optics opinions for TC Contender
- Thread starter AKimsster
- Start date
NoSecondBest
New member
I'd opt for a better caliber choice first. That's a poor choice for deer hunting, and yes I know you can kill a deer with the .223. You can kill one with a .22lr also, but that doesn't make it a good choice.
ShootistPRS
New member
The range you are going to be shooting might help but for a handgun with a long eye relief scope I would go with a 2 to 4 power with at least a 40mm objective lens. That will collect enough light to make use of low light levels and give you a good days hunt. Thompson used to have their own rebranded scopes that were pretty good.
WELCOME TO TFL AKimsster!
First, check your local game laws. Many states do not allow the .223 RIFLE for deer. Many states have different requirements for handguns than for rifles.
And, even if legal, .223 is a poor choice for deer and out of a pistol length barrel it's less powerful than from a rifle. It WILL work, of course, but its far from optimum, and the restrictions on its performance mean there will be many shots that should be ethically passed up, where a more effective caliber would allow for a greater likelihood of a clean, ethical kill.
For optics, you have lots of options, Both scopes and red dots can do well. Scopes should be low power, 1-2x for their field of view. I have a 2-7x variable and never seem to use the high end, plus higher powers increase every tiny movement you make, making the use of a rest almost mandatory.
the option I would consider most is getting a different barrel in a more suitable deer caliber for your Contender, first.
First, check your local game laws. Many states do not allow the .223 RIFLE for deer. Many states have different requirements for handguns than for rifles.
And, even if legal, .223 is a poor choice for deer and out of a pistol length barrel it's less powerful than from a rifle. It WILL work, of course, but its far from optimum, and the restrictions on its performance mean there will be many shots that should be ethically passed up, where a more effective caliber would allow for a greater likelihood of a clean, ethical kill.
For optics, you have lots of options, Both scopes and red dots can do well. Scopes should be low power, 1-2x for their field of view. I have a 2-7x variable and never seem to use the high end, plus higher powers increase every tiny movement you make, making the use of a rest almost mandatory.
the option I would consider most is getting a different barrel in a more suitable deer caliber for your Contender, first.
Burris 2-7 handgun scope. I had one and it was superb. Like a fool I sold it off with my 14 inch .223 barrel. If you use a 223 for deer, you need a heavier bullet. The 64 grain WW PP bullet should stabilize, and I shot a lot of coyotes, javelina and deer in AZ to vouch that it is a dynamite bullet.
Steve in PA
New member
Have a Bushnell 2-6x Elite on my 14" .223 T/C Contender. Love it!!!
bluetopper
New member
You can't go wrong with Burris, Bushnell Elite, Leupold, and Nikon in long eye relief handgun scopes. They will hold up to the big kickers.
And for the mild recoiling 223, the Simmons Pro Hunter will do just fine.
All mentioned are guaranteed for life.
And for the mild recoiling 223, the Simmons Pro Hunter will do just fine.
All mentioned are guaranteed for life.
bluetopper
New member
When I started shooting 223 out of a short-barreled Contender I was amazed at the difference in muzzle blast of the different powders used in reloading.
optics
I have a Trijicon Reflex sight (RX01) on my 10" bbl .30-30 Contender. Quite accurate set up.
FWIW...this set up has about 20% more ME (135 grs at 2100fps) than the .223 Rem (55grs. at 3000fps 14" bbl). Out of a 14" barrel the difference is yet greater.
Pete
I have a Trijicon Reflex sight (RX01) on my 10" bbl .30-30 Contender. Quite accurate set up.
FWIW...this set up has about 20% more ME (135 grs at 2100fps) than the .223 Rem (55grs. at 3000fps 14" bbl). Out of a 14" barrel the difference is yet greater.
Pete
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