Thompson center Contender following

[BobT]

I have one barrel without a step, a 10” 357 Herrett, it works on the frames I’ve tried it on except the SSK 50. I’m fond of the 10” barrels too but my favorites are the 12” Hunter barrels. I don’t have any of the very early frames, but I do have a couple with 4 digit numbers. I much prefer the pre easy open frames, I think the triggers are a little bit better as a general rule.


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[racepres]

I have one barrel without a step, a 10” 357 Herrett, it works on the frames I’ve tried it on except the SSK 50. I’m fond of the 10” barrels too but my favorites are the 12” Hunter barrels. I don’t have any of the very early frames, but I do have a couple with 4 digit numbers. I much prefer the pre easy open frames, I think the triggers are a little bit better as a general rule.


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Sounds as if you have a Triangle Trigger Contender...The Very Best and most adjustable they offered.. The Easy open don't touch it!!!
Also sounds like a very early Barrel..that 357 Herrett.. I have heard rumor of better throating...But...IDK
Anyway...Congratulations.. some High Class stuff...
BTW, I tried to Like the Hunter..Not for Me...I had an 8" for quite some time...But...A "collector" talked me out of it!!! Yea..I may be Weak!!!

[racepres]

I have one barrel without a step, a 10” 357 Herrett, it works on the frames I’ve tried it on except the SSK 50. I’m fond of the 10” barrels too but my favorites are the 12” Hunter barrels. I don’t have any of the very early frames, but I do have a couple with 4 digit numbers. I much prefer the pre easy open frames, I think the triggers are a little bit better as a general rule.


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I would sure like to see a Contender with a 4 digit serial and a Triangle trigger (assuming here) certainly should have the full engraving behind the Cougar...from all that I have seen...so I am Endeavoring to educate myself!!!
I do Know that the entire TriggerGuard, with Trigger Group can be plugged into the old Frame.. BTDT... Is that what is going on with yours???

[Lance Boyle]

I just saw a new TC factory video. They’re moving slow. Apparently overwhelmed just figuring out what parts they have. They are making encore barrels and receivers. They redid the trigger internals too.

I’d just like to see them sell some encore and contender barrels for starters. They seem no where close to produce yet. Well not anywhere to the point that they can ship.

[Combat Diver]

Love my Contenders. Hope to pick up couple more barrels after my OCONUS time comes to a close.

[Shawlerbrook]

Got this email from EABCO earlier this week.


Dealer Announcement
We're thrilled to announce our new partnership with Thompson Center Arms®. We're now accepting pre-orders for T/C® products, starting with the renowned Encore line. Additional product lines, including the G2 series, will become available as Thompson/Center® expands their production.
To ensure a smooth ordering process:
Check our website for current product listings and availability
Pre-order options are now live for Breech Plugs and Q1 Product
Product images and additional details will be updated regularly
We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in Thompson/Center firearms®. Our team is committed to continuing to provide you with the best possible service as we roll out this exciting new product line.
For the most current information on available models and pricing, please visit our website. We'll keep you updated through our newsletter and social media channels as new inventory becomes available.

[Charlie Horse]

When I was a kid I read a lot of Bob Milek's articles on handgun hunting.

He got me started, too.
If I could only have one barrel it would be a 10" 44 magnum. Mine works well on deer and coyotes.

[Rick B]

Just read a newsletter from Haus of Arms today. They have established a waiting list for the New Thompson Center G2 Contender. First frames are slated for the end of 2025.
Rick

[1Iron]

I've been shooting a Contender for over 40 years. I only have one frame and 6 barrels. I've shot the 10" .357 mag the most, I but really enjoy shooting the 14" 7mm TCU. It's bloody accurate to 200 meters. Unfortunately, I don't have a place to shoot silhouettes in east Texas. I have 10" & 14" 30 Herrett, 44 mag and 45 Win mag barrels, too. The 44 mag is my least favorite to shoot.

