Any TC Contender guys out there?

[ManOnTarget]

I just picked up a TC contender and wondering if there are any groups of guys that have these and are experimenting with loads, chamberings, ect. I havent found much in the way of online fourms that are active in this space. I'd love to connect with some folks who are doing cool stuff with this platform. It seems like the sky is the limit for these little guns!

[ray1970]

Lol. I think the hay day of the contender platform probably peaked before the internet was really a thing.

I had one years ago when I was into IHMSA competition and they are definitely fun and versatile. I really enjoyed making brass and loads for stuff that wasn?t available on the shelves.

[bradbn4]

I use the Contender setup to test specific loads or validation of new molds for casting. For that role it is wonderful and is hard to beat when working something new.

I was going to learn LD shooting a bit more with Bull Berry barrels, but the outdoor long distance ranged closed before I got into that project. The next barrel I am looking for is something in 300 AAC / Blackout. I have a mold that would make a perfect 100 yard bullet for deer hunting in that caliber.

Another good niche use of the Contender / Encore setup is for wildcat calibers. There are a few high(er) end barrel manufactures that can make you a barrel tuned to your needs.

My guess is that specific forums for wildcat setups will be the best place for research for this frame.

[O2HeN2]

As I've mentioned in the For Sale section when one comes up for sale they make for an excellent suppressed SBR.

Stocks are readily available, no bolt noise and you can change calibers like an AR. Win-win-win.

O2

[bradbn4]

Question for OP: Did your frame come with a barrel - or did you just get the frame?
And do you know what generation of frame you picked up? G2?

[sportbikeco]

Picked up a few that had barrels and some spare barrels (shop was selling an estate I think)

The barrels sell well on eBay, I moved a few and added a few more.

Found a shop in TX that cut and thread to specs for $100, should get a few more done.

30 carbine
30-30
.223
.22lr
.357
.44mag
45/410

[encorehunter]

I don't do the contender per se, but I use my encore a lot. I have been hunting with one for over 20 years. I have several encores, and a few contenders. I never got into the wildcat side. For the encore I have or have had
12ga
20ga
.338wm
300wm
30-06
25-06
7-08
223
204
For the contender
357
30-30
45-70
44 mag.

The 45-70 was a 16" barrel and was a handful as a pistol. As a rifle, it still hurt.

[bradbn4]

Now if I could only find a good barrel in 20 ga; non-rifled.