T/C contender
- Thread starter Jeep5
- Start date
Welcome to TFL The old mod has a adjustable trigger/engraved Cougar on
the receiver and a trigger stop screw in the trigger guard.I think the old mod
look better and have more character than the G2s.the G2s have a couple different barrel choices like the 17MACH 2/ THE 6.8 REMSPC./204.
Both are great shooters.
the receiver and a trigger stop screw in the trigger guard.I think the old mod
look better and have more character than the G2s.the G2s have a couple different barrel choices like the 17MACH 2/ THE 6.8 REMSPC./204.
Both are great shooters.
There are at least two generations of the Contenders and both are great shooters. Look at the top of the hammer. The one with the slide selector for rim and center fire, is an older one. The one with a rotary is newer and I prefer this to the slide. I too prefer the Contenders over the G2's even though the G2's tried to address some of the designs of the older ones and provided for a stronger frame. Are you wanting to compare an older Contender to a G2?
You really can't go wrong with either.
Be Safe !!!
You really can't go wrong with either.
Be Safe !!!
Nite Ryder
New member
Don't overlook the Encore. It is heavier duty than the Contender, but barrels are not interchangable. I have 14 T/C barrels, some are Contenders and some are Encore, and I have many grip frames of each also. They are quite accurate when using a rifle barrel and butt stock.
You can't go wrong. They have a lifetime warranty! I had an old second generation original Contender that I bought in a private sale and the locking lugs on the barrel broke and it wouldn't open. Sent it back to T/C and they fixed it for free and replaced a couple springs in the frame as well as the broke piece for no charge other than shipping.
I miss that old gun (30/30 barrel). My ex-wife stole it from me and sold it for 1/2 of what it was worth.
I miss that old gun (30/30 barrel). My ex-wife stole it from me and sold it for 1/2 of what it was worth.
Magnum Wheel Man
New member
suprised no one really offered the "real" differences...
on the originals, if you cocked the hammer for a shot ( like for hunting ) & you did not take the shot, & lowered the hammer to put the gun in a safer condition, you must break open the action to recock it ( the hammer will not stay back until the action is opened & reclosed )... I have several of the original Contenders, & love them... but have been told that the G-2's can be recocked without breaking open the action... but also have noticed on the couple G-2's I've handled, that the trigger just seems better on the older ones...
Honestly if I were starting over, I'd probably do the Encores, because they can handle more chamberings...
also been told, that you want to insure any action you buy is registered as a pistol frame rather than a rifle frame... my understanding, is you can outfit the pistol action as a carbine legally, but it is not legal to outfit one registered as a carbine, as a handgun...
on the originals, if you cocked the hammer for a shot ( like for hunting ) & you did not take the shot, & lowered the hammer to put the gun in a safer condition, you must break open the action to recock it ( the hammer will not stay back until the action is opened & reclosed )... I have several of the original Contenders, & love them... but have been told that the G-2's can be recocked without breaking open the action... but also have noticed on the couple G-2's I've handled, that the trigger just seems better on the older ones...
Honestly if I were starting over, I'd probably do the Encores, because they can handle more chamberings...
also been told, that you want to insure any action you buy is registered as a pistol frame rather than a rifle frame... my understanding, is you can outfit the pistol action as a carbine legally, but it is not legal to outfit one registered as a carbine, as a handgun...
While I have no personal experience with the G2, other than checking one out in a store, the one I handled did almost "fall open", which neither of old frames will do. Not even close. In fact, it takes a good hard squeeze to open them. Not a problem, just something you need to get used to.
On those ocassions where I have had others shoot them, and mention how hard they were to open, I just say, "Grow stronger!"
The G2 will recock without opening the action, something which never seemed to be much of a concern to me.
While the one I handled was pretty good, I have heard reports from several people that the G2 trigger is not as good as the old Contender. It may be true, but I think that you should check each individual gun, as they can vary, you know.
The G2 is also said to be able to use all the old Contender barrels. That's a plus, in my book.
The Encore is bigger, and beefier built, so it will handle large rifle rounds. Myself, I never saw the advantage of that, in a handgun. Now, for a light single shot rifle, thats another story.
One thing about choosing the Encore, pistol caliber barrels are scarce on the ground. The are supposed to be available, and almost certainly are, on order, but I never find them at shows, or in shops. Rifle calibers abound, but no pistol ones for the Encore. And, Encore barrels do not fit the Contender (any version) nor vice versa.
