cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jun 12, 2016 18:26:27 GMT -5
Had my shooting buddy tell me he thinks I should have one of these.... whats the difference between the two? Pros and cons of each? Thanks
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Post by fanofthefortyone on Jun 12, 2016 18:29:14 GMT -5
Watching this, I've an Encore rifle, been wanting the handgun version. Ronnie
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jun 12, 2016 18:42:02 GMT -5
Id more than likely be more interested in using one as a handgun.....
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Post by fanofthefortyone on Jun 12, 2016 18:43:29 GMT -5
Me also, maybe a 25 Hornet. Ronnie
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Post by Ken O'Neill on Jun 12, 2016 19:20:53 GMT -5
The Contender came first, and exists in 3 or 4 generations. The best and strongest are those early generations with serial numbers over 195,000, the G2 generations, or the stainless ones. Strength is a function of dealing with the amount of THRUST against the breech face. With a .223 case size, this limit is about 55,000 psi or so. With a .30-30 head size, the max. is about 43,000. The safe limit with a .45-70 head size is probably about 28,000.
The Encore is bigger, heavier, and stronger, capable of handling pretty much any belted Magnum rifle cartridges. Nevertheless, my favorite is the Contender, which is more dynamic handling, has an adjustable trigger, shorter trigger reach, and is strong enough to handle wildcats like the .309 JDJ, .338 JDJ no.2, and .375 JDJ that are the equivalent of cartridges like the .308 Win. and more powerful rounds, by virtue of using larger cases (like the .444 Marlin) at lower pressures to decrease the thrust.
These very brief comments may whet your appetite enough to investigate further, because there is much to learn, and much info out there.
Accuracy of the 2 guns can be similar and excellent. In my opinion,a handgunner's education is not complete without mastering theT/C single shots.
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jun 12, 2016 19:32:54 GMT -5
Thank you Mr O'Neil.... that explanation cleared alot up. Think I will seriously look into getting one
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jsh
.327 Meteor
Posts: 884
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Post by jsh on Jun 12, 2016 21:54:09 GMT -5
Got in a little discussion on frame stretch. I have seen frame stretch on two contender frames, bother with wildcats other than what was offered. One was a 444 parent case the other was 303/3040 krag full length. The G2 is supposed to be a bit better. I have not seen one stretch yet, I have seen one crack in a second year production run. IMHO if you stretch one of these or crack one,one e of two things are going on. You need to revisit your reloading habits, or you are just plain numb to recoil. The gent that cracked the G2 was an idiot. He mentioned the first one seemed a little "stiff", yet fired a second one. The locking lug shelf on a used contender can be worn enough to cause issues. Maybe and I repeat maybe fixable with different lug springs or stoning lugs for more contact. None the less they can still wear with lots of use, poor maintenance or sandy environments. They are meant to run DRY. Grease in the wrong place or even cleaning solvent migrating to the surface from the lugs can cause "auto ejection" upon firing. I wanted a 30 caliber large parent case for years. I mean one can only stand so much of hearing of such superior performance. Luckily enough I was pretty much broke most of that time I didn't have t even have enough to pay attention. The encore came out and I decide to do some swapping and a 15" barrel 308 was at the top of the list. Got one, still have it and it will be in my stable. It is one of the most accurate SSP's I have even as a bone stock rig. The encore is a bit on the large side for some folks hands. So this falls into grip size once again. This can be worked around as easy as a revolver. It can go from any of the rim fires to over and above the 458WM if you are so inclined. There are a few floating around out there on the WSM and WSSM cases, but they are questionable. I don't think anyone will chamber them in the encore anymore. Then there are triggers. Folks will say the Contender is the superior of the three. The easiest to get an excellent, light, safe trigger, Yes. The G2 and encore are both able to get a clean brake along with being safe, just not as quick and easy. My IHMSA G2 and encore both have triggers I did myself and are at a very usable weight. I have had both down to 12 ounces, no push off or accidental discharges. Both passed international gun checks. I have moved them up to 16 ounces now. I would suggest if at all possible to try before you buy. Especially if you want really big thumpers.
