Contender regrets

[hendere]

I started shooting when I was 17 and I just turned 50. I always thought that a Contender could be interesting but something else always seemed more exciting and I only got around to picking one up last year. I seriously wish I would have gotten into these 25 years ago! I can't believe how much I enjoy shooting and loading for mine! After seven barrels I'm trying to focus on what I have. My favorite is 32-20 with 357 Mag and 30 Herret not far behind. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but I wanted to throw this out in case anyone out there is considering one. Do it!

[JimB..]

I am just starting into them. So many different barrel options, but I'm only at 3! Hope to get a 357mag and 41mag later this week.

[shoot-n-lead]

I killed my first handgun deer with a Contender 28yrs ago...I have had them since a couple of years before that first deer...it is a very versatile gun. I am down to one frame and 8 barrels...my favorite barrels for it are the 14" 44mag, the 14" 30/30 and the 10" .22 Hornet.

[Artful]

OMG, a new infectee with Contenderitis - You Sir have just entered a new realm of trouble.

[mcdaniel.mac]

Have you picked up the required copy of Hard Target yet? Every Contender owner must have one!

[TCFAN]

They are a lot of fun.I have 2 frames and 10 barrels in 9 different calibers. My favorite is the 32-20 with cast boolits and the 22 Hornet with both cast and jacketed bullets.

[modified5]

It is one of my favorite addictions!!
I have a Gen 1 with 6 barrels. All pistol.
.22 mag 10 in, the rest are super 14. .223, 7mm L&L, 30-30, .375 JDJ and a 45-70.
The 45-70 is a virgin valley arms.
You sir have jumped down a new rabbit hole.
Welcome to the madness.

[gewehrfreund]

My line-up (all carbine barrels) includes:
22 Match
22 Hornet
32-20 Custom Shop
357 Max. 24" bull custom shop

They're lots of fun and it's hard to resist a new, interesting barrel. I've also had a 222 carbine barrel and a number of pistol barrels, that I never seem to hang on to.

The TCR83/87 is another one of my minor addictions. I've gone through a lot of those barrels. . . .

[Rick Hodges]

Hah, all carbine. 22 Hornet
22LR ~ Virgin Valley
7x30 Waters ~ Bullberry
Love them all. The 22rimfire and Waters are both balanced the same. Squirrel hunting becomes great practice for deer season.

[Shawlerbrook]

I have or have had 7x30, 6.8spc, 45 70, 222 Rem and 22 Hornet. My favorite hands down is the Hornet. Contenders are addicting.

[oldred]

WHAT no 357 Herret shooters? :shock:

I got my Contender in 1977 along with a .44 magnum shot barrel with the external screw-on choke, very shortly after that I bought a 357 Herret barrel and dies and I have been shooting it ever since! The .44 mag barrel is long gone but if there ever was a "perfect" barrel for the Contender it's the 357 Herret.

[kenyerian]

22 hornet is still my favorite barrel but I have tried a lot of different ones over the years. I'm down to 2 frames now and 5 barrels. My first was a Hornet back in early 70's.

[kenyerian]

PS Hard Target is worth watching. Contenders weren't used in the movies very often.

[richmanpoorman]

Actually found a 222 Rem 14" bbl. From a machine rest it shoots 5 in one hole at 100 yds. Wish I were that steady ! Also have a 35 Rem 14", a ball with cast.

[shoot-n-lead]

Actually found a 222 Rem 14" bbl. From a machine rest it shoots 5 in one hole at 100 yds.

Video or it didn't happen.

[quilbilly]

I feel for you. I got the Contender disease 40+ years ago when my father handed me one in the airport after my first tour in Vietnam. I won't tell how many frames and barrels I have accumulated. My favorite barrels are the 32-20, Hornet, 45/410, and 357 Max.

[merlin101]

I must have a tolerance built up because I only have 2 barrels and the same two for at least 15 years. But I still love em! First is a Super 16 in .35 Rem. (cut to 15 & 3/4" for NYS law) and the other is a 10".45 /410, shooting clay birds is a hoot with that and great practice for deer season.

[JimB..]