Silverblade

[dale2242]

I have been a Contender fan since day 1.
I have 3 frames and 12+ barrels.
I have never like shooting heavy recoiling calibers in a Contender.
BTW, I am not recoil shy.
i have shot 10s of thousands of heavy 44 Mag loads in revolvers of all sorts.

[Fitz]

if you like a 44 mag you will love the 444 rem. I bought a 44 mag 14 in barrel and reamed it to 444 out to a 100 yards the pistol is a 1 moa , it was a experiment to start with but showed so much promise that I had a H&R 44mag mag that I used the same reamer on both are deadly in the woods for hogs and deer

[racepres]

I've been shooting a Contender for over 40 years. I only have one frame and 6 barrels. I've shot the 10" .357 mag the most, I but really enjoy shooting the 14" 7mm TCU. It's bloody accurate to 200 meters. Unfortunately, I don't have a place to shoot silhouettes in east Texas. I have 10" & 14" 30 Herrett, 44 mag and 45 Win mag barrels, too. The 44 mag is my least favorite to shoot.

Silverblade

Drop 45ACP's in that 45Win Mag barrel...and Have some real fun!!!

if you like a 44 mag you will love the 444 rem. I bought a 44 mag 14 in barrel and reamed it to 444 out to a 100 yards the pistol is a 1 moa , it was a experiment to start with but showed so much promise that I had a H&R 44mag mag that I used the same reamer on both are deadly in the woods for hogs and deer

Maybe in a G2 or better yet...an Encore...not in My Old (non easy open) Contender, Thanks

[Nobade]

Exactly. Full factory 444 ammo is too much for a Contender.

[PositiveCaster]

Yep, the .444 exerts 17% more force on the action than the .44 Magnum does - and that's enough to stretch a Contender frame. The G2 was considered stronger than the Contender (and much more than the old non-easy-open frames) but T/C repeatedly stated to not consider it to be stronger. Back in the '80s I stretched my 'old' frame using listed max loads in the .35 Remington, and T/C replaced it. That won't happen today.


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[BobT]

Yep, the .444 exerts 17% more force on the action than the .44 Magnum does - and that's enough to stretch a Contender frame. The G2 was considered stronger than the Contender (and much more than the old non-easy-open frames) but T/C repeatedly stated to not consider it to be stronger. Back in the '80s I stretched my 'old' frame using listed max loads in the .35 Remington, and T/C replaced it. That won't happen today.


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The only difference between the original and easy open frames was the location of the pivot pin. They were otherwise identical, no difference in strength. The G2 was reinforced to help prevent frame stretch and the internals were reconfigured as well.


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[Beerd]

444 Marlin too much in a Contender? how about a 500 Nitro Express?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9ZLvTrlhbI

..

[awp101]

Who is the go to now for custom Contender barrels? Pondering the idea of a 16" .357.

Thanks!

[Shawlerbrook]

Bellm

[PositiveCaster]

The only difference between the original and easy open frames was the location of the pivot pin. They were otherwise identical, no difference in strength. The G2 was reinforced to help prevent frame stretch and the internals were reconfigured as well....

Sorry, but that is not accurate. The original frames had a relief cut inside the side rails just ahead of the breech face, and that is where mine stretched. No idea why it was there, but T/C realized the weakness - the newer frames lacked that cut out and were able to take more case thrust. I turned mine in for replacement 40 years ago so I can't show you that cut, but if you look at an original frame you can plainly see the difference. Perhaps someone with an original frame can post a photo.

Edit: I did find this photo on the internet, it isn't clear but you can (barely) see the cutout just in front of the breech.

OG Frramee.jpg
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[racepres]

To Pick a Nit...The original...the ones with the engraving Behind the cat... are very much Different.. evn from old non-easy open..
There is a Reason there Never was a G-1 Contender.. too many Variations..
And BTW the last, before the Easy Open, had the Best Trigger...sometimes referred to as the Triangle Trigger.. when you see it...you know why..