[greyhawk50]

A Pawn Shop find.
WHY?
I'm not sure. It was like candy and the price wasn't hateful, so I couldn't say no.
It's a Thompson Contender with a 7X30 Waters Barrel. Ammo is scarce but as a last resort, I can form it from the parent 30-30 case.
On-line reviews are excellent as far as accuracy. Mediocre as far as ballistics. It's a 30-30 that is necked down to 7mm. A flat shooter but it is weak compared to other 7mm cartridges. Recoil should be minimal.
Options for other caliber barrels are pretty expansive. I can even convert it to a pistol. Lots of options.
Anyone else have any experience with the 7X30 Waters?

 

[SWO1]

ONE good lookin rifle. The stock looks like Tiger Maple. Should be fun to shoot and to form and reload for also. Congrats and enjoy.

 

[oldbrass]

cool rifle.One of our hunting party hunts deer with a 7-30 winnie 94 .Its quite accurate

 

[FOUR4D4]

Cant beat wood furniture

 

[28Shooter]

I've got a safe full of "Why" because sometimes it's just "Because". Nice rifle Grey - enjoy!

 

[greyhawk50]

As I've stated in another thread, I went to the range today and dedicated the outing to learning how to shoot left handed. This 7-30 Waters was the second rifle to hit the bench (after the 762X54R).

After getting the Contender zeroed in, this is what I ended up with.
I was shooting resized 30-30s with 139gr. bullets ahead of H335 powder. These shells were not yet fire-formed. The fire-forming process damaged 5 of the 20 rounds. There was a little wind but not too bad.
I have 3 boxs of new 7-30 Waters so I think I'll donate 1 box to the cause. That box will be shot and reloaded. I'll save the other 2 for prosperity.
Seeing how I had a 4X16 scope set on 12X, I'm hoping to improve this grouping. Those black dots are 3/4" in dia. Again, the range was 50 yards.
By the way, that is a 9 shot group.

Here the results.

 

[28Shooter]

Very nice Grey - I think you found the "why" you were looking for!

 

[Gumpy]

Very nice Grey - I think you found the "why" you were looking for!

You've got that right. But somehow I lost sight of one of the why's. Greyhawk, why are you learning to shoot left handed? I can't wipe my Hiney with my left hand without making a mess!

 

[greyhawk50]

You've got that right. But somehow I lost sight of one of the why's. Greyhawk, why are you learning to shoot left handed? I can't wipe my Hiney with my left hand without making a mess!

Thanks for asking. Aside from having early stages of Macular Degeneration and Cataracts in both eyes (too early for any corrective action), I have a .07mm spot in the layer beneath the Retina in my right eye (almost dead center), where the cells have died and the body didn't regenerate them. This causes a blind spot in the center of my vision whereas everything around it spirals into a vortex. There isn't any known procedure to correct the problem. I can't see iron sights at all and the cross hairs in a scope are all twisted up like this, (~). Using a Red Dot helps a little but even it is distorted. I can still shoot Shotguns at Clay Targets unless they get beyond 30 yards or so where they disappear. I have to "snap shoot" them whereas I used to be able to follow the Bird longer.
I can shoot handguns right-handed if I sight with my left eye. Although I've been practicing instinctive handgun shooting at 10-20 yards with both eyes open. Very similar to shooting a shotgun.
So, at 67 years old, I'm trying to develop a new skill. Kinda like learning to walk on my knees. "It is what it is" and life is still good. I am far more blessed than many men my age. It's just a "new normal" and a minor inconvenience (challenge).

 

[Gumpy]

I'm sorry to hear all this, but admire your fortitude and courage to meet this head on! I will put you on my permanent prayer list.

 

[SWO1]

Great to see you adapting to your limitations. I too am in the same boat At 66. Partial plates, hearing aids and upcoming eye surgery. And that's just the things they can prolong a little. Other parts and pieces, knees, injury related arthritis, not so. But we do what we have to to keep involved and active in life. Like you also, and probley many others, just find new ways of doing the simple things. Not complaining just thankful I can still function, although its at a slightly different level than the past.

Saw a sign at some place the last couple of days:

At your age If you wake up in the morning and NOTHING HURTS, You're more than likely DEAD .......

 

[greyhawk50]

In reference to original post______
Well guys.
After 2 years of sitting in the gun safe, this beauty has moved on to give pleasure to another, kinda - sorta. You see, I'm a firm believer in "Recycling the Joy".
I have the 7.62X54R that my son built for me along with the Browning 44 mag mod. 72. Those are both keepers.
So; with some wheeling & dealing along with some cash and the fact that I kept the frame, here is what I have to play with as of late.
Like i said, I kept the frame and then added a Pachmayr Grip & Forearm along with 3 Barrels. All 3 barrels are 10" Bull Barrels. Calibers are 357 mag., 44 mag. and 45LC/410. The wood grips are prettier but the Pachmayr are more user friendly with the 44 mag. and for improved grip in all cases.
The chances of me using the pistol is much greater than the rifle and all 3 are legal for deer in my state. Now I'll need to find a holster.
Just though I would share.
Added a few better pictures.

 

[MattNH]

I can see the appeal of the original, but the .357/.44/.45LC/.410 seems much more practical. Happy shooting

 

[SHOOTER13]

Awesome score....beautiful wood on that too !!