I have one that I got from my Grandpaw before he passed away. I love it! Still looks like the day it was purchased. Not a scratch on it. Still has the wooden grips. Has the 45 long colt / 410 barrel with the choke in the barrel and the wrench to go with it. Every time I look at it I see him and it just doesn’t get any better than that!
Lovely firearm....I just purchased one from a friend and the only hunting I have done with it is for more barrels! I haven't had it all that long, but I love it a lot.
I have two Encore frames with a trigger running by Gary Reeder in Flagstaff, Arizona. They have a 3 lb break, no creep. I love the 480 Ruger/475 Linebaugh barrel for pigs and bear. The 30/30 and 44 mag barrels are great for deer. The 308 barrel doesn’t kick much and it’s great at longer distances. The 223 pistol barrel is great for varminting. I can often, if I do my job, shoot a 1 moa or less 5 shot 100 yard group out of this platform. I almost exclusively hunt with my TC Encore guns nowadays.
Once upon a time, I had three generation one frames. I purchased my first gun in .357 Magnum somewhere in the early 70's for less that $100.00. I have had many barrels since then, a ;lot of them were custom made by Texas Contenders in Houston. I had three of his rifle barrels, 30-30 Ackley improved, .222 Remington, and 256 Winchester. They are all gone now and I'm down to two frames. One is made up as a carbine with a .22 long rifle or a .410. The remaining pistol barrels are .38 special (Not .357 Mag) and a .45 acp. Years ago I fell in love with a wildcat cartridge made by Bo Clerke. It's a .45 acp cartridge necked to 9mm. I have a custom pistol and carbine made for this cartridge.
Great video! The contender is my favorite pistol and I have a wide assortment of barrels like yourself. It'd be hard to fill all those niches without a huge collection of pistols/rifles.
It looks like we have the "Contender" again, or at least an updated version of it, thanks to SSK firearms. They started producing a frame that will work with all contender barrels.
Have a G1 contender in .357 mag w/choke. Shoots great. Just bought both a .44 mag super 14 w/TC scope, and a .357 Maximum super 14 off eBay, should be here this week, can't wait!
Great video and I love my Contender!!! I have 357, 45/.410 and a 6.8 SPC with a MGM barrels and shes a tag driver! This year I’m looking for a 30/30 barrel for deer. The 6.8 isn’t big enough for heavy northern deer. Great long range coyote gun. I upped my single shot TC collection with a pro hunter 12ga turkey gun. I will be buying a 30-06 barrel and a .50 cal muzzleloader barrel.
I've got one in 357 Max. also, this gun/caliber combination is really accurate. I back up your statement on its accuracy. Also it doesn't use tons of powder and can also shoot 357 magnum and 38 Special rounds in a pinch. Even the 357 magnum ammo gets a kick-up in velocity in the 14" barrel. Some 158g 357 magnum factory loads exit the 14" barrel at about 1,600fps to 1,700fps. Even the 357 magnum factory loads would be good for deer at about 100yds. With a well placed shot.
My first one was a 10 inch, octagon barrel in .221 Fireball. In a moment of stupidity I let it get away. Shooting a Super 14 in 7-30 Waters now. Amazing!
These generation one Contenders have really held their value over the years. Lately, the ones I've seen for sale are sporting a fairly hefty price tag.
I've had my contender for over 35 years .. I have a 30-30 14" barrel for it... had to get packmyer grips... could not hang on to it with the wood grips..kick like a mule... thanks for the video...
I still regret the day I sold mine. I thought I would always be able to buy another one. I got a great deal at a gunshop in Winchester VA. on a Gen 1 frame with a trio of the 10" bull barrels. I had a barrel in .221 fireball, .222 rem and .223 rem. Sold the .222 and .223 since they didn't seem to do anything the fireball wouldnt and were way more obnoxious with the blast. Still wish I had that .221 fireball back with the old Burris 2x with spiderwire crosshair and 1/2 MOA dot. Groundhogs at 300 and in were toast. Those old remington green box bullets were very frangible and effective. Ah, the good old days and economy back before Brandon.
