optics opinions for TC Contender

AKimsster · January 12, 2017, 04:19 PM

I have a TC Contender in .223 that I am considering using for handgun deer hunting and am interested in opinions regarding a suitable scope.

NoSecondBest · January 12, 2017, 05:26 PM

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 · January 12, 2017, 06:02 PM

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.

**44 AMP** · January 13, 2017, 11:38 AM

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.

hagar · January 13, 2017, 02:11 PM

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 · January 14, 2017, 08:30 PM

Have a Bushnell 2-6x Elite on my 14" .223 T/C Contender. Love it!!!

bluetopper · January 14, 2017, 11:32 PM

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.

bluetopper · January 15, 2017, 01:59 PM

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.

AKimsster · January 15, 2017, 11:35 PM

Thanks for your input.

darkgael · January 16, 2017, 07:53 AM

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

saemetric · August 30, 2017, 09:39 AM

Mine in 35 Remington is my choice for deer. 2,5 RP T/C scope, Pachmayr gripset.

January 12, 2017, 04:19 PM	#1
AKimsster Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2017 Posts: 2	optics opinions for TC Contender I have a TC Contender in .223 that I am considering using for handgun deer hunting and am interested in opinions regarding a suitable scope.

January 13, 2017, 11:38 AM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,804	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. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 13, 2017, 02:11 PM	#5
hagar Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2000 Location: Colombia, SC Posts: 745	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. __________________ I don't have time for busy people

January 14, 2017, 08:30 PM	#6
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	Have a Bushnell 2-6x Elite on my 14" .223 T/C Contender. Love it!!! __________________ Steve

January 15, 2017, 11:35 PM	#9
AKimsster Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2017 Posts: 2	optics..TC Contender Thanks for your input.

January 12, 2017, 05:26 PM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	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.

January 12, 2017, 06:02 PM	#3
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	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.

January 14, 2017, 11:32 PM	#7
bluetopper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 1,197	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.

January 15, 2017, 01:59 PM	#8
bluetopper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 1,197	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.

January 16, 2017, 07:53 AM	#10
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	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 __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member Last edited by darkgael; January 16, 2017 at 08:32 AM.

August 30, 2017, 09:39 AM	#11
saemetric Member Join Date: August 3, 2008 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 29	Mine in 35 Remington is my choice for deer. 2,5 RP T/C scope, Pachmayr gripset.

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