Hi All!

Last week someone mentioned at my post regarding left-handed guns that single-shot pistols are a lot of fun. Sooo I've been looking on the web and found the Thompson/Center website. They have some really sweet looking single shot pistols and the one I like best is the one with rubber handles and a stainless steal barrel.

They don't list a price for it, but I'm sure I could afford it as it's probably no more than $500. The one I looked at comes in a 30-30 Winchester, which sounds kinda cool.

I like the fact that it's totally suitable for both hands and is, I'm sure, very reliable and, I'm sure, highly accurate. Any thoughts you might have would be very welcome. Thanks!

I've owned a few Thompson center handguns, Had barrels in 22 lr. 223 and 357 Herrit. They can be very accurate and are mostly dandy shooters. It's handy to have different barrels that are interchangeable.

On the downside they are big and can't be carried in a standard belt holster. You need to sling them like a rifle or in a bandoleer holster across your chest. The short barrels in rifle calibers are very loud and good ear protection is a must.

I guess the bottom line is can you put up with a single shot gun. I like a revolver much better in a handgun configuration, but that's just me.

OtisTuttle,

I do not own a TC - yet. I have wanted one for years and have not yet allocated the $$$$ for one. You can either get a G2 Contender (2nd Generation) or go the Encore route. There are pluses and minuses for choosing either. Basically the Encore's are beefed-up to handle larger caliber pressures. While the G2's are for lower pressure/demanding cartridges.

I like the larger cartridge options for the Encore's but there is no option for going to rimfire like there is for the G2's. When I finally get one it will be the G2 because that should make one sweet little squirrel set up when scoped.

There are also Remington XP's and Savage Strikers that you might want to check online sources for comparison.

Good luck with your choice.

I've owned 1st & 2nd generation Contenders in .30/30 with both 10 and 14inch barrels.

The 2nd generation are easier to open but both can be handloaded to produce very accurate results with recoil that was very mild compared to .308 chambered XP100 I aslo owned.

They remain one of my favourite handguns. :)

'slim'

Thanks for the replies!

It's good to know that the ones that use rifle bullets are loud, as on those I'll pass.

I'm being a little wishy-washy because while I'd certainly like a G2, I'd still like to get a Marlin lever action. I have some extra money coming in next month, so I'm trying to sort it all out a bit.

I don't have much faith in our government and so I wonder if one day in the not too distant future it might all come down and our money won't be worth a thing and thus there'll be social chaos. God forbid such a scenario should happen, but if it does the Marlin would be a better choice for keeping me and my water safe.

Take a look at the Magnum Research Lone Eagle. They do not make them anymore but you still see a NIB in the auction rooms from time to time. I love them. 7mm-08 is a comfortable round.

The T/C contender has many options available and one of the best is being able to convert one into a carbine. With a butstock and 21" barrel they make an outstanding little carbine that is totally left hand friendly as i am a lefty.
The contender does give you the option of rimfire but also gives you some other very capable options. The 7mm tcu(handload) is an outstanding round capable of short range hunting and little recoil---more pleasant in my experience than a .44 mag.
T/C's are super target rigs capable of being scoped easily. I perfered the red dot set up.
and 2nd hand barrels can be snapped up to keep the costs down and can be purchaed on-line as the barrels do not require an FFL.

My choice was the Encore as it will handle much heavier cartridges and a larger selection of calibers :http://www.bullberry.com 20" SW 460 mag rifle barrel.here's another source http://www.sskindustries.com , http://www.matchgrademachine.com , http://www.foxridgeoutfitters.com ,http://www.strattoncustom.com I'm a TC Encore owner.

The Thompson/Center handguns, both the Contender and Encore, are outstanding pistols. They are strong dependable and accurate. I've owned many in many different calibers, both standard and wildcat, since 1978. I've competed in metallic silhouette matches with them, and I've hunted with them all over the world. They are extremely versatile. None of mine are for sale.

What has happened to silhouette matches?:confused: They just seemed to have died and gone the way of the dinasour. Back in the 80's there were clubs everywhere holding matches. Sure seems to have died out at least in my area. Anyway, the t/c is about one of the most versatle shooting systems out there and enables a poor boy to enjoy more calibers/combinations.;)

Saw your questions about the T/C Encore and G2's. I have an Encore that I am very happy with, but I have somewhat small hands and will be first to admit that they are a large handful. As far as not being available in 22LR,that has changed the barrels are now available from Thompson and others. One thing that can help if the grip is a problem is the new Decelerator grips from Pachmayr. I have my Encore in 460 S&W and am very happy with it.