I saw a 357Herret at a gun show but didn't pull the trigger on it, regret that.

[dverna]

There is a guy in the county next to me (Otsego, MI) who won a lawsuit against them. It seems the gun will develop excessive headspace over time, and the results are catastrophic. He lost the sight in one eye and was permanently disfigured. Suit was settled in 2015. He had one in .300 Win Mag.

There are a number of similar reports...mainly with the older style model I believe.

[shoot-n-lead]

There is a guy in the county next to me (Otsego, MI) who won a lawsuit against them. It seems the gun will develop excessive headspace over time, and the results are catastrophic. He lost the sight in one eye and was permanently disfigured. Suit was settled in 2015. He had one in .300 Win Mag.

There are a number of similar reports...mainly with the older style model I believe.

Contender has never been available in .300 Win Mag...it had to be an Encore.

[modified5]

If someone chambered a contender in 300 win mag I would expect nothing else but catastrophic failure.
But like shoot-n-lead said, had to be an encore.

[Tenbender]

I never owned one until I was near 50. I have tried several barrels and settled on 3. 22Hornet carbine, 14" 7X30 Waters and a 10" 357 Max. I have 3 frames and several grips and fore arm's. I bought a Boyds thumbhole carbine stock and love it. Tried an Encore but didn't like it. It was a 6mm benchrest . It just wouldn't shoot like the Contenders.

[Moonie]

My first center fire firearm was a 14" contender pistol in 7-30 waters, I also had a 10" 357 Max barrel for it. Missed it so much I purchased an Encore a couple of years ago, now I have 15" 270 Winchester, 26" 375 H&H, 15" 500 S&W and a 7.5" full bull threaded 300 BO for use with a suppressor.

[M-Tecs]

There is a guy in the county next to me (Otsego, MI) who won a lawsuit against them. It seems the gun will develop excessive headspace over time, and the results are catastrophic. He lost the sight in one eye and was permanently disfigured. Suit was settled in 2015. He had one in .300 Win Mag.

There are a number of similar reports...mainly with the older style model I believe.

In .300 Win Mag it was not a Contender. That is way beyond Contender pressure limits.

http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=690

[shoot-n-lead]

In .300 Win Mag it was not a Contender. That is way beyond Contender pressure limits.

http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=690

This point has been made several times prior to this.

[M-Tecs]

This point has been made several times prior to this.

You respond to post how you want and I will respond how I want. At least I posted some data to back up my claim.

[Kraschenbirn]

Having started on Contenders in the early '80s, during the heyday of IHMSA, I haven't a clue how many different barrels I've owned/shot through the years. Currently, though, I'm down to two frames (one of those a 1st Gen reworked by SSK) and three barrels: .22 LR, .357 Mag, and .30-30.

Bill

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I have a Contender regret. Many years ago a man offered to let me shoot his contender. He had two barrels, one in 44 Mag and the other in 22 Hornet. I chose the 44. Big mistake. I fired the beast on the bench with my little finger under the grip. A ball peen hammer under intense interrogation would have been less painful. I have never fired another Contender.

[PaulG67]

Contenders are an addiction that's true, had mine since the early eighties, 6/7 barrels with my favorite would be 30-30, 14" w/muzzle tamer, followed closely by 14" 7/30 Waters.

[hendere]

Looks like I'm in good company. Thanks Gentlemen.

[M-Tecs]

17 Mack 2, 17 HMR, 22 LR, 22 Hornet, 22 K Hornet, 222 Rem, 223, 6.5JDJ, 7-30 Waters, 30/30, 38 Special, 35 Rem, 375 Win, 44 Mag, 45 Colt/410 and 45/70 are currently in the stable. I did get rid of my 357 Herrett in the 80's.

[nagantguy]

Just before Christmas this year I got my first contenderan early one with the 10 inch 44 mag barrel, love it, someone long ago removed the stupid forcing cone type throats and put a very nice crown on it, I have been a Encore junky since I got out of a government funded /run insane asylum aka the Marine Corps! But this contender promises to change handgun hunting for me , though they are not quit ouobtianium a 357 max barrel has eluded me thus far! Wish I'd have had a contender years ago, I'd also love a 22mag barrel to keep with me on the tractor for critter duty! And id really love a 30-30 and a 257 and a 357 mag and a 14 inch 44 mag or maybe 445 super!

