Educate me on Contenders

[KWYJIBO]

I'm putting this in the lounge, because it's not Ruger related.

I know there are some folks here with lots of Thompson Center experience (and I'm not just referring to Mr. Ty from Lake Lure).

I kind of always wanted to get into the world of Contenders. I used to think a pistol set-up would be fun, with a variety of barrels for various uses. Right now, I'm leaning more toward a rifle. I see some reasonable deals from local private sellers on a few nice guns right now...

1) Contender rifle with nice wood stock, circa 1979, and about a 16" .223 barrel
2) Stainless Encore with a 50 cal muzzleloader barrel
3) Blued Encore 50 cal muzzleloader, and a few extras thrown in

I know the Encore and Contender are not compatible, and I understand (generally) the legal permissions and prohibitions with pistol vs. rifle configuration, according to how the frame originally shipped from the manufacturer. Here are the issues on which I want your guidance or opinions:

Is the Encore a better platform, a worse platform, or sixes vs. the Contender?

Are any/all of these guns really nice shooting, in terms of good crisp triggers, fine accuracy potential, comfy ergonomics, etc? I've never shot nor even handled one of them, but they've always intrigued me.

What specific areas should I look at closely on a used gun, or what should I watch out for?

I guess it would help if I explain what I want to do with this weapon. I want something that's fun for plinking, taking along when I go for a drive in the mountains or desert, and maybe shooting jackrabbits or coyotes someday. If I don't start with a .223 barrel, I'll probably have to add one before long.

I also think a muzzleloader would be fun to play with. I've messed with some traditional black powder handguns and long guns a little bit, and I like the BOOM, smoke, and flash. If I had a modern, in-line BP gun, I might still only play with it occasionally, but who knows--I may just decide to go deer hunting with it someday.

Finally, I may even decide to add a high power (i.e., .25+ caliber) rifle barrel to the collection, if I eventually take a notion to do some serious hunting.

I like the flexibility of these simple, single-shot guns, because I think it would be fun and economical to switch between multiple cartridges and even into muzzleloading or shotgunning for just the price of the barrels. Am I in danger of entering an addictive hobby, with a high potential for financial hardship?

What say you all?

 

[George Tucker]

Having used the Contenders since they first came out, I am still amazed at their accuracy, the Encore is a stronger action, I have always had a love affair with Contenders, George.

 

[wwb]

There are 2 generations of Contenders, but the barrels will fit either. Not sure what the differences are.

Mine is a first generation. I have 10 inch iron-sighted barrels in .22 LR, .357 Mag, and .44 Mag, and 14 inch scoped barrels in .223 and .30-30. All are tack drivers (Apologies to Fast Ed).

Can't pass judgement on the Encore... never tried one, but I love my Contender.

 

[contender]

As noted above, there are 2 generations of Contenders. HOWEVER, there is also a bit of a difference within the first ones. Armalloy coating was added to a variation many years ago. If you get one of those, they do not mate up with blued frames w/o the removal of the finish. You have to stay with the same types.
The earlier frames have a few differences in how the trigger guard releases, & types of barrel bolt locks.
The hardest to open will be the earliest frames, followed by the frames with the push cross pin safety. (I use the hammers as a tell tale sign of the ages of Contenders.)
The easiest & best for operation are the ones where the hammer has the "flip lever safety" on top of the hammer.
I own a few Contender frames & one Encore frame. Of course, I was into them prior to the Encore coming along.
The Encore came along to allow higher pressure rounds to be used in the same type of platform as the Contenders. And, in general, the calibers reflect this. Most of the Encores are in rifle calibers & heavier calibers (pressure wise) than the Contender.

Accuracy. A proven track record. Handgunners have used box stock Contenders for years to make impressive shots at long ranges, and amaze their friends. I personally have several barrels that are accurate enough to where it's ALMOST boring to shoot them. You have to stretch the distance to get away from tiny groups. The triggers can be worked a bit fairly easily if needed.