The T/C pistols are alot of fun, very accurate and versatile. Mine is an older one from the early 70s and not something I will part with anytime soon.

They are peculiar though.

I had the toughest time trying to learn to shoot it on my own, and was getting very fustrated at not being comfortable with it, until I had someone physicaly show me what I needed to know for positioning. Well, after that, it was all glory!

I have .22 Hornet, 7mm INTR and .44 Mag barrels. Hate the .44 Mag, love the Hornet and the 7mm is a keeper too.

Since everyone should have at least one good .22, I would suggest getting a LR, Hornet or 223 barreland get a bunch of familiarity going with the pistol. Then, ask others if you can shoot their different barrels and see what you like in the larger calibers.

But beware! It's an addicting sort of habit!

I own a TC Contender 1st Generation. Many friends of mine also own them. It is a great carbine in 22 LR. I fire the 44 Mag in a 12" Hunter that has had the muzzle brake cut off as it was just too loud and hard to clean. My favorite is a 357 Maximum 14"Bbl. I have used this cartridge at long ranges on steel plates and have witnessed deer taken with it. I have fired the 30-30 in a 10 " and can't see the point....A Lot of blast!!! I am not a fan of rifle cartridges in hangun lengths but mostly for that reason. I have witnessed incredible accuracy with the Contender in other calibers too!
Keep in mind there are a lot of custom shops out there that specialize in the Contender and Bbls can be bought EVERYWHERE! I think there are Bbls in every pawn shop and gun store here.
I have a 10" 357 Magnum that is very pleasant to shoot and a 35 Remington Carbine length that recoils a bit for such a light package.
Another advantage is being able to load and shoot loads for the hangun calibers that ordinarilly will not fit in most revolovers such as 200 gr bullets in the 357's.

I had rotator surgery and the doctor told me I could not shoot for a season. I bought a TC pistol and learned to shoot left handed. Killed 5 whiteral with it. Still shoot left handed, though I am a righty. Mine was a 7-30 Waters which is similar to a 30/30. Liked it so well I bought a second one and gave it to my son.

I love my Super 16 in 45/70, but with a homemade "skinny" forearm, all this in the handgun configuration.What I'd love to find is somebody who will make me an 8 inch magnaported bull barrel then I'd be in hog heaven (45/70). Hey you HOGG HUNTERS there is now no closed season on wild hogs in Florida. COME ON DOWN!

And they look cool...

I own a TC Contender 1st Generation. Many friends of mine also own them. It is a great carbine in 22 LR. I fire the 44 Mag in a 12" Hunter that has had the muzzle brake cut off as it was just too loud and hard to clean. My favorite is a 357 Maximum 14"Bbl. I have used this cartridge at long ranges on steel plates and have witnessed deer taken with it. I have fired the 30-30 in a 10 " and can't see the point....A Lot of blast!!! I am not a fan of rifle cartridges in hangun lengths but mostly for that reason. I have witnessed incredible accuracy with the Contender in other calibers too!
Keep in mind there are a lot of custom shops out there that specialize in the Contender and Bbls can be bought EVERYWHERE! I think there are Bbls in every pawn shop and gun store here.
I have a 10" 357 Magnum that is very pleasant to shoot and a 35 Remington Carbine length that recoils a bit for such a light package.
Another advantage is being able to load and shoot loads for the hangun calibers that ordinarilly will not fit in most revolovers such as 200 gr bullets in the 357's.











have few cents worth to add to this..
i never personally owned a thompson pistol. Although have fired a handfull of them. on more than one occasion more than one or two times. i fired 45 lc in the thompson it was extremely accurate and even in the stiffer handloads not as bad to fire as some ruger revolvers i have owned and fired.. also fired it several ocasions in a .30-30. i am in total agreement lots of muzzle flash/blast. a bit tough to control in the shorter configuration. wasn't overly impressed with the distance or the accuracy.. for the noise and the blinding fire out the barrel. it seems to me the bark is meaner than the bite if you will allow the metafour... i think the thompson are unique and well built and more than capable to acomplish many tasks. although i think certain calibers just are not suitable for a smaller configuration... i think in isolated understanding that the.30-30 in particuliar is strictly set for the lever gun and thats as far as it goes.. i know some guys would like to disagree and say you can find some rare rifles chambered in the bolt configuration and that it might perfrom as well or maybe even tighten groups under handloading perameters... which i would not disagree. but as stand alone cartridge being stacked equally. this cartridge works well in the lever marlin 336 or winchester 92 94 or maybe even in a rossi.. i mean as the round stands alone to be judged. i killed deer in west virginia with it.. i also know this cartridge has carved a reputation through year in year out prove that if you want meat on the table take the trid and true old .30-30 and it will provide in the misdt of it all.. but as in the thompson i think it not the thompson finest hour really.. stick things that have solid potetial to perform in many cases in different configuration... some examples. 45 lc as stated earlier.. a 44 mag.41mag. 357 max or mag.. as for rifle rounds.. .218 bee. .223 ,221 firball, even 22-250 and even some larger stuff .. 7-08, maybe a , even .308 but i question the controlability. so thats my few cents worth on this subject. some will agree some will disagree.. but hey thats what maks us individuals.. so good luck and safe shooting..
Later Karl J (a.k.a Joekid25)
thanks again folks