[JSH]

I started shooting when I was 17 and I just turned 50. I always thought that a Contender could be interesting but something else always seemed more exciting and I only got around to picking one up last year. I seriously wish I would have gotten into these 25 years ago! I can't believe how much I enjoy shooting and loading for mine! After seven barrels I'm trying to focus on what I have. My favorite is 32-20 with 357 Mag and 30 Herret not far behind. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but I wanted to throw this out in case anyone out there is considering one. Do it!
Congratulations, I have been addicted to them since the early 80's.
I also want to thank you for not calling the Contender a g1 or generation one. There never was a G1 or any of the other labels that have been put on the Contender, it is the Contender. Sorry but g1 makes me want to vomit. Rant off.
Be aware that there are variations of barrels out there that don't play well with some frames,most of them have a solid lug rather than a split lug.
Anything you think you know about reloading can be tossed to the side for these break open guns for the most part. There are still a lot of myths floating around on them as well.
With a quick search you can find an enormous amount of info.
The barrels will multiply like rabbits, you have been warned.
Jeff

[JimB..]

Be aware that there are variations of barrels out there that don't play well with some frames,most of them have a solid lug rather than a split lug.


Argh! Guess I'd better take a frame with me when I go barrel shopping tomorrow.

More importantly, I need to find a foreend for a 10" bull barrel, anyone feeling like they have more than they need, or maybe feel like helping a guy out? Not looking for free or even cheap, just fair.

Jim

[rking22]

Another tender-addict. My first was gifted by my parents in 1976, 10in 44mag octagon. I have never experienced recoil like a factory 240 gr in that barrel with the tiny 1st generation, tiny grip! Traded the 44 barrel for a 10 in 256Win and became a happy camper. Still have that 5 digit frame and a 4 digit frame I picked up in the late 80s. Let's see 24inch 256Win, 21inch 22LR, 10 inch 256win, 10 in Oct 357Mag, 10inch OCT 22lr, 14inch 30-30, 10 inch 30Herett, 14 in 357Herrett, 14 inch 223, think that's all. Traded off a Hornet I wish I hadn't, as well as a carbine 30-30. The 2 Herretts are my favorites at the moment, I tend to be a bit fickle at times :)
I like the TCR83 as well, and suspect that may have been the 300Mag that failed. They produced that in a "Mag" frame, but the mag barrels would fit the non-mag frame (as I remember). My TCR83 is a Hornet presently, never had an interest in the big chamberings in little guns.
Had an Encore for a while, was not my "cuppatea". The Contender has been a constant for me these past 40 years, and the foreseeable future!

[M-Tecs]

Blue and Stainless have no issues. The Armoloy Plated ones tend to have undersize pivot holes. Some frame barrel combinations tend to lock up. The split lug helps with this.

This site covers most Contender issues well http://bellmtcs.com/store/

Some Contender forums

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/thompson-center/

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x

[country gent]

I have 1 frame and 2 barrels .222 rem and 357 herret. The herret with 125 grn sierras accounted for a lot of wood chucks of the tractor in the spring while working ground. A friend had 223 and 45-70

[MT Gianni]

I traded off one in the early 80's and got into them again a few years back. Currently have carbine bbls in 223 & 7-30, pistol in 22 lr, 22 hornet, 7 tcu, 30-30, 357 and 44 mag. The 14" 44 is as big a ***** cat as the 10" isn't.

[rking22]

So true, forgot I got a 14 inch 44mag. After having the octagon 44 I was a bit hesitant, but it is very plesant, especially with the parameter presenting. Grip.

[rking22]

Duplicate, stoopid phone

[richmanpoorman]

Been looking for a 45 or 50 caliber Muzzle Loading Contender rifle barrel. Had a 50 back in the 90s but foolishly sold it. Looked all over net ..... no joy. Suggestions appreciated !

