Thompson center

[nakneker]

I’ve never really got into the whole TC scene but lately I’m thinking I want to try them. It seems like every time I want to try a cartridge I build a new rifle, it would be nice to buy just a barrel. I especially like the small cartridges, things like 22 squirrel, 22 CCM and such, most bolt actions have feeding issues with many of these small cartridges, so you end up building in a single shot anyways. TC cures that.

The point of the post is this. What’s the best TC’s to get? Older ones, newer ones, what model would would you suggest? Are they created equal or is there some that more desirable. I’m not looking for a pistol. I’d like get a rifle frame with some different forends and give it a try. I know zip about TCs.

When I take a look at all the offerings at a place like Bullberrys I feel like I’m missing out on a lot of fun.

Moderators; If this post is better In another sub forum feel free to move it,

 

[SSL]

Not an expert on TCs, but my friend has had virtually every caliber they ever produced at one time or another ranging from .22LR to 45/70. Most were handgun configurations, but he did have several rifle barrels too. Several were the original frame and the rest were all Encores. All shot very well and he was happy with them. The only failure was a .35 Remington barrel that we could never get to fire reliably. No matter what proven frame we mounted it to and hours of various loading tricks (jammed into the rifling, multiple primer brands and every other trick we could think of) it would only lightly dent primers and fail to fire about 3 out of 5 shots. He finally traded it off, but that is the only one that ever gave him problems. Considering the number he had, that's really not a bad record.
If it interests you, go for it and have fun.

 

[Adam in WI]

I was wanting to get into that scene as well. I think a 7mm TCU shooting 120 grain Sierras or Ballistic Tips would be a fun little doe poker for inside 100 steps, with cheap and easy brass. My reading has lead me to the conclusion that only the Contender should be considered. It's my understanding that the Encore is somewhat unwieldy by comparison.

 

[CJ6]

I have a 7mm BR Encore pistol. It's a little more bang but not much over a 6.5 x 222 mag. Both great shooters.

 

[snert]

I am a fan of the origianl Contender. I like the trigger more than the Encore, and it is perfect for smaller cartridges. I bought stock and forearm from Bullberry "rough finish" and did the rest myself. I have two frames, one dedicated to pistol, the other rifle. The istol is a 14 inch 357 Herrett with many deer to its credit. The rifle is a 22, 17FB and 22 K-hornet. The only barrel I ever had that didn't shoot well was a factory 223. It flat out sucked. The others have been gems, with the 357 (yes the Herrett) outshooting them all. It will pound one after another on top of each other.

I would buy a used frame and then buy aftermarket barrels (MGM or Bullberry) and buy wood from aftermarket as well. The Bullberry hanger is a good addition.

Just remember, loading for a TC is all about proper headspace from the FRAME face to the shoulder in the barrel. Get that right and the gun usually shoots great. Get it wrong and it will certainly suck.

 

[nakneker]

I was wanting to get into that scene as well. I think a 7mm TCU shooting 120 grain Sierras or Ballistic Tips would be a fun little doe poker for inside 100 steps, with cheap and easy brass. My reading has lead me to the conclusion that only the Contender should be considered. It's my understanding that the Encore is somewhat unwieldy by comparison.

That’s what I’m after. I agree that 7mm TCU would be fun that!

 

[nakneker]

I am a fan of the origianl Contender. I like the trigger more than the Encore, and it is perfect for smaller cartridges.

I would buy a used frame and then buy aftermarket barrels (MGM or Bullberry) and buy wood from aftermarket as well. The Bullberry hanger is a good addition.

Just remember, loading for a TC is all about proper headspace from the FRAME face to the shoulder in the barrel. Get that right and the gun usually shoots great. Get it wrong and it will certainly suck.

That’s the kind of info I’m after.

 

[K22]

I have a friend that had one and as "snert" posted, getting the case sizing headspace set correctly is critical.

He had to have a trigger job done on it too for precision shooting - no big deal.

With tailored reloads, we were able to get his (243 Win) it to shoot sub moa. He had another barrel, 22 250 scoped and changing calibers was a very nice feature and it held zero with the barrel change out - real nice feature. We also were able to get the 22 250 to shoot sub moa.

It was no tack driver for sure, marginal as a long-range varmint rifle but adequate at modest ranges. The easy barrel change out was a real nice feature. We both shoot a lot so having this feature was enticing. I almost bought one myself in a 22 250 since I had burned out my Rem 700, 22 250 barrel. However, I never took the plunge.

For me, having the quick and easy barrel change out is attractive. And if my friend's rifle is representative of precision capability, then this could be an attractive option for guys who shoot a lot with over bore cartridges that are hard on barrels and don't need a tack driver.

 

[Preacher]

Love the old contenders, from my 17 Mach 2 up to my 375 JDJ, and anything in between..
Never cared much or the Encores...

 

[nakneker]

If anyone of you reading this have a Thompson Center contender frame or complete rifle you’d like to sell please PM me. Looking for something thats In good shape with a low round count. I’ll post a WTB ad too. Thanks for the comments and feedback!

 

[Adam in WI]

Well aren't you easy to convince lol

 

[nakneker]

Well aren't you easy to convince lol

Nope, lol.