I own 4 bbl 44, 357, 308,and the 7mm TCU. I’ve owned one for 40 years and would never give it up. Unfortunately like you arthritis forbids me to shoot the 308 but the grandkids love to shoot it and the other calibers. 😉
Have a question I came across the contender at a local pawn shop chambered in 44 Magnum there was a pipe protruding from the barrel look like a choke tube about an inch and a half long would not unscrew so I called company they told me it was a shredder and was used for shotshell this doesn't sound right to me do you know what it is
It is indeed a choke tube that was screwed on to shred the plastic capsule on a shot-shell load. It does requite a special key wrench to remove it so that normal rounds can be fired. Here is a link to that tool: www.amazon.com/Thompson-Center-Arms-Multi-Use-Combination/dp/B000PWDFPA
I have one with 3, 14" bull barrels. 7mm T C U , 223, and a 30-30. Also have all the dies and includes a 44mag. Love the gun. Friend had a 45- 70 that was a real hoot to shoot. Thinking about a 47-70 for mine!
Great vid sir I had a super 14 in 30 herrett and was sold to pay rent and Diapers just ordered a g2 and hoping for the best I got a 30 herrett off ebay . I had kept my brass and dies
I have a question. I have a TC Contender in 45/70 with a 14 inch barrel. I had it Magna-Ported at the custom shop. I have taken 8 deer with it off hand. I had Lyme disease in 1991 and can't hold it steady with out shooting sticks. I sighted it in on the sticks, at 50 yards and got a 1 1/2 inch group. When I got my shot at a nice buck, at 20 yards, I hit him in the spine. I am pretty sure that I didn't Geri the trigger. I need some help.
I recently found a first generation for sale and curious if it's a good price. asking $500 and it comes with 30/30 and a .223 barrel. It looks to be in really nice shape
I've used both. For the most part you can get away with using a standard scope with low recoiling calibers. For larger calibers, I'd only consider extend eye relied optics. I personally have no desire to experience a busted up face.
What is the difference in the G1 and the G2 ? Is it just the Cougar on the receiver or are there other mechanical differences? Also, will a G2 barrel fit a G1 frame and vice versa? Thanks! Enjoyed your video. Merry Christmas.
That's not exactly correct Liberty. .30-30 Winchester, 7-30 Waters & .45/70 were chamberings offered for the G1. Aftermarket barrel manufactures offered up to, and including, the .375-JDJ - which is a very potent caliber for the G1. As for Stephen's original question, on G2 models, modifications to the barrel pivot (or mounting pin) placement prevents using of G1 barrels with G2 frames.
@@Icarryone they did chamber barrels in those calibers for the early contenders, but were later found to stress some frames under continuous high pressures and also enlarged hinge pin holes🤠
@@Icarryone Thanks for the reply. :) I'll keep that in mind, however, I don't own any Encore parts. I have late model barrels that won't lock up properly on my gen 1 receiver. It has been suggested that the easy open features on some late model Contender barrels are the problem. I'm looking for a gen 2 receiver now.
Icarryone Good to know , thank you. The oct. forends are hard to find & God forbid buggering one up on a rest like a fence post which i like to do, the rubber grip i find hevier than wood , but it makes the setup look complete.
Thanks been hunting with a contender for almost 35 years and silhouette shooting for about that long also. This is the first contender[not encore] i've seen rechambered for the 454 casull and was just wondering. Keep up the great you tube channel you have.I like watching your videos
I have a first gen in 22 cal, 22 Hornet, 357 mag, 45 ca (never shoot) and a 44 mag with chock for their own shoot shell(never shoot). All are 10 inch octagon barrels, 3 are scoped. And, two holster rigs. I love this gun though I haven't shot it for a while.
Sorry I missed your question. RUclips doesn't always notify people who upload videos when comments or questions pop up. To answer your question, yes I do shoot factory 454 rounds on occasion. I also reload for the 45 Colt and 454. The 454 rounds are my preferred hog hunting loads.
