T/C is a great pistol. Have one with a 375 JDJ, 14" barrel, 35 Rem, 14" barrel, and 44 Mag, 12"barrel. My dad has my 45-70 barrel (lives in Idaho). The contender is ment to handle lever action pressures. The 223 is great in the contender. A 14" barrel is a good choice, it is also the length used...