Thompson Center or SSK-50

[bigtee]

I’ve been thinking for a while that I’d like to build another contender pistol, its been years since I’ve owned one. What frame would be recommended, the SSK-50 or the Pro Hunter? I’m still debating on the caliber but most likely will be a pistol round in a 10” barrel. (44, 480 or 45)

[scotth]

the 44 mag loaded hot use to be frame stretchers in the contender dont know about the ssk frame they say the ssk is made of stronger steel. so with that if you are looking at the bigger size pistol rounds i would go with the pro hunter

[scotth]

I am patiently waiting for the delivery of my new ssk-50 frame. i hope they make the deadline this time

[bradshaw]

Mar 17, 2020 8:28:02 GMT -5 bigtee said:

I’ve been thinking for a while that I’d like to build another contender pistol, its been years since I’ve owned one. What frame would be recommended, the SSK-50 or the Pro Hunter? I’m still debating on the caliber but most likely will be a pistol round in a 10” barrel. (44, 480 or 45)

*****

My old rule follows the great firearms designers----WRAP THE GUN AROUND THE CARTRIDGE. Never made the transition to the Thompson/Center Encore. The T/C Contender covered my needs for a single shot in Production category IHMSA competition, notably in the svelt 7mm Thompson/Center Ugalde (7mm/.223 with 40-degree shoulder). There are snappier rounds for hunting, both tiny things and much larger. The Encore is configured for shells in the earthquake category, a heavier, more robust action. Oddly, with a tiny trigger guard specially designed to confound glove use----a ridiculous idea on a hunting gun.

Warren Center did not anticipate handgun silhouette, the mini-cannon shells with big rims, as he designed the Contender. He openly expressed gratitude for IHMSA silhouette in improvements made to the Contender. Nevertheless, as Warren Center explained to this shooter, the Contender has a rather narrow WATER TABLE----the cradle in the frame which nestles the barrel as it snaps into battery. A .30-30 Winchester rim works fine. The .45-70 Springfield rim reaches the sensible limit. Barrel diameter of .800-inch limits cartridge diameter, and to go bigger the frame needs more meat connecting STANDING BREECH to WATER TABLE.

Enter the Encore. Built as a tip-open single shot for rifle cartridges, more power for hunting bigger animals. Sadly, the great Contender trigger, which ushered it onto countess podiums, was not included in the Encore. And you can bet that was the first scream heard from silhouetters who shot the Encore....

Aside from strength, since it weighs more the Encore takes you up in power with less recoil than a Contender. Let the cartridge decide.
David Bradshaw

[bigtee]

Thank you sir for the info. I think I will start looking for a Encore frame. I think I’m going 44 mag or 45 Colt.

Anyone have a Encore in 45 Colt?

[scotth]

i dont know how much stronger the ssk-50 frame is then the g2 frame. the g2 frame is strong enuff for your 44 or 45 but i dont know about the 480 thats why i said Encore frame. its easy enuff to call marty at hausofarms.com and get the lowdown on the ssk-50 frame and his thought on the encore frame for your needs. if you talk to him and he tells you a date on starting delivery on the ssk frames do share that info with us. good luck with your build it sounds fun.

[Encore64]

I can assure you the G2 is far stronger than the New SSK-50 Frame.

They claim the SSK-50 Frame will be stronger than the Original Contender, not the G2.

I have dealt with Marty quite a bit and have SSK-50 Frames paid for.

I've used a 300 Savage barrel on an Original Contender Frame for 25 years. Ditto on the 250 Savage.

Now, I use those only on G2 Frames...

The SSK-50 Frames will be great for retro builds. But, for the "Borderline" Cartridges, I'll stick with my G2s.