I find the comfort & ergonomics of of the Contenders feels much better in a handgun to me than the Encore. But the Encore if used as a long gun is just fine. In fact, a good friend has converted from being a hard core bolt gun guy to an Encore guy. With a rifle caliber & set up the Encore is as good in the accuracy as the Contender.
For your purposes, (listed above,) A Contender would be the ticket. Even with a .223 bbl it's quite nice & will do as you wish.

Once you get a frame, you can step into a bunch of barrels & such. Financially it's not too bad. A few barrels & a frame can be good for a LOT of fun! I have found that I have replaced the grips & forend on all of mine for my own comfort. I use the Pachmyer grips & forend. I buy extra barrel blocks for all my barrels to keep from swapping those in my forends.

If you get one,,, you'll enjoy it!

 

[Gaffer]

I have 5 Contenders. Two are set up for NRA Hunter Pistol silhouette shooting, one for my own hunting and two are sporting rifle barrels, one in 22rf and the other in .17 HMR. They are wicked accurate and trouble free. I still don't understand why they are now not as popular as they once were.
The 1st one I got was a package deal of 4 octagon 8" barrels in .22rf, .256 WM, .45/410 and .222 Rem. Paid $100 for the whole deal, back in the early days of their existence. A very good pistol. Love them!

 

[contender]

Gaffer, it's because too many folks like to blow off a lot of ammo.

 

[5of7]

In my experience they are good for 1-1/2 to 2" groups at 100 yds. off the bench, perhaps a little better in the rifle configuration. Triggers are OK, but not great.

With a shoulder stock and a 16" barrel in .221 FB, or any other varmint ctg., they make the handiest truck gun for Woodchuck shooting that I have ever tried.... 8)

 

[mjoinercpd]

Not positive on contenders. However, only deer rifle is an encore that I love.

Make sure the encore in 50 can be used with rifle barrels. Know if you buy a H&R black powder, Bellm. He cut me a stainless 308 barrel. Shoots much better than I can. you can't go centerfire later. Don't think encore has that problem.

Buy your first frame and license it for pistol barrels. You can then set it up either. Bought mine as a rifle and now wouldn't put pistol barrels on it. Just my choice.

Accuracy is very dependant on a lot of things. Mine is accurate. However, I ordered the barrel from Mike

Take a look at http://www.bellmtcs.com when you have a couple hours. He is a guru on encore and contender accuracy issues.

I recommend you take the time to order his spring kit and instructions for the encore. You can strip it to the frame and reassemble it in about 5 minutes after the first time or two. His springs have my trigger down to 2.5 or 3 lbs. with no stoning. Just installing springs. He has a complete site of encore. He cuts barrels, accessories, etc.

I love the ergonomics of the encore and am more careful knowing I have one shot. I haven't lost a deer since purchasing one. Wouldn't swap it for anything unless Ruger buys it an marks the action Ruger in the future.

I also know you can buy a breakdown gun case and transport it by motorcycle for 5 hours to hunt with. One more useless fact stuck in my head.

pm me if you need anything more specific answered.

 

[Acorn]

I don't know about others but my 14" .223 barrel shot sub 3/8" @ 100 yds. I am not that great a shot. It was the gun

 

[ruger randy]

I agree with Acorn but I got use the scope on my .223 to do that good..haha



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ruger randy

 

[bogus bill]

I have a very early first or 2nd year. I bought it in the late 60`s or early 70`s used as new. Its a .45 colt/.410. I added a barrel in .256 win mag with a scope. Mine came in a large wood presentation case with the company logo on the top. It also has a silver butt plate that is blank but made to be engraved. I have never seen another quite like it. I haven't shot mine much.

 

[Acorn]

I agree with Acorn but I got use the scope on my .223 to do that good..haha



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ruger randy

I agree. I had a 7X Burris on it.