[QUOTE=OtisTuttle]
Thompson/Center single shot pistols QUOTE]

TC has been around for a long time...and now is owned by the conglomerate that owns Smith and Wesson..
I have had one Contender Frame since 85...and it is the most versitle gun out there..I only shoot 16" barrels..now..because I can add a stock and have have a very very compact carbine or use the pistol grip.
the 16" barrelled contender will fit in a 14" Uncle Mikes Bandelero holster with grip or stock very nicely.
I have had many barrels but now only shoot custom built barrels in wildcat cartridges. Both of mine were built by Bullberrys...but if I were to choose a factory cal for deer it would be the newer 7-30 Waters...30/30 necked down to a 7mm...or a .300 Savage Ackley Improved rechamber which will shoot factory Savage ammo.....http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=157 I reload so I shoot Wildcats.
I currently shoot a 6mm/30/30 (6mm Bullberry)...which is basically a 243 Win...6mm at 3000 fps..very flat..shot a 10 pointer last year at 280 yards with a pistol...:0) Fred Smith at Bullberry turned me on to this one..it is what he shoots..very mild recoil and report..
I also own a 445 Super mag which will push 300 gr. 44mag bullets at 2000+fps....and will kill anything I shoot at on the planet...muzzle break on that one..
Two web sites I recommend..
Mike Bellms...probably the most comprehensive TC site out there. He is a wealth of knowledge and as you will see pretty critical of some of TC's sloppy and inconsistant manufacturing practices..but his goal is you getting the most out of your TC and he has some great inexpensive products to do this..
http://www.bellmtcs.com/
and Ed's TCs...http://www.edstc.com/..
who deals in used and new TC...very reliable and respected trader/seller..so save some money and email him for what he has on hand..he has some 3rd party(custom) barrels priced at what a new factory barrel would cost you..contender frames generally run less than $200 in blue and he has a 307 Win. rechamber of 30-30.(rimmed .308) for $175.00 = $375..add $10 for a Pachy grip and $10 for a foreend and you have a semi-custom that will drop everything from prariedogs to elk....sounds like a cool combo and factory loads are availble..
Anyway you will love the TC no matter which brand you buy...while it is only a single shot..you tend to be more precise on that first shot..follow ups are just a tad bit slower than a repeater if you have the next cartridge between your fingers..
Of course the TC is so versitle...it all depends on what you're hunting and where.

I own two Encores. One rifle in .308win and a Pro-Hunter pistol with a 12" .480Ruger barrel. I really enjoy the pistol and rifle.

This will be my first year hunting with the pistol and I can not wait. I have been working up loads and banging away all summer. Chose the 275 grain Speer Gold Dot for the deer season, should do some good work on the Virginia Whitetail.

I have a T/C contender that was handed down to me from my father. I was with him when bought new when I was 12. I have a 7x30 waters barrel and a .22 barrel for it. Both in the super 14. There is not another handgun out there that can match the contender, and with people like Fox outfitters you can get almost any barrel for it. If you want the best then go with T/C.

own and hunt with a encore and contender in 17mach2, 22, 357max, 44mag, 454, 223 and 223AI. Love them all. They out shoot my revolvers and autos. And with barrels between 10-15 inches, they give a boast in the bullet velocity on my hand loads. I only wish I had bought one when I first started handgun hunting. It would have saved me a lot of trouble with past guns Ive used.

I currently have 4 frames and 11 barrels. I have been "collecting" them for years. I think they are great pistols. I have started many prople out with the .22LR and let them work there way up. But, as stated before. Beware! barrel collecting is addicting!!

