not add hammer extensions for cold weather use.
- Avoid the muzzle brake at all costs. Nasty, nasty business.
- The hammer can be problematic on a scoped handgun if you hunt in cold weather with gloves.
- As with all scoped handguns with heavy recoil, you must take the usual steps to make sure your scope doesn't come loose. Loctite blue on all threads and heads, rubber cement, and then you must monitor constantly so you know WHEN something starts to come loose. Don't forget, your base must also be extra secured, not just the rings.
- Recoil is significant, but manageable IMO. Obviously, a 7-30 is not going to be a plinking handgun.
Grouse