Question on T/C Contender

J

jimtan

New member
I have a chance to buy a nice Contender with a scoped .223 barrel, a .45/410, a .357 mag and a holster.
I have never shot or handled one and would appreciate your input on performance etc. of the Contender. I can get the whole package from a co-worker for $350. I think it's a no-brainer at that price. Thought I would make it the new coyote, truck gun.
 
That's a heck of a price. I've got a Contender with .30-30 and .45-70 barrels. The .30-30 barrel is topped with a 4X Leupold and is MOA accurate with even factory Winchester loads. The .45-70 barrel is Magnaported, but still too much a handful to be enjoyable. All in all, I consider the Contender a masterpiece, and you're getting a great deal. Personally I always wanted the .223 barrel and will be getting one eventually. Go for it.
 
I know I can't pass it up for that price. I was looking at the various barrels available, WOW!! Looks to be a fun, fun piece. I could get a large caliber barrel just for the fun factor! I will be bringing the cash tomorrow and if all checks out I'll be bringing it home!
 
If you didn't buy those at that price, you should never be able to possess firearms again because of commitment to a mental institution :D. What a sweet, sweet deal. Be aware, Thompson Center has lifetime warranty on their firearms, regardless of how many owners the gun has had.
 
That is one sweeet price and with those barrels you'd be set for just about everything. Could use a nice 30-30 or 7-30 barrel to go with it. Most of my barrels will shoot sub MOA at 100, some of my custom barrels will do much better.
 
agree that is a good price...

a couple notes to keep you informed, hopefully before you buy...

TC's 223 barrels shoot awesome... butt... I've sold all mine, & will be building mine own... the reason, is they are all slower twist barrels, & only shoot smaller lighter bullets well... mine would shoot 45-50 grain bullets with less than MOA accuacy... 55 grain bullets & the groups began opening up... anything heavier, & they began tumbling... mine were 1 in 12 twist ( which I think is typical for most Contender barrels ) I'm building a 1 in 8 twist carbine length barrel so that I can shoot 68 grain bullets

you did not mention barrel lengths... I also got rid of my 10" - 45 Colt / 410 barrel, but kept my 16" 45 / 410 ( which I use exclusively as a 410 barrel & as a carbine, not a hand gun )... the 45 Colt out of such barrels has 3" of freebore from the shotgun chamber, & they are typically not "target accurate" like all other Contender barrels are capable of... the 45 / 410 barrel also has a shot straightening choke type tube, that must be removed before shooting 45 Colt ammo through the barrel... but with the straightening tube in the barrel, the shot gun exhibits normal shot patterns not the typical doughnut patterns that rifled barrels throw when a shot type shell is fired through them

no suprises with the 357, except excellent accuracy, better than normal revolver velocity, & mild recoil & milder report than when fired in normal guns chambered in 357 Magnum...

shoulder holster I assume ??? I have both leather & balistic nylon holsters...

BTW... I have 4 different actions, & a collection of barrels, use mine from hunting big game & varmints, to target shooting up to 300 yards... if you have the older ( pre G ) Contenders, be carefull with them in wet conditions, the engraving on the side is particularly subject to rust...I have a couple rust spots on my actions that I use for hunting, & willbe sening them off soon for a more corrosion resistant coating than the factory blueing offers...

BTW #2... thre are several different grips & forends available for the Contender, both rubber, wood & grips that use both wood & rubber, so you are sure to find something that suites you, if you find you don't like the grips the gun you are looking at is currently wearing...
 
I have never shot or handled one and would appreciate your input on performance etc. of the Contender
Click to expand...

Performance is subjective . I can assure you that it will meet your expectations and possibly exceed them as you have shot one. If it's in good shape, you can't go wrong on the price and can always get your money back andhen some. I have all these barrels as well as other calibers and they all shoot great. Enjoy your new purchase ...



Be Safe !!!
 
There are some ways around that big jump when shooting 45s in the 45/410 barrel. 450 mongo is probably the most widly used. I have a different solution. Acuracy with those 45/410 barrels is usually still subpar even with the fixes.
One thing to try in a 357mag barrel is using 360 DW brass. T/C 357 barrels are notorius for LLOOONNNGGGGGGG chambers. I even had one that could use 357 max brass.
 
Thanks for all the input. The seller called in sick today, so I could not get it, but should be bringing it tomorrow. I've been reading about them and am getting real excited to get out and shoot it.
Looks like I may be getting a steal!
 
Magnum Wheel Man

... the 45 Colt out of such barrels has 3" of freebore from the shotgun chamber, & they are typically not "target accurate" like all other Contender barrels are capable of...
Click to expand...
Which reminds me, did Thompson Center ever make a dedicated .45 Colt barrel? I thought they did at one time.
 
Got to work today fully expecting to come home with a new toy, but did not. He sold the Contender to his brother. I can't fault the guy for giving it to family first, but I am dissapointed. Was really hoping to score a smokin' deal on a cool gun. Oh well, maybe next time.
 
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