I started hunting / shooting T/C Contenders in 1982. In the years since then I have owned, shot and hunted with T/C Contender chambered in"

.22 LR (Super 14 Match Barrels)
.223 (10" Bull and Super 14 Barrels)
6mm-223 (Custom Bullberry 15" Barrel)
6mm T/CU (Custom 15" Barrels from On Target Technology & Virgin Valley Custom Guns)
.250 Savage (Custom 14" SSK Barrel)
7mm T/CU (10" Bull Barrels)
7-30 Waters (10" Bull Barrel)
.30-30 Winchester (10" and Super 14 Barrels)
.30-30 Ackley Improved (Super 14 Barrel)
.44 Magnum (10" Bull Barrel)
.45 Colt/.410 (VIrgin Valley Custom Guns Custom 8" Barrel)

If I had to pick a favorite it would really be hard. Currently I have gotten rid of all of my previous Barrels and Frames and have acquired 2 Stainless-Steel G2 Contender Frames. I also have acquired a Stainless-Steel Super 14 .22 LR Match Barrel. In the not to distant future I will be adding a Stainless-Steel Super 14 .223 Remington Barrel and either a Stainless-Steel Super 14 7-30 Waters or .30-30 Ackley Improved.

Handloading brings out the best of the Rifle Cartridges in Contenders. This is largely due to the fact that a powder can be choosen that is not going to produce as much muzzle flash & blast as certain powders produce. Another reason is in the case of the 7-30 Waters, .30-30 Winchester and .30-30 Ackley Improved, pointed Spitzer Type bullets can be used to enhance down range ballistics over the factory loaded flat point bullets. Lastly you can match the load to the individual barrel and particular use.

I currently have a T/C Encore, 15" .243 Winchester. I HATE IT. In my opinion the Encore makes a better Rifle and the Contender makes a better Handgun. Granted this is just my opinion, but in my hands the Encore just does not feel nearly as well (feel and balance) as does the Contender. Speaking of Contenders, T/C did their homework when they designed the new Rubber Grip and Forend for the Stainless-Steel G2 Contender Handgun. These are very well designed and feel really great in the hand (well at least in my hands).

I have used T/C Contender Handguns to harvest Gophers, Prairie Dogs, Woodchucks, Jackrabbits, Cottontail Rabbits, Racoons, Crows, Coyotes and Whitetail Deer. I have been very fortunate to have harvested quite a few Whitetail Deer with Contender Handguns. The very first thing I learned is that you just don't (or at least I don't) shoot these Handguns FREE HAND standing on your legs. For me to shoot these handguns in hunting situations I USE A REST.

If I am walking I use an old Ski Pole on which I removed the basket from the bottom, and attached a U shaped piece of plastic on the top of the handle to serve as a gun rest. I use this not only as a rest but also as a walking staff. When sitting on a stand either calling Coyotes or hunting Whitetail Deer I generally have my Contender propped up on a set of crossed shooting sticks from either a kneeling or sitting position. Using the crossed shooting sticks if I can get one or both elbows on my knees it never ceased to amaze me at how stead I can get.

No one ever said hunting with Single Shot Speciality Handguns was going to be EASY, but it is sure enjoyable and very rewarding. I appreciate their reduced weight and bulk after hiking through the snow making several set ups per day when calling Coyotes.

Larry

I also have an Encore in 243 and have shot it some but still learning. It is definately more robust than the Contenders. I recently installed a Pachmayr Decelerator grip and forend on it and it made a world of difference, certainly feels more like a handgun now. Plus I can attach a bipod mount to the sling swivel stud on the forend - alot more usable now.

My father has a Remington XP-100 in .223 and a T/C Contender (1st generation) in .44 magnum and both are VERY good shooters. Either one will outshoot me that is for sure. He's never hunted with either one due to health reasons, but my Uncle has used the .44 to harvest a few deer. Both of them were inside 100 yards and were taken with factory ammo and iron sights.

Sooo I've been looking on the web and found the Thompson/Center website. They have some really sweet looking single shot pistols and the one I like best is the one with rubber handles and a stainless steal barrel.

They don't list a price for it, but I'm sure I could afford it as it's probably no more than $500.

I have the Encore. I looked at the Contenders before buying but I have big hands. The Encore fit me better. If you will be shooting any cartridge with much recoil, then I definately suggest the rubber grips over the wooden grips. Much better to handle recoil. The encore frame is bigger, but this also helps with reducing the recoil too.

I bought mine with a .44 Mag barrel. I loved it. Very light muzzle flip, compared to my Redhawk. Definately more accurate. I have since sold the .44 and bought a 454 Casull barrel. Didn't really need the .44 anymore as the Casull barrel is more versatile for me. I am not a fan of the factory full-house loads, although they are tolerable. I load mine down to the high range 45 LC, about 1400-1500 fps, and it is a joy to shoot. I can easily get 2" groups at 100yds with 250gr Lead Cast. I consider this good from a 12" barrel, especially for me! I just recently got a 6.5 Grendel bull barrel that is a hoot to shoot! Remember this; 6.5 Grendel out of a 10" barrel is really, really, really loud!!! I have to remind myself of this when I go to the range. Hopefully before the first round..........lol

I also have a .260 barrel which I am currently doing load tests with. Not sure if I will stay with the rifle barrel or not, (got another hobby gun recently), but I will definately stick with the Encore and the .454 Casull. I had hoped to carry it hunting this year, but time is running out for that.

