any tc contender fans out there?

[Ian Johnson]

Ive always known about these rifles and have shot an encore before but the lightweight little handy contender is one of those guns that just feels right, not to mention the fact that I can also have in pistol form also, thinking of one in 22 for squirrels and a 45\70 for deer\pigs and once i finally get into reloading I see it is chambered in a number of wildcats, what are some pros\cons I should know about before getting one?

thanks
Ian

 

[LoonWulf]

I have a contender in 7-30 waters, pistol form. Very nice gun, shoots very very well.
The only issue ive had with it is handloading has to be done fairly exactly. Cases need just enough headspace for the action to close with little or no resistance, but shoulders have to be moved as little as possible or your brass fails quickly. ALL break actions flex, so the contender isnt all that unusual in this. I really want a 7-30 carbine, might get one in the near future.

 

[hoghunting]

I've been using Contenders for years and will highly recommend them in any configuration. The only con with them is that they are very addictive and you will add more barrels to your collection.

 

[Hunterdad]

I have one in pistol form. I use. 14" 30-30 with a weaver scope for deer and have a 14" .223 with a Simmons scope for plinking and other critters. Its a great platform, with a ton of barrel choices.

 

[JFrame]

I bought a Contender, and the first two barrels for it were a 10" .44 mag followed by a 16" .44 mag...But after that, I got a 14" match .22 LR barrel for it (paired with a 4x scope), and it has become my favorite shooter.


.

 

[Salmoneye]

Had a 10" .45-70, and 12" .357 Herrett custom barrel...Stopped hunting bear, so I sold it...

 

[Kingcreek]

I picked one up in a trade, very accurate 14" .223 with a scope, had to have a 10" .44mag w 2x Leupold glass and then a .22lr. I got a bipod and built a custom case and then I realised where this was heading...
I figured I was building a collection in this swap concept but it is easier to shoot rifles and carry handguns than manage this contender thing anywhere but a shooting bench. so I traded and sold and I don't miss it.

 

[jem375]

For nasty critters I have a Contender G2 rifle and also a Contender pistol in 375JDJ, my other T/C rifle is an Encore in 308.

 

[mbopp]

I have one of the early Contenders in pistol form. It wears a 14" 357 Herrett barrel for deer hunting and a 14" 218 Bee barrel for pests. Both barrels are more accurate than I can shoot.

 

[PapaG]

Have had at least one ever since they came out. At present, one late model handgun with seven barrels ranging through 22, 222, 30-30, 357, 44m, 45/410, and 45. The 22 bull barrel is a real tack driver. 357 is almost lead proof. 45 straight (no choke) is my second deer gun. Have a 223 carbine and a G2 with 209X50 and 45-70 barrels. Have not got them working to my satisfaction but it is lack of time, not a quality issue..I have not had a TC that wouldn't shoot.

 

[Geno]

The Contenders are wonderful. For what it is worth, T/C's Contender still holds the World Record for 500 yard accuracy using iron sights. I believe that the group measured 1.5" X .75".

Check the current laws as to converting a Contender. I believe that, but you need to confirm/refute, you can switch a Contender pistol to carbine and back, but you cannot convert the carbine to pistol ever.

As to quality, reliability and accuracy, I rate the Contender a 10. Customer service is a 10.

Let us know what you decide.

Geno

 

[Ian Johnson]

thanks guys