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Post by contender on Jun 12, 2016 22:25:18 GMT -5
Well, I happen to have enjoyed the T/C Contenders for many, many years. I have had early frames, (no safety) later ones with the cross pin safety, and then the hammer switch safety. I do not have a G2,,, but I do own an Encore as well. I happen the like the later frames of the Contender, as being about the best feeling & carrying type. I leave the Encore for a few rifle barrels I have, and one 15" 7mm-08 I own. I'm of the mind that all serious handgunners should own at least one good one.
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Post by bradshaw on Jun 13, 2016 7:59:48 GMT -5
cmh.... the Thompson/Center Comtender and its aptly named offspring, the Encore, remain the benchmark definition of barrel interchangeability. Warren Center designed his Contender before the advent of handgun silhouette, and, he said, he hadn't anticipated chambering his nifty single-shot for the potent cartridges of steel shooting.
You're read insights from Ken O'Neill and jsh, as anyone wishing to understand these pistols should. Early silhouetters selected the Contender for its availability, economy, good trigger, angle of breech opening with ease of loading & unloading. The grip-spike offers nearly unlimited stock options. The cave man days of silhouette are distinguished by great spontaneity in the pursuit of knocking down steel, to include ROCKS & DYNAMITE handloading. T/C strengthened the Contender in direct response to IHMSA competition. Just as IHMSA spread great publicity for the T/C Contender, it worked a similar effect to propagate handgun hunting. As T/C's market expanded in hunting and non-tournament shooting, the size restriction of the Contender action to house rifle cartridges became clear. Add to T/C's need to offer the tip-open concept as a rifle. Thus, the Encore.
For offhand you may be hard pressed to surpass a Contender chambered for the 7mm TCU----gunsmith and IHMSA silhouetter Wes Ugalde's 7mm progressive-expanded on .223 Rem brass, and fire-formed to a 40-degree shoulder. As an accuracy aside, fire-forming loads could take you all the way to a top championship. David Bradshaw
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Post by zeus on Jun 13, 2016 8:58:58 GMT -5
I'll say this. I've never seen a contender or Encore handgun that wouldn't shoot well. I'm sure they are out there but my experience with them has been great. I have some contender barrels that will flat out embarrass a good rifle. I have one that defies all you think you know about barrels. It's missing rifling and will still hold one hole groups much smaller than a dime at 100 yards. Don't shoot them anymore but don't want to get rid of them either
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jun 13, 2016 13:27:12 GMT -5
Thanks gentlemen.... after I get my powder, primers and bullets bought and a couple of projects into build mode im just gonna have to get one.... I appreciate the information
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Post by AxeHandle on Jun 13, 2016 14:30:14 GMT -5
I like them all...
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jun 13, 2016 14:46:44 GMT -5
Will contender barrels swap with encores and etc.... Which platform has the widest variation of potential available?
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Post by magnumwheelman on Jun 13, 2016 15:56:34 GMT -5
they will not interchange... the pin sizes are different as well as there is a lot more meat in the Encore... I don't think it got mentioned, but either frame will fit both pistol barrels & carbine & rifle barrels ( even black powder in the Encores case ) the butt stock to gun fitment has been questionable on the sledge hammer Encore calibers, as the design is supposed to fit pistol grips as well as rifle but stocks... I've heard of a couple breaking the rifle butt stocks with the biggest, heaviest calibers... these barrels all interchange onto 4 different Contender actions & range from a custom 17 HM-2 to 45-70 ( BTW... if you are interested in a rim fire, & not interested in a belted magnum, the Contender may be for you... the Encores do not have rim fire capability... the Contenders have a switch on the hammer to change from rim fire to center fire ) the 10" 44 magnum pistol barrel has been known to bloody a few knuckles... so the boomers in the Contenders aren't "wimpy"
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cmh
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,745
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Post by cmh on Jun 13, 2016 15:57:52 GMT -5
Thanks
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