Icarryone I didn't think Contender could handle that much pressure. Contender frame is rated at 46,000 psi and 454 puts out 64,000 psi. But I do reload my Contender in 45 colt to Ruger & T/C only loads. Thanks for posting your video. Well done 👍🏻
Развлечения
I have one that I got from my Grandpaw before he passed away. I love it! Still looks like the day it was purchased. Not a scratch on it. Still has the wooden grips. Has the 45 long colt / 410 barrel with the choke in the barrel and the wrench to go with it. Every time I look at it I see him and it just doesn’t get any better than that!
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The second you started talking tree stands... You had me sold.
This is a very good informational video and I like the calm tone of your voice throughout. Thank you very much.
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What a beautiful pistol. I've always been fascinated by these pistols. Thank you for a great video on another of my favorites! 🙌
Glad you enjoyed the video, Susann.
I've never even heard of this interesting handgun, thanks for bringing this information to us!
My pleasure.
Had one in .41 mag, wonderful pistol with a 14" bbl 😎🇵🇭🇺🇲
Yeah buddy! 👍
I love my T/C . Contender. I got 22wm 223 and 44 mag. Thank you it's American icon.
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To this day my favorite handgun. It's probably what started my firearms obsession at a young age.
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Lovely firearm....I just purchased one from a friend and the only hunting I have done with it is for more barrels! I haven't had it all that long, but I love it a lot.
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Always fascinated by this type of handgun for its unique trigger guard assembly and its various size and caliber barrels.
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Thanks for the good explanation Sir
In the Contender you should consider the 7TC, little recoil amazing knockdown.
I have two Encore frames with a trigger running by Gary Reeder in Flagstaff, Arizona. They have a 3 lb break, no creep. I love the 480 Ruger/475 Linebaugh barrel for pigs and bear. The 30/30 and 44 mag barrels are great for deer. The 308 barrel doesn’t kick much and it’s great at longer distances. The 223 pistol barrel is great for varminting. I can often, if I do my job, shoot a 1 moa or less 5 shot 100 yard group out of this platform. I almost exclusively hunt with my TC Encore guns nowadays.
Over the years, this TC has certainly put its fair share of game in the freezer.
Thing is a beast!!!! Nice looking blaster
The great thing about these pistols is that you can choose to shoot it wild or mild.
Once upon a time, I had three generation one frames. I purchased my first gun in .357 Magnum somewhere in the early 70's for less that $100.00. I have had many barrels since then, a ;lot of them were custom made by Texas Contenders in Houston. I had three of his rifle barrels, 30-30 Ackley improved, .222 Remington, and 256 Winchester. They are all gone now and I'm down to two frames. One is made up as a carbine with a .22 long rifle or a .410. The remaining pistol barrels are .38 special (Not .357 Mag) and a .45 acp. Years ago I fell in love with a wildcat cartridge made by Bo Clerke. It's a .45 acp cartridge necked to 9mm. I have a custom pistol and carbine made for this cartridge.
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I'm trying to get 2 receiver for the cheap can't find any 😕
great vid as always
Thanks for watching.
Great video! Thanks for sharing ;-) enjoyed it👍
Thanks!
great video
Wow that is nice. Now you sparked my interest. I like the oddball stuff
If you really want a tack-driving handgun, these Thompson Contenders are the ticket.
Great taste in firearms !
One of the finest guns ever produced.
I also shoot a gen 1
It will never be sold.
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Great video! The contender is my favorite pistol and I have a wide assortment of barrels like yourself. It'd be hard to fill all those niches without a huge collection of pistols/rifles.
You are quite correct.
It looks like we have the "Contender" again, or at least an updated version of it, thanks to SSK firearms. They started producing a frame that will work with all contender barrels.
I sincerely hope they are successful in keeping the Contender alive! 👍
Have a G1 contender in .357 mag w/choke. Shoots great. Just bought both a .44 mag super 14 w/TC scope, and a .357 Maximum super 14 off eBay, should be here this week, can't wait!
