Thompson Contender Pistol Question

[Okiehunter]

I have never tought much of the Thompson Contender Pistols but was thinking about getting a pistol to take on bow hunts (during rifle season) just in case big boy walks by just out of range again this year.

Any opinons on these guns, MOA, custom barrels?, which cal is the best for this kind of hunting? I reload and will put a scope on the gun.

Thanks

Rick

[DocHolliday]

I've got one in 44 mag, and I'm good to about 100 yards off my sticks,
I've only shot animals to 65 yards though, when I'm gonna use a pistol, I'm planning on close range, so I like the wallop of the 44,
I'm sure there are guys sho could outshoot me and a rifle using their contender, and if you handload, you really are limitless,

I've got a 14" stock barrel and Burris 2-7X scope, btw

[txnduckhntr]

I had one give to me a few years ago as gratuity for guiding him. It was a 30-30 with a 10" bbl topped with a burris 1x4 I think.
It was a handful and shot flames about 3 foot outta the barrel every shot.
Had a fella load me some bad arse handloads with a 130grain bullet and I mean that thing would shoot!!!! Off the bench and steady it was a solid performer and even at 200 it was decent.
It was more than I needed and I am positive in good hands it would shoot MOA
Ended up trading it for a Ruger O/U 28 gauge, which in my hands is about as useless as that TC was!!

[McClain]

I've not had any experience with Contenders, but have fooled with a few Encores. The problem one encounters with large heavy calibers in these break-open guns is with the strength of the action and lock-up. With heavy recoiling cartridges, the action actually stretches -- causing headspace problems eventually and often require full length sizing, rather than just neck sizing of the case. These actions are not nearly as strong as bolt actions and will actually "stretch" during firing, causing the case to stretch a little each time. Not a problem if you use factor ammo and dont reload, or if you use "light for caliber" bullets and dont load hot rounds.

The hinge pins are often too loose, exacerbating the problem of stretching. That is an easy fix as ovesize pins can be ordered. Overall though the Encores, and I'm sure Contenders, are fine, reliable guns for the most part.

[Arrowsmith]

I have a TC Super 14 custom chambered in .300 Savage. Shoots 1" groups at 100 off sand bags. I shot an antelope in Wyoming at 192 yards off shooting sticks....literally...it was a forked limb off a tree.

44 grains of Winchester 748 Ball Powder, 125 grain Nosler Ballistic tip bullet.

[Okiehunter]

I've not had any experience with Contenders, but have fooled with a few Encores. The problem one encounters with large heavy calibers in these break-open guns is with the strength of the action and lock-up. With heavy recoiling cartridges, the action actually stretches -- causing headspace problems eventually and often require full length sizing, rather than just neck sizing of the case. These actions are not nearly as strong as bolt actions and will actually "stretch" during firing, causing the case to stretch a little each time. Not a problem if you use factor ammo and dont reload, or if you use "light for caliber" bullets and dont load hot rounds.

The hinge pins are often too loose, exacerbating the problem of stretching. That is an easy fix as ovesize pins can be ordered. Overall though the Encores, and I'm sure Contenders, are fine, reliable guns for the most part.

Interesting. I understand the Contenders are heaver so I wonder if they have the same issues? I might just have to stick to a big bore Smith or Ruger.

[Cajun Blake]

I recommend an Encore frame b/c they are stronger than Contender frames

Rick .... <<fair warning>>> TC's are very addictive I've owned to many to count !!

go to this website and let the research and dreaming begin (you'll have to register to login and see classifieds)

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve


one of my former TC's .... 22 HNT , Bullberry step barrel, custom furniture

[Barhall]

WOW, That's a good looking pistol. I think i need a new gun now. My wife thanks you!

[Draco]

I've owned a Contender for about twenty years. I had a 30 Waters barrel for it and it would shoot close to MOA groups at a hundred. I also have the 45/410 barrel and it is a hoot to shoot doves with. OK, maybe shoot AT doves with. When you do get one it's a rush. I keep a 10" .22 barrel with a 3x9 Leopold scope on it all the time. I kill about 50 to 60 squirrels a year with it. It will shoot easily under an inch at 50. It's one of my guns I would never consider selling.

[Texas Grown]

I've owned several Contenders during my life. Currently have one, a third generation frame, with several different barrles from 10", 14", and 24". For side carry, I've got a couple of 10" barrles in different calibers pending conditions/useage. The 10" barrles are hard to beat as they handle fast, are lighter, and can still have plenty of reach to 100 yards, pending cartrage choice and gun set-up. If your planning on tote-n one around with a bow and other gear, 10" with open sights is the way to go IMHO. But if your gonna be dropped off at a stand, and want to really reach out there, go with a 14" topped with good optics (or one of the 24" bull barrels with a rifle stock and scope ).

[Mike D]

You mean like this?









Accuracy is better than I will ever be with it. Recoil is like shooting a 9mm since it has the brake on it. My farthest shot so far is 155 yards and the doe was DRT. If I had to do it over, I would get the barrel from match grade machine due to being able to build the barrel to my specifications.

[D u s t y]

I got a buddy that has one in 270 win and it shoots great but still kicks like a mule he is going to have a break put on it this summer

[ballisticbudda]

For shots around the 100 yard line, I'd go with a .44 Mag, I can regularly get 1.25"" groups with my Super 14 off the bench at 100 yards. I've never shoot anything past 115 yards with my Super 14 in 7X30 Waters, but every critter I pulled the trigger on, dropped in their tracks. But I am using the now discontinued Sierra single shot pistol bullet.

[redneck82]

I love the contenders that we have. I have several barrels. The 30-30 kicks like MULE though!

[DJames]

I had a contender in .223. It had a 14" bull barrel and leupold glass. It was as solid as any rifle @ 0-200 yards. Just my .02.