Gatorjet Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Walked in one of my local gun shops last week to just look around. Told the owner I was just looking unless something jumped up and said "buy me" After fondling an FEG clone of a Browning High Power for a while, he said come down to the end of the counter, I've got something you might want to see. There it was! Used Thompson/Center Contender G2 stainless with a ported Super 14 barrel in 35 Remington, a 14" 22 LR Match barrel, and a Burris 1.5-4X Pistol scope. Then I saw the price tag. $250. WOW!! That wasn't an impulse purchase, that was an I'll kick myself if I don't purchase. I can't wait for a break in the weather, and some time, to take it to the range and see what it'll do. Real men go propless!
jdmidwest Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Contenders are fun and it looks like you got it for a good price. 35 Rem and 22 are a good combo. Barrels are hard to find, not many stock them any more. Not even sure if they are in production still, would have to look. We get one in the shop on trade about twice a year and they do not last long. "Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously." — Hunter S. Thompson
Kelroy Posted January 21, 2011 Posted January 21, 2011 Fantastic price! You won't be sorry, either. I've had several over the years, now I'm down to one pistol and one carbine. I occasionally fantasize about an Encore in .308. Be careful, they are highly addictive....
Gatorjet Posted January 21, 2011 Author Posted January 21, 2011 Fantastic price! You won't be sorry, either. I've had several over the years, now I'm down to one pistol and one carbine. I occasionally fantasize about an Encore in .308. Be careful, they are highly addictive.... Yep! Already planning on 45-70, and 204 Ruger barrels, and a couple more scopes. I've wanted a Contender forever, just wasn't that high on the "to-buy" list. This deal was just meant to be! Every once in a while, even a blind hog finds an acorn.LOL Real men go propless!
Wayne SW/MO Posted January 21, 2011 Posted January 21, 2011 I've had a Contender for 30+ years and I still like it. I'm down to a 30 Harrett and a 357/44 Bains and Davis barrels now. Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
Gatorjet Posted January 22, 2011 Author Posted January 22, 2011 Here is a pic of my new treasure. Some further details. The 35 Remington barrel is ported in a Mag-na-port style. The owner of the shop where I bought it told me that the barrel was originally blued, but stripped, and refinished with a silver coat finish. I am assuming the frame is stainless steel because it is a slightly different look than the barrel. It does attract a strong magnet, but some stainless does. As I understand, the black grips are usually on a stainless frame. Could be the original owner made the entire setup from parts, I don't know. Anyway, I think it was a great deal. As soon as the weather gives me a little break I'll find out. I think the scope would be better on the silver 35 Remington barrel. I wonder if the previous owner just swapped it from barrel to barrel? Real men go propless!
Wayne SW/MO Posted January 22, 2011 Posted January 22, 2011 Maybe he did some silhouette shooting with the 35 Rem.? Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
Gatorjet Posted February 19, 2011 Author Posted February 19, 2011 Tried out the Contender today. I moved the Burris scope to the 35 Remington barrel, and bought a new Weaver 4X scope for the rimfire. With less than a box of ammo I got the 35 shooting 1 1/2 groups at 100 yds. I think this 14" barreled wonder is my new deer "rifle" The rimfire was great out to 50 yds, but I wanted to push it so I tried to sight it in at 100. The best I could get was about 4 or 5 inch groups, and I just couldn't get the point of impact centered around the bullseye. Probably me, I had been shooting since noon, and it was about 3:30 before I started working with the 22 barrel @ 100 yds. These old eyes do get tired! Real men go propless!
jdmidwest Posted February 19, 2011 Posted February 19, 2011 Its hard to get a good 100 yd group out of a short barrel 22lr. What ammo was you shooting in the 22? Try some Ely. "Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously." — Hunter S. Thompson
Gatorjet Posted February 19, 2011 Author Posted February 19, 2011 I was using CCI Mini-Mags, Winchester Wildcats, Federal Champion, and Remington Golden Bullets. With some replies I got on another forum it looks like 100 yds is really pushing it with the 22 LR. Slightest wind, different rest positions, parallax, and mirage all have a insignificant impact. Also, the guys that do shoot good 100 yd groups with the rimfire Contenders are using scopes in the 10 to 12 power range. I think with my 4x Weaver scopr I'll have to stay with making it a 50 yd tack driver. Not to bad though. Minute of squirrel head accuracy at 50 yds with a 22 pistol, and dead on for deer at 100 yds with the 35 Remington. Now my next decision, 204 Ruger barrel with a 2.5-8X scope, or 45-70 with open sights. Eventually I'll have both. Real men go propless!
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