[JSH]

Barrels can be made to fit most of the time with very little effort,usually just changing locking lugs.
I have seen some barrel and frame issues as of late. Locking up and they won't open. I don't know what the issue was as the OP's never followed up on the threads.
DO NOT, I repeat do not lube the lugs nor get a bunch of oil and lube on the shelf of the frame. It will auto eject upon firing. They are designed to run dry.

A 300 WM on a Contender, that is a new one on me.
Even if an Encore I would be surprised. Stretching over time? WTH kind of statement is that? What doesn't stretch over time. I would be interested in seeing some info rather than hear say.
Jeff

[Tenbender]

Keep posting your barrels. If I see a 17 Hornet or 17Ackley K Hornet I will PM you . LOL I have been wanting one in a carbine. Theres a new barrel on eBay. $325.00 though.

[shoot-n-lead]

You respond to post how you want and I will respond how I want. At least I posted some data to back up my claim.

The other posts stating this fact, were not just claims...they were as true as your post.

Continue repeating posts, all you want.

[hendere]

22 Hornet 14"
221 Fireball 16"
223 Remington 14"
30 Herrett 10"
32-20 10"
35 Remington 14"
357 Magnum 10"

I'm fighting the urge for a 218 Bee 10".

[M-Tecs]

The other posts stating this fact, were not just claims...they were as true as your post.

Continue repeating posts, all you want.

Nice to know this forum is so short mods you feel the need to self appoint yourself. You missed several others to pick on as self appointed mod. The actual mods here do an excellent job. They would be a good example to follow.

In the post that you took offensive too I posted a link dealing with the max pressure that Contenders can handle. Some cartridges that were actual factory chambering's in the Contender can cause problems like the 375 Win. and the 45/70. Understanding what the Contender can and can't do is information most find useful. What useful information did you post?????

[JimB..]

I have a G2 Contender blued 24" muzzleloader barrel new in box $325 plus shipping

Which caliber, and I suspect that someone will be along to suggest that you only transact business in the BST section, so please list it there so we can get serious about it!

I did get 2 barrels today, .357mag and .41mag both 10".

Hope to shoot both this weekend, then looking for 22 Hornet I think.

[contender1]

Well,,, I too have been a long time Contender owner & shooter. Heck,,, look at my handle here. I have taken over 100 whitetails, an elk,, & gosh knows what else over the many years. I don't know exactly what year I got my first one,,, as it was long ago,, and I'd have to check my records. But I do know it was in the early 80's. I have kept my Contenders a calm secret in general,,,, so I can enjoy finding them. Locally,,, a few folks know I have them,, and have been very successful with them,,, causing a few of them to buy one. But those Contenders are addictive to a lot of shooters.

JimB,,, I MAY,,, MAY,,, have a forend if you still need one.

[tejano]

TC barrels:
300 Whisper 20"
17 HMR 16"
45 Win Mag. 8"

MGM Barrels
9mm 18"
223 24"
32 mag. 21"

I admit that some of these barrels haven't been shot in years.

SSK
17 Remington 14"
338 Whisper 18"

[Leadmelter]

I started with an Octogon 221 Fireball around 1976. I have added a G2 frame and a bunch of barrels of barrels since then.
2 Frames
28 barrels
22LR to 45/70
I figure that I should leave enough barrels to get me buried.
Leadmelter
MI

[JimB..]

I started with an Octogon 221 Fireball around 1976. I have added a G2 frame and a bunch of barrels of barrels since then.
2 Frames
28 barrels
22LR to 45/70
I figure that I should leave enough barrels to get me buried.
Leadmelter
MI

Hoarder ;-)

[oldred]

Tejano, how does that 32 mag work out for you? That one caught my attention because I have been toying with the idea of that very set-up, a 32 mag in 21" to use with my Contender carbine which currently has a 204 Ruger.

[quilbilly]

Contender has never been available in .300 Win Mag...it had to be an Encore.
It could also have been in the TCR which went out of production over 20 years ago when the factory burned. I have one in 338 WM and absolutely love it for long range CB shooting. They made it in two trigger versions, single and double set. With a CB at an MV of 1850 and iron sights, it can bounce a 5 gal. white paint bucket at 700 yards with regularity in an early morning when my old eyes can see that far. The TCR was ahead of its time since it was a hammerless break action with the interchangeable barrels. I thought (and still do) that its style was a work of beauty and elegance much like the T/C Seneca which also died in the fire.