Encores can now be fitted with a new firing pin to allow the use of rimfire cartridges, however this endeaver is not cheap. The conversion will cost you about $50 and a barrel with run about $250 more. But if super accurate rimfire is your thing, you wouldn't go wrong with this setup. You can expect to pay about $600.00 to get set up to fire your first round unless you purchase used, at least in my area.

I started handgun hunting in 1976. Went to my first Breakopen T/C with two, one in 7TCU and 357Herrett in 1982. Have had many years of enjoyment and have moved on to the Encore and heavy hitting rifle cartridges in custom 16-17" barrels. Favorate handgun cartridge is the 35 Newton, followed by a 338 Gibbs and then the 416 Taylor.

There is a long time barrel maker introducing a new bolt action pistol shortly that should be a combination of everything positive about the break open and the Xp100 combined. I won't be getting rid of all my break open stuff, but will start hunting with this new number. Its going to be pretty special.

338

What do you intend to do with this pistol? For deer size game I prefer the 7MM Waters in a 14 inch Contender. With Federal factory loads it will shoot 1.5 inches at 100 yards all day long with a 2 power scope. I have killed deer with it at ranges over 200 yards many times and never needed a second shot.
For larger game, there are many grear calibres available.

Kudu40

I have over the years owned and sold 4-5 contenders and now own 2 Encores. One is a pistol with 3 barrels all made by bullberry in 17-223, 475 Linebaugh both 15" and a 7MM-08 15" with a brake. The other is a rifle in 264 Win Mag with a 26.5" barrel also made by bullberry. I find them fun to shoot, very accurate and would not sell them today. If anything I may order another barrel for the rifle this year. Great guns and there not very spendy to get into.


Hoeam :D

I thoroughly enjoy my G2 stainless. Presently, I have only the 45/410 barrel in 14 inch, but plan to add 30/30, 22 LR, and 223 in the 14 inch stainless.

With my very first Contender I went hogwild and was shooting 21 different cartridges in no time at all! I really like how the trigger is fully adjustabe from zero to several pounds! My 44 magnum hotshot barrel has been opened up to 444 Marlin for extreme "blasting". I didn't care for the throat of the Super 16 in 45-70 and opened it up to 45-90 and its been my all-time favorite barrel. I'm always on the lookout for additional Contenders although I'm aware that the first generation barrels also fit the second generation guns, but I prefer the triggers of the original! Hey get one and if you don't like it I'll buy it!!!!

Just new to the T/C Contender and I started out with a .357 Herrett. Pushing a 200 grain slug at around 1800 FPS makes it a great hunting gun. The recoil is substantial, but managable, especially when I went to a 14" barrel. However I recently got a 10", .30 Herrett and it is a sweetheart to shoot. I shoot a 130 slug at 2100 FPS and the recoil is not bad to handle making for another great hunting round. Both the Herretts were specifically developed for he T/C Contender and they knew what they were doing.

I bought my first contender in the 70's and have kept buying them. Currently I have 2 223's, a 41 magnum, a 44 magnum (that I don't like nearly as much as the equally effective 41), a 45-70 (that has never seen a maximum load, that really can kick but it doesn't have to), and a 22 hornet. I am planning to buy others. I have yet to shoot one that wasn't accurate. In revolver cartridges you get a a 20% increase over revolvers.

If you plan to hunt, the TC is the best least expensive choice.

I have 2 Encore 15" pistol barrels in 454casull with a TC Muzzle Tamer(doesn't tame it) & 30-06 with a muzzle brake from www.probed2000.com (http://www.probed2000.com) that is very effective.I stopped shooting some of the casull loads as they just aren't comfortable ie Magtech 260gr jacketed flat point & Winchester 260gr Partition Gold.I load 45lc brass to beginning casull levels with W296 & H110 & with casull brass using the same powders I step up the loads but still keep them comfortable.I also have a 20" Bullberry Rifle barrel in SW460mag fired some Hornaday factory ammo it was great then I switched to Magtech 454casull 260gr jacketed flat points & it really stung to fire it. I asked Magtech staff at the SHOT show about the ammo & they said it comes from a factory in SA & they don't know what their powder is, they agreed it's a stout load.I also have a 243 rifle barrel that's pleasant to shoot.