 

[tangocharlie]

The difference in Contenders and Encores is that the Encore was designed from the ground up to handle rifle cartridge pressures. The Contender would, and did. The pressure caused frame stretching in the obviously smaller Contender. Repeated, extensive high pressure firing inevitably led to loose barrel / frame fit and unlocking when firing. The 375 JDJ was notorious for short frame life. But - in its intended form and niche, the Contender shines. If I wanted a barrel that would perform with a minimum of muss and fuss, I bought from Bullberry. Most all of the barrels I have left (all the heavy hitters are gone) are Bullberry. I do not have any experience with the new iteration of the company, but my understanding is that he picked right up.

 

[nakneker]

The difference in Contenders and Encores is that the Encore was designed from the ground up to handle rifle cartridge pressures. The Contender would, and did. The pressure caused frame stretching in the obviously smaller Contender. Repeated, extensive high pressure firing inevitably led to loose barrel / frame fit and unlocking when firing. The 375 JDJ was notorious for short frame life. But - in its intended form and niche, the Contender shines. If I wanted a barrel that would perform with a minimum of muss and fuss, I bought from Bullberry. Most all of the barrels I have left (all the heavy hitters are gone) are Bullberry. I do not have any experience with the new iteration of the company, but my understanding is that he picked right up.

A stretched frame wouldn’t be any fun. Thanks for the input!

 

[Louisiana Shooter]

G2 contender is a dream. Stout enough to handle the JDJ line and it's still light weight and handles great! Just don't use mine that much anymore.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

I’ve never really got into the whole TC scene but lately I’m thinking I want to try them. It seems like every time I want to try a cartridge I build a new rifle, it would be nice to buy just a barrel. I especially like the small cartridges, things like 22 squirrel, 22 CCM and such, most bolt actions have feeding issues with many of these small cartridges, so you end up building in a single shot anyways. TC cures that.

The point of the post is this. What’s the best TC’s to get? Older ones, newer ones, what model would would you suggest? Are they created equal or is there some that more desirable. I’m not looking for a pistol. I’d like get a rifle frame with some different forends and give it a try. I know zip about TCs.

When I take a look at all the offerings at a place like Bullberrys I feel like I’m missing out on a lot of fun.

Moderators; If this post is better In another sub forum feel free to move it,

I've a TC Venture in 204, will shoot with any 204 made , and not embarrass me, however the trigger wasn't up to my specs. sent it to Mcarbo and they did a trigger to die for 1.5 pounds , fantastic..

 

[White Eagle]

I have a T/C Encore
have many barrels for rifle and pistol and black powder
I get some barrels from MGM barrels out of Utah
I have a 500 Linebaugh and 475 Linebaugh a 22 Creedmoor a 444 marlin and have had many others that either didn't work out or didn't like all that much like the 22-6mm
they can be a pain to set up for correct headspace cause its different from bolt actions but there are tutorials on the how of doing it
its a great way to sharpen your hunting skills with only 1 shot and can be a addictive barrel dependence but there are discussion groups for that
all in all worth the time and trouble

 

[Bocephus]

I’ve never really got into the whole TC scene but lately I’m thinking I want to try them. It seems like every time I want to try a cartridge I build a new rifle, it would be nice to buy just a barrel. I especially like the small cartridges, things like 22 squirrel, 22 CCM and such, most bolt actions have feeding issues with many of these small cartridges, so you end up building in a single shot anyways. TC cures that.

The point of the post is this. What’s the best TC’s to get? Older ones, newer ones, what model would would you suggest? Are they created equal or is there some that more desirable. I’m not looking for a pistol. I’d like get a rifle frame with some different forends and give it a try. I know zip about TCs.

When I take a look at all the offerings at a place like Bullberrys I feel like I’m missing out on a lot of fun.

Moderators; If this post is better In another sub forum feel free to move it,

I do not consider myself an expert on Contenders, however I bought my first one in the very early 70’s and packing that many years around, I do have a few opinions based on experience. So here goes:
-If you have small to mediums hands, buy a good G1 frame.
-Seriously consider a frame with the firing pin selector on top of the hammer especially if you intend to install a hammer extension. I’ve seen hammer spurs on the ones that had a sliding selector broken by over zealous ham-fists. And even back in the 80’s TC did not have replacements.
-As mentioned by others, the G2 will probably stand more pressure. The more open frame angle works better for bigger paws, but I personally never grew to like the triggers as much as the G1.
-I always dedicate a set of dies to each barrel. My accuracy results were always much better when I adjusted bottlenecks to headspace off the shoulder. Cuts down on case stretch also. If you overdo it though you may have to briskly snap the action shut to disconnect the safety feature under the standing breech.
I could ramble on, but bottom line here is, buy a good one, and by all means get a 22lr barrel, practice...then be amazed by what Warren Center created!

 

[nakneker]

Found a clean G1 frame in rifle form, chambered in 6.8SPc. I’m gonna order a couple barrels, small stuff, 22 k hornet and 22 squirrel. I may buy a G2 frame also just to get some hands on experience and see what the differences are.

Anyways, thanks for all the feedback and advice. It was appreciated!

 

[TrapperBR549]

I am interested in the same stuff so please keep posting what you learn. Thanks!