[C. Latch]

I have a Contender regret. Many years ago a man offered to let me shoot his contender. He had two barrels, one in 44 Mag and the other in 22 Hornet. I chose the 44. Big mistake. I fired the beast on the bench with my little finger under the grip. A ball peen hammer under intense interrogation would have been less painful. I have never fired another Contender.

I'm not a Contender fan (nothing personal, just not my thing) but I shot my Ruger Bisley Blackhawk .45 Colt with some full-power loads of W296 and a ~280-grain bullet, off the bench, where my sandbags were just a smidge too tall, so I stuck my pinky under the grip frame to make the revolver sit right for me.

Ouch. Just 'ouch'.

[tejano]

Tejano, how does that 32 mag work out for you? That one caught my attention because I have been toying with the idea of that very set-up, a 32 mag in 21" to use with my Contender carbine which currently has a 204 Ruger.
Sorry to be slow to reply. My most used load is a 115 gr. RNFP charged by 2.5 gr. of Bulleye in 32 Long cases. I like the MGM barrel just fine and hope to soon order another but in 32 Long with a 27" barrel. I haven't fired a single jacketed bullet through the 32 mag barrel but that would change with the arrival of the longer barrel as the latter would become my even quieter subsonic shooter. That is the plan, anyway. :)

[Hickory]

When I first became aware of the T/C Contender it was in or around 1968 I viewed it with disdain. I had bought a Ruger Blackhawk in 44 magnum the year before and wondered why anyone would want a "single shot pirate gun" when you could get a six shot revolver for the same price or cheaper.
Fast forward 8 years, metallic silhouettes was the new game and my Ruger, though pretty accurate, could not compete with the Contenders. One of the guys there offered to let me use his Contender to shoot the second relay. 20 rounds and 20 hits and I was sold on the "pirate gun." Now, I can not say anything bad about the Contender, except that the XP100 is a little more accurate, I have never shot a more accurate handgun then the XP100.
I have three frames and an unknown number of barrels.

[Leadmelter]

I have an XP in the original 7mm BR. I got a 7mm TCU and 7mm Waters so I am looking to launch a variety 7mm boolits to try. Not a hoarder, just an investment.
Leadmelter
MI

[richhodg66]

I bought a G2 Contender rifle in .17 HMR about a year ago. Didn't want a .17 HMR, but the scope on it was worth half the asking price and I couldn't pass it up. Sure is accurate. Gonna get an MGM barrel in .22 Hornet or .218 Bee and I'll be set.

My Dad must have had half a dozen frames at one time and a million barrels it seems but all handguns. He really loved them, but they didn't interest me much. I really like the rifle configuration though.

[flint45]

I have a .357 Herret barrel 14 inch that has never shot well no matter what I try in it gave up on it long ago cast or j-word light or heavy could not find a load it liked slugged at .357 no tight or lose spots good crown could not figure it out!

[rking22]

Interesting, my 357H was one of the easiest barrels to get a good load in. Just goes to show they have their own "personality", sorry yours is a "hillery" :)
I found that mine liked the RCBS 200gr with RL7 right off the bat and haven't done any more experimenting. When I first got it, 84 or so, I shot 158gr jhps in it on IMR4198 and with the 2x Leopold it would consistently hit 3 inch steel plates at 150yards. Wonder if JES could do you a 375Win rebore in that.....??

[jimb16]

One frame, 3 pistol barrels,.30-30, .44 mag and 7TCU; 3 carbine barrels (with a shoulder stock) 7TCU, .223 and .410 shotgun. Used to have more, but I have my addiction somewhat under control now.

[jlnel2]

My contender calibers. .so far, 22 hornet, 7mm tcu, 30-30, 30 herret, 357 herret, 375 jdj, 45/70. Encore cals, 500 maximum, 500 s&w, soon .620 jdj.

All pistol lengths.