👍😎
Great video and I love my Contender!!! I have 357, 45/.410 and a 6.8 SPC with a MGM barrels and shes a tag driver! This year I’m looking for a 30/30 barrel for deer. The 6.8 isn’t big enough for heavy northern deer. Great long range coyote gun. I upped my single shot TC collection with a pro hunter 12ga turkey gun. I will be buying a 30-06 barrel and a .50 cal muzzleloader barrel.
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I bought me a Thompson Contender 357 Maximum about a year age. Love it. Still dialing in reloads for it, but its very accurate. Great video thanks.
The 357 Max is a pretty zippy round. Never owned a pistol chambered for it but have fired my brother's Dan Wesson revolver chambered for it - wow!
I've got one in 357 Max. also, this gun/caliber combination is really accurate. I back up your statement on its accuracy.
Also it doesn't use tons of powder and can also shoot 357 magnum and 38 Special rounds in a pinch.
Even the 357 magnum ammo gets a kick-up in velocity in the 14" barrel. Some 158g 357 magnum factory loads exit the 14" barrel at about 1,600fps to 1,700fps. Even the 357 magnum factory loads would be good for deer at about 100yds. With a well placed shot.
Very nice video and a really cool gun.
Thank you.
My first one was a 10 inch, octagon barrel in .221 Fireball. In a moment of stupidity I let it get away. Shooting a Super 14 in 7-30 Waters now. Amazing!
The 7-30 Waters zips right along out of that 14" barrel.
Great video, thanks for sharing
My pleasure!
These are nice guns i seen a few come through at work.
These generation one Contenders have really held their value over the years. Lately, the ones I've seen for sale are sporting a fairly hefty price tag.
I've had my contender for over 35 years .. I have a 30-30 14" barrel for it... had to get packmyer grips... could not hang on to it with the wood grips..kick like a mule... thanks for the video...
Thanks for watching Norm.
great hand cannon...nice video Mr. one
Thank you very much.
I still regret the day I sold mine. I thought I would always be able to buy another one. I got a great deal at a gunshop in Winchester VA. on a Gen 1 frame with a trio of the 10" bull barrels. I had a barrel in .221 fireball, .222 rem and .223 rem. Sold the .222 and .223 since they didn't seem to do anything the fireball wouldnt and were way more obnoxious with the blast. Still wish I had that .221 fireball back with the old Burris 2x with spiderwire crosshair and 1/2 MOA dot. Groundhogs at 300 and in were toast. Those old remington green box bullets were very frangible and effective. Ah, the good old days and economy back before Brandon.
👍🤠
I own 4 bbl 44, 357, 308,and the 7mm TCU. I’ve owned one for 40 years and would never give it up. Unfortunately like you arthritis forbids me to shoot the 308 but the grandkids love to shoot it and the other calibers. 😉
Yep, I hear ya!
Had one in 45 Colt 410 good brass and a 300 grain bullet at higher fps than a 44 mag. It is a hand cannon.
Agreed.
Definitely!
Perfect dualing pistols
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Have a question I came across the contender at a local pawn shop chambered in 44 Magnum there was a pipe protruding from the barrel look like a choke tube about an inch and a half long would not unscrew so I called company they told me it was a shredder and was used for shotshell this doesn't sound right to me do you know what it is
It is indeed a choke tube that was screwed on to shred the plastic capsule on a shot-shell load. It does requite a special key wrench to remove it so that normal rounds can be fired. Here is a link to that tool: www.amazon.com/Thompson-Center-Arms-Multi-Use-Combination/dp/B000PWDFPA
That is very, very different....I like it
This pistol can actually make "me" look like a halfway decent shot.
I have one with 3, 14" bull barrels. 7mm T C U , 223, and a 30-30. Also have all the dies and includes a 44mag. Love the gun. Friend had a 45- 70 that was a real hoot to shoot. Thinking about a 47-70 for mine!
