Any Thompson Contender Freaks out There?

[rdln]

No, as a sidearm it doesn't make sense and I wouldn't put the pistol grip on my Encore which is the contender's big brother because then I would have to let our big brother know I own it!

But in carbine form and adequate calibers it can bring down most North American game at rifle ranges.

As people gain experience their hobbies become less challenging and some switch to more intricate tools that puts the challenge back into the hobby. For hunting the contender does just that.

BTW they still make the contender and does not eject the shell but presents it to the user to pull out by hand.


Steve
Champagne Taste, Beer Budget

 

[fishman]

Dr. Dan,

Yes the Contender is a nice package. As RDLN has pointed out, they are still making them. Thompson Center redesigned the frame and made some nice improvements for 2002. The nice thing is that all previous barrels will still work on the new frame.

My personal favorite is the carbine version in .223. No recoil, lots of range, and very compact. I have a 30-30 barrel in the carbine, and it can dish out quite a kick because the whole thing only weighs about 5 lbs, scope attached. In my opinion, it hurts more than my .300 Win mag! It was not the best choice for a first deer rifle for my daughter, so she now shoots a Ruger 77 in .243. I imagine your 30 Herret kicks pretty much the same.

New barrels can be purchased at http://www.midwayusa.com

Special calibers can be ordered from the TC custom shop at http://www.foxridgeoutfitters.com

The pistol version, scope attached, is a fairly compact firearm if worn in a bandoleer holster. It also provides near-rifle performance both in accuracy and energy delivered to the target with the appropriate caliber. A nice compromise for someone who doesn't want quite the challenge presented by a revolver, but wants something a little different than a rifle. If purchased in one of the revolver calibers (.357 or .44) and shot with open sights, it's every bit as challenging as any other form of handgun hunting.

You can use a .22 rimfire barrel and go squirrel/rabbit/tin can hunting, and then change over to another barrel and go deer hunting with the same gun. Very versitile.

The new TC Encore is also pretty neat. It's more ruggedly built, which permits it to be chambered in more powerful calibers such as the .270 and 30-06. It can also be had with a .50 cal black powder barrel which is a lot of fun.

 

[DrDan]

Yes I agree Fishman,

I have done enogh target shooting over the years so I generally can get by with one carefully placed shot. It becomes a little more of a challenge when you know you only have one chance. I also seem to always be able to find a tree or fencepost, truck fender, etc. to steady a 14" barrel. Off the benchrest I have held a 1" group at 100 yards with the 223 barrel. I like it - get a kick out of the "spray and pray" crowd with their autoloaders. One well placed shot and it's all over. Of course I am into other single shots. Have a Ruger #1 in 220 swift and it is a nice package also. I don't know if I'd have enough guts for a 375 H & H for bear, but it sure would present a challenge. I guess I would if I had a 44 Mag sidearm as backup.

I shot my best score ever on indoor target with the 22 LR barrel. 100 out of 100 Got that target plastered on my office door. All ten in the "X" ring with a 10" barrel and red dot sight. Wish I could do that a little more often.

Dr Dan

 

[fishman]

DrDan,

Yes, the Ruger #1 is a nice rifle. I presume you have the varmint version with the heavy barrel. A .223 I once shot in that configuration (with a 10X Leopould target scope) was accurate enough to hit a Coke can EVERY time at a 275 yard range near my house.

The #1 Tropical in .375 H&H is neat, but ouch! My shoulder! /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

 

[DrDan]

Fishman

I spoke to a gun dealer once about the 375 H&H He had shot both this and a 458 Winchester Mag. I asked him how the recoil was. He said the 458 was just a big push, but the 375 H&H was like spinal shock! After that I kind of backed off on owning either. I guess someday I may still get a 375 but after my experience with a light Browning bolt action in 30-06 I think I too much of a woose! I got this beautiful Browning bolt action with SS barrel and composite stock. Sucker only weighed about 6.5 #. I bought 3 boxes of shells to sight it in. Ya right - I sold that sucker and still have 2 1/2 boxes left. Heck I'll stick with the varmint cartridges and keep enjoying shooting (and stay away from the chiropractor). I guess a 375 wouldn't hurt at all if a 600# Grizzly was coming at you but how in gods name do ya get it sighted in?

Not for me...

Dr Dan