 

[contender]

I have several factory barrels that get MOA or sub-MOA accuracy. I just assemble quality ammo & shoot the lights out. In fact, I have a 7x30 Waters bbl that I've used for years. It's deadly accurate. Well, I got a deal on another one with the muzzle brake. I put it on a frame, & took both of them out at the same time, with the same ammo. Both scoped. The newer bbl shot just as good as the original one. Both like the same load quite well. Off the bench, scoped, at 100 yds, I get sub-MOA with them.

 

[m657]

The 22LR contender let me put head shots on the IMHSA 22 rams at 100 yards, iron sights.
I was "B" class shooter at the matches, got a new 22LR barrel & IT raised me into the "AA" class just by itself.

It 'wasn't ME' that did that.

Had a handful of pistol barrels circa 1982 and somehow got talked out of them.

Been thinking of picking a set back up.

Although my first 30-30 contender frame DID have some kind of flaw, the factory replaced at no charge the frame & barrel. That particular set would fire on closing somehow.

 

[Ugly Hombre]

Don't have one would like to- but I think a contender rifle in 357 or 44 mag would be a cool match for a SA revolver.

Rather have a rolling block carbine but in liu of that, hard to find and pricy- a contender rifle might be fun.

 

[Dan in MI]

No need for long stories and such. JUST BUY IT! You will not regret it.

Since my first Contender purchase in '83 I have never had less than one frame on hand and have had up to four at one time. Currently I have two. I'm not sure I can even remember the number of barrells and calibers I have owned.

I will say a true Contender is better than a G-2. I have never owned an Encore although I was eyeballing them really closely when they arrived on the scene.

 

[winchester37]

like all firearms contenders have their own quirks, but, in general, they are well built, accurate, and FUN! while the selling point is one frame, several barrels, in truth, I seem to end up with complete guns in a number of calibers. also, extra barrels.

your statement about....how a frame came, rifle or pistol, from the factory.... is a non issue. it does not matter, you can inter-change barrels and grips(stocks) all you want on one frame, just remember that a rifle stocked frame can't be assembled with a barrel shorter than 16"(18" for a shotgun). that is the only restriction. that same frame, changed to a pistol grip, can have any length barrel you can find.

G2 frames tend to be easier opening, and have more strength than the original, thus can better withstand high intensity rounds. but, when the firearm is used with calibers that are comfortable to shoot as a pistol they are just fine. My go to?: a 10" 32-20 with a burris 2-7 pistol scope.....fun, extremely accurate, low recoil, and easily hanged to a more intense round, say 35 Remington, for larger game.

 

[David Bradshaw]

KWYJIBO.... to add a few notes to members' observations:
Contender
*Contender has an adjustable trigger, capable of a fine, clean letoff. A huge advantage as the pistol proved itself in IHMSA silhouette from local matches through state, regional and international championships. A good trigger is necessary to realize intrinsic accuracy.
* Contender centerfire barrels generally chambered with freebore.
* 7mm TCU (7mm Thompson/Center Ugalde, or 7mm/.223 with 40-degree shoulder)----totally changed Production category competition through excellent ballistics, accuracy, with mild recoil. A progressive expander takes .223 case to 7mm; fire forming loads produce match accuracy. The 7 TCU is a sleeper.
* Since each barrel has its own scope or sights, swapping barrels retains ZERO.
* Unlike bolt action, which lugs should be lubricated, do not lube T/C bolt.
* As advised, check Mike Bellm's website.
* If, as you say, you like a big BOOM, try Hodgdon BL-C2 in the .30-30 Contender. Plenty accurate, plenty BOOM.
* Contender frame and hammer permit instant centerfire-rimfire swap.

Encore
* Encore trigger non-adjustable; generally needs work. If you're old school enough to shoot offhand, trigger definitely needs work.
* Encore scaled to chamber larger rifle cartridges, as indicated earlier. Heavier receiver than Contender with wider water table to fit greater barrel diameter. Larger rifle cartridges suffer dramatic velocity loss in a short barrel, while escalating muzzle blast.
David Bradshaw

 

[skeeter]

I'm a big guy, but the Encore in a handgun is just too large for my liking. You have to stretch your hand out to shoot it. I prefer the contender sized frame.