Great vid sir I had a super 14 in 30 herrett and was sold to pay rent and Diapers just ordered a g2 and hoping for the best I got a 30 herrett off ebay . I had kept my brass and dies
It's a good thing you held onto the dies & brass. That's going to save you a chunk of change.
Thank You for the Imfo
My pleasure.
Thank you
You're welcome
How do you use the scope without a stock? I would imagine the recoil would cause the scope to hit your forehead if your head gets too close.
That is a long eye relief pistol scope. Not a standard rifle scope.
I have a question. I have a TC Contender in 45/70 with a 14 inch barrel. I had it Magna-Ported at the custom shop. I have taken 8 deer with it off hand. I had Lyme disease in 1991 and can't hold it steady with out shooting sticks. I sighted it in on the sticks, at 50 yards and got a 1 1/2 inch group. When I got my shot at a nice buck, at 20 yards, I hit him in the spine. I am pretty sure that I didn't Geri the trigger. I need some help.
I'm not really sure what your question is.
Any recommendations to preserve Pachmayr grips?
A couple of times a year, I hand rub a small amount of mink oil on my Pachmayr & Hogue grips. It does a great job keeping them supple.
Good Stuff!!!!!!
Thanks.
Cool gun
Yes it is.
I just bought one today with Leopold base,ring,and scope with a 35 remington barrel.
Excellent find!
@@Icarryone I traded a 17 remington centerfire international arms custom rifle for it. I thought I came out good.
I recently found a first generation for sale and curious if it's a good price. asking $500 and it comes with 30/30 and a .223 barrel. It looks to be in really nice shape
Seeing that the barrels alone are worth upwards of $300.00 each, sounds like a pretty good deal.
Get it!!
Scope recommendations? I have the 357 and plan mostly range shooting
A good red dot type optic works out really well for shooting most revolver cartridges.
Are you using extended eye relief optics? I’ve seen people use standard. I’m just getting into these guns.
I've used both. For the most part you can get away with using a standard scope with low recoiling calibers. For larger calibers, I'd only consider extend eye relied optics. I personally have no desire to experience a busted up face.
Icarryone thanks for answering. Just picked up a 357 rem max for my contender one hour ago
Just cool.
What is the difference in the G1 and the G2 ? Is it just the Cougar on the receiver or are there other mechanical differences? Also, will a G2 barrel fit a G1 frame and vice versa? Thanks! Enjoyed your video. Merry Christmas.
G1 is not reinforced like g2 cannot shoot 30-30 and up in g1.
That's not exactly correct Liberty. .30-30 Winchester, 7-30 Waters & .45/70 were chamberings offered for the G1. Aftermarket barrel manufactures offered up to, and including, the .375-JDJ - which is a very potent caliber for the G1. As for Stephen's original question, on G2 models, modifications to the barrel pivot (or mounting pin) placement prevents using of G1 barrels with G2 frames.
@@Icarryone Thanks! Is there a way to tell if a barrel will fit a G1 or G2 by looking at it?
@@Icarryone they did chamber barrels in those calibers for the early contenders, but were later found to stress some frames under continuous high pressures and also enlarged hinge pin holes🤠
can you make from one pistol a gun bij chancing the grip?Sorry for my englis
Yes, by swapping barrels you are able to shoot different calibers.
It looks like the gun that Lance Hendrickson had in the movie Hard Target , with Vandam .
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I've owned several over the years.
Where I live, the prairie dogs absolutely hate this pistol.
I think they are a wonderful single shot pistol
Absolutely agree!
Has anyone had a problem with newer barrels not locking up properly on gen 1 receivers? Thanks for your input. :)
Yes, Thompson Center Encore barrels won't work with gen 1 frames.
@@Icarryone Thanks for the reply. :) I'll keep that in mind, however, I don't own any Encore parts.
I have late model barrels that won't lock up properly on my gen 1 receiver. It has been suggested that the easy open features on some late model Contender barrels are the problem. I'm looking for a gen 2 receiver now.