The "advantage" to buying an old Contender is that they are pretty damn good guns, and used prices generally run less than new retail. In my neck of the woods, $450ish +/- is a fair deal for a frame and barrel together. I have bought a number of used barrels for $125-225, depending on details. Prices on everything have been going up, and so things are likely to be a bit higher next time I go barrel shopping.
On those ocassions where I have had others shoot them, and mention how hard they were to open, I just say, "Grow stronger!"
The G2 will recock without opening the action, something which never seemed to be much of a concern to me.
While the one I handled was pretty good, I have heard reports from several people that the G2 trigger is not as good as the old Contender. It may be true, but I think that you should check each individual gun, as they can vary, you know.
The G2 is also said to be able to use all the old Contender barrels. That's a plus, in my book.The Encore is bigger, and beefier built, so it will handle large rifle rounds. Myself, I never saw the advantage of that, in a handgun. Now, for a light single shot rifle, thats another story.
One thing about choosing the Encore, pistol caliber barrels are scarce on the ground. The are supposed to be available, and almost certainly are, on order, but I never find them at shows, or in shops. Rifle calibers abound, but no pistol ones for the Encore. And, Encore barrels do not fit the Contender (any version) nor vice versa.
The "advantage" to buying an old Contender is that they are pretty damn good guns, and used prices generally run less than new retail. In my neck of the woods, $450ish +/- is a fair deal for a frame and barrel together. I have bought a number of used barrels for $125-225, depending on details. Prices on everything have been going up, and so things are likely to be a bit higher next time I go barrel shopping.
OkieCruffler
New member
The old G1 frames have a MUCH better trigger than either the G2 or the Encore.
Peter M. Eick
New member
Funny you should ask this question. I was going to pose a similar one but now it is moot.
I am thinking about a 357 Maximum single shot and was considering the contender vs. the encore. Having never tried either I was just going to wing it and see what folks recommended.
I just want to see what I can really do with my 357 Max Reloads in a more stout gun. I don't want to push my SBH to hard.
I am thinking about a 357 Maximum single shot and was considering the contender vs. the encore. Having never tried either I was just going to wing it and see what folks recommended.
I just want to see what I can really do with my 357 Max Reloads in a more stout gun. I don't want to push my SBH to hard.
Magnum Wheel Man
New member
got a 14" 357 Max Contender barrel that my father in law used to push pretty hard
Winterhawk56
New member
I bought my first TC in 1989 with a .223 14" barrel and 30-30 10" barrel. Since then I have added two more TC (original not G2) with assorted other calibers including the 7MM TCU, 7-30 Waters, .357 Max, 44 Mag, 35 Remington, and assorted others.
The original TCC in my opinion is the better of the two (TCC original or G-2). The trigger adjustment along with the design and feel make it the better, again my opinion!
You can’t go wrong with a TCC! Great hunting, target and general fun gun. One item that is an advantage for me is the wildcat loads like 7-30 waters and 7MM TCU. I really enjoy working up the loads starting with fire forming the brass!
The original TCC in my opinion is the better of the two (TCC original or G-2). The trigger adjustment along with the design and feel make it the better, again my opinion!
You can’t go wrong with a TCC! Great hunting, target and general fun gun. One item that is an advantage for me is the wildcat loads like 7-30 waters and 7MM TCU. I really enjoy working up the loads starting with fire forming the brass!
robhof
I also prefer the original G1 and have 2, one I keep in rifle form and the other in pistol. I also have the 357max as it came with the 1st frame I bought at a pawn shop, he threw in the barrel because he said they don't make the bullets anymore. I already had a DW in that caliber and plenty of brass, the T/C can be loaded out longer and even use pointed bullets, but I haven't gotten the accuracy with the pointed bullets, LFN's work best in both the revolver and the T/C.
I also prefer the original G1 and have 2, one I keep in rifle form and the other in pistol. I also have the 357max as it came with the 1st frame I bought at a pawn shop, he threw in the barrel because he said they don't make the bullets anymore. I already had a DW in that caliber and plenty of brass, the T/C can be loaded out longer and even use pointed bullets, but I haven't gotten the accuracy with the pointed bullets, LFN's work best in both the revolver and the T/C.