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Post by bradshaw on Mar 27, 2015 14:59:02 GMT -5
Don't know about now; when T/C was in Rochester NH, anyone wore out a Contender, T/C would replace it free. There were some Contenders in IHMSA said have fired 30,000 to 50,000 rounds. Now, that is a lot of ammo in a single shot. Realize the days of rocks & dynamite were over----necessary growing pains, you might say----and silhouetters as a bunch wanted stamina in two places: the gun and their own carcass. I subscribe to that. Revolvers tend to get run warm----not hot. Single shots have ballistic coefficient to carry punch downrange.
Note on the .38: Mike Bellm has pushed the .357 Maximum to stout performance with 180 and 200 grain bullets in Contender and Encore with rifle barrels. An efficient package.
David Bradshaw
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 27, 2015 17:37:34 GMT -5
In my T/C Custom Shop Carbine I get 2500+ fps with a 158 grn XTP bullet in my 357 Max when loaded with Lil Gun powder.
Lil Gun really shines with longer barrels.
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Post by Woodrow F Call on Mar 28, 2015 7:19:26 GMT -5
BF falling block?
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on Mar 28, 2015 9:52:13 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! Looks like the Contender or G2 will handle 99% of what I'd be interested in and the other 1% I either already have in a bolt action or could be had in a Ruger No1, etc. I wish there was a IHMSA group within a reasonable drive...  www.eabco.com/bfus01.htmlIt's an interesting design but spendy, specialized and looks to have a 6-12 month (or longer wait). I think I'll just have to find something used that catches my fancy if I decide I want one. |
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Post by bradshaw on Mar 28, 2015 10:52:39 GMT -5
awp101.... the Eban Arthur Bown BF falling block pistosl did very well in silhouette and were, back then anyways, an economical choice for Production category. Chamber access must always be considered when selecting a tilt-lock or falling block action for three reasons, rim clearance, cartridge length clearance (if chamber access is at an angle, and finger access. Rim of the .44 mag and .30-30 probably represent largest diameter for the BF. Trigger is light, clean breaking, and lock time is fast.
On T/C selection, the big winning was done with the Contender, and could not have been done without a clean trigger.
David Bradshaw
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Post by Ken O'Neill on Apr 9, 2015 7:14:57 GMT -5
My preference of all single shot pistols is the Contender with s/n's above 155,000. These incorporate the "easy open" feature and all the latest heat treating and water table improvements. Any stainless Contenders have these same features. This category of Contender retains the adjustable trigger, and is suitable for numerous powerful chamberings up through the .375 JDJ and .45-70. They are as accurate as any single shot, and don't require the longer trigger reach of the Encore, and are lighter than them and most other single shots like the XP, Savage, and RPM/Merrill.
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on Apr 12, 2015 10:08:41 GMT -5
awp101.... the Eban Arthur Bown BF falling block pistosl did very well in silhouette and were, back then anyways, an economical choice for Production category. Thanks, I wasn't aware they had been around for so long. I did see one listed in .32-20/.32 H&R after they were mentioned here and was mighty tempted but opted for an underhammer BP pistol to scratch a different itch. IIRC the asking price on the BF was $500-ish. My preference of all single shot pistols is the Contender with s/n's above 155,000. These incorporate the "easy open" feature and all the latest heat treating and water table improvements. Water table improvements? Never heard that one before in relation to firearms... It certainly appears the Contender or G2 fits the bill for my needs, thanks to all for the information and answers! Time to start the penny rolling again...  |
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Post by bradshaw on Apr 13, 2015 8:53:33 GMT -5
awp101.... on a tip-open action, the water table refers to the portion of the frame extending forward of the standing breech. Warren Center designed his Contender for rimmed, low powered cartridges. The pistol generated a popularity among hunters, but Warren Center credited IHMSA silhouetters with instigating improvements in strength, lockup, trigger, and sights.
Width of the Contender water table restricted chambering opportunities. The Encore was developed for rifle cartridges.
David Bradshaw
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on Apr 13, 2015 21:47:56 GMT -5
Ah, I get it! I try to learn something new every day and today I did. Thanks!
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Post by Encore64 on Apr 13, 2015 22:46:38 GMT -5
I have Contenders chambered in a lot of classic calibers. 300 Savage, 6.5x54 MS, 7x57 Mauser, 358 WCF and 50-70 just to name a few.
Also, some massive beast slayers from custom makers such as the 375 JDJ & 378 GNR. They are based on the 444 Marlin & 405 WCF cases repectively.
The bottom end of centerfires is the classic 17 Ack Hornet.
After 35 years, the Contender/G2 is still the one for me.
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0369
.30 Stingray
Posts: 159
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Post by 0369 on May 11, 2015 19:54:52 GMT -5
Not sure about early vs late Contenders but I stretched a 1996 made frame last month with a 45/70 carbine barrel. It was a low to mid range trapdoor load and I definitely will be using data fron the Contender load manual from now on. At least the stretched frame will still work with my 22lr barrel.
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on May 13, 2015 17:36:26 GMT -5
Wow! I would have thought Trapdoor loads wouldn't even make a Contender break a sweat!
Glad to hear you weren't hurt and the frame is still (somewhat) useable!
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0369
.30 Stingray
Posts: 159
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Post by 0369 on May 13, 2015 18:29:48 GMT -5
I didn't realize it happened until I tried my 357 carbine barrel and the firing pi g wouldn't reach the primer. The crazy thing is my other Contender has a larger barrel/frame gap with the 35rem barrel than the stretched one does. I'm now using the Contender data manual now only.
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Post by bagdadjoe on May 14, 2015 9:43:17 GMT -5
awp101: I have looked at the Handi rifles but have never picked one up. They sure are priced right at times. I wonder how much that 35 Whelen will kick. I've been wanting to get a rifle in 358 Win for a dedicated cast bullet deer gun and reboring one at JES is looking like the best option. The Handis I've had, and I've had a few, have all been tackdrivers...especially one Hornet, which would group in a dime or less at 100yds. I got rid of my Handis when I sold my home with the good shooting range...yeah, we all make mistakes. Fellow over on castboolits had a Handi in a 375-08 priced right if you break down the cost of the rifle, plus dies, plus reboring. I've been thinking about another cast bullet rifle since I have at least 125yds to shoot in now at the "sportsmans club"... when you can buy a whole Handi for the price of a TC barrel....oh...I've had multitudes of TC's as well, not knocking them..I love 'em. |
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