Anyone know where I can get the studs for the swivels that are made for this pistol ?
No clue - sorry!
@@Icarryone found it today on ebay. Thanks
Q- Its that an octagon barrel , wearing a Pachmeyer forend. ?
Yes, the earlier style Pachmeyer forend (1980"s) for a Generation-1 TC would accept both barrel styles.
Icarryone Good to know , thank you. The oct. forends are hard to find & God forbid buggering one up on a rest like a fence post which i like to do, the rubber grip i find hevier than wood , but it makes the setup look complete.
CAN U TELL ME WERE I CAN GET A SPRING KIT ??? THANKS
Try these guys: www.bellmtcs.com/bellm/contender
Isn't the 454 a little strong for the contender g1 frame?
If the G1 frames can hold up to 30-30 Winchester & 35 Remington rounds, it can certainly handle the 454.
Thanks been hunting with a contender for almost 35 years and silhouette shooting for about that long also.
This is the first contender[not encore] i've seen rechambered for the 454 casull and was just wondering. Keep up the great you tube channel you have.I like watching your videos
I think that's why they developed the g2. The g1 frames could stretch when subjected to the high pressure cartridges with larger head area.
Do they make a barrel for that pistol chambered in 12 gauge?
No, they don't.
12 guage no, but 45-70 yes.
You should know that the recoil would be too much with a 12 guage, and the 45-70 recoil would also be way up there.
Yes they do
@@jessicagriffith5244
Did you make one for your late husband? 🙂
I have a first gen in 22 cal, 22 Hornet, 357 mag, 45 ca (never shoot) and a 44 mag with chock for their own shoot shell(never shoot). All are 10 inch octagon barrels, 3 are scoped. And, two holster rigs. I love this gun though I haven't shot it for a while.
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👏 uma das mais belas armas do mundo, canos,.22💥👍,32💥e o 357💥 Magnum😯
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could you rocomend a good source for forends?
EBay.
i love single shots
Me too!
Great guns. Shoot the 14 inch 45-70 a few times and you'll never complain about the recoil of ANYTHING again.
Yep, been there - done that! Backing this comment all the way! 👍
Sad what happened to Thompson center I'm glad they are still around but they are merely a shell of what they used to be.
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where did you find a contender 454 barrel?
I bought this barrel from a guy who had this .45 long Colt barrel reamed out to 454.
Icarryone do you shoot factory 454 loads?
Sorry I missed your question. RUclips doesn't always notify people who upload videos when comments or questions pop up. To answer your question, yes I do shoot factory 454 rounds on occasion. I also reload for the 45 Colt and 454. The 454 rounds are my preferred hog hunting loads.
Icarryone I didn't think Contender could handle that much pressure. Contender frame is rated at 46,000 psi and 454 puts out 64,000 psi. But I do reload my Contender in 45 colt to Ruger & T/C only loads. Thanks for posting your video. Well done 👍🏻
Hope you're doing well these days, haven't seen a new video from you for a while.
Just on vacation.
Icarryone okay! Was just wondering. I appreciate how informative your videos are.
what's the oval shaped scope at 3:28?
That one is a Redfield / Widefield X6 extended eye relief scope.
+Icarryone thank you sir, keep up the great videos
Here because of Hard Boiled
Excellent! We're open 24/7.
Do you have a diagram of this gun?
I don't - sorry!
Owned a number of them in hand cannon calibers! Great guns ! Killed many coyotes, deer and hog with them over the years!
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Have it.
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can you put a butt stock on a g1 contender
Yes, you can - makes a great little rifle.
I call BS. You’ve aged like a fine whiskey 🥃!
contender , .222 , 44 mag , 7x30 waters , 30-30 ,35 rem, encore for much bigger calibers....
Hard Target brought me here.
Excellent!
Would you sell it?
No.
CONTENDER 1.....
Last of us brought me here
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Ridiculously expensive for what you get.
A good gun to model a home gunsmithing project after.