thompson contender

[ridetoslide]

So, tell me about the contenders and why I might like one. A friend of mine has one with a couple barrels. It has a .22 bull barrel and they are not sure what the other barrel is. I'm told it is real pretty with ivory grips and maybe engraving but not 100% sure about the engraving. It hasn't been shot in along time so they are interested in parting ways with it. I'm going to look at it in the next week. What should I pay attention to? What is a fair price for these? Thanks!

 

[Harleyrider_50]

They're great pistols....can get several interchangeable barrels....I like the Encore series better....heavier frame,big'r calibers....I just part'd with 1(Encore) chamber'd in .308 Win right b'fore deer season....could keep'm (shots) in a drywall bucket lid 2-250 yds no problem.....IF....I could keep calm,and come out'a the trigger the same ever time(keep still with the scope @ 9X....)

Ain't sure about the Contenders,but for the Encore,there's a buttload o' barrels/chamber's can get for those...... .375 H&H, .500 SW, .460 SW,etc....list go's on.....

 

[EvilBlackGun]

Well,

this got interesting. But they are only as accurate as the shooter.

 

[Harleyrider_50]

this got interesting. But they are only as accurate as the shooter.

Yeah?.....How so?....
If I still had it....I'd go 100 bux a shot with ya ....you give me 100 bux ever time it gets there.....I'd give ya 100 bux ever time I miss'd....at the end o' the day,yer gonna have ta refinance yer place ta pay me....

I'll agree they only as good as the shoot'r......

 

[EvilBlackGun]

Yeah:

REAL interesting. I own 5 T/C models and they all shoot betterer than me. EBG

 

[live2hunt009]

I own a Encore with a 7mm-08 barrel and I absolutely love it! The gun is insanely accurate if you can hold her steady!

 

[445supermag]

I HAVE 2 OLD STYLE CONTENDER'S 3 G2 CONTENDER'S & 2 ENCORE'S. I LIKE THE ENCORES IN RIFLES BETTER THAN HAND GUN THERE ON HEVER THE CONTENDER & G2. I HAVE 10 CONTENDER RIFLE & HAND GUN BARRELS RANGING FROM .17HMR TO .44MAG & 4 ENCORE FROM .223 TO 50 CAL ML. I LIKE THEM ALL. YOU CAN PICK UP BARRELS AT GUN SHOWS, GO TO ED'S CONTENDER'S, MGM ETC.

 

[ridetoslide]

445supermag, by the count of how many of these rigs and barrels you have, you probably have a good feel for a value on them. Could you give me a ballpark range as to what it's worth? How much approximately do barrels cost? thanks!

 

[O'Shark]

I have a first generation Contender pistol. I believe that I purchased it back around 1988 at Bullets Unlimited in Albany, Indiana. If memory serves, the frames were sold for $280 or so and barrels ranged around $120 give or take. I've had various barrels over the years and still have a 10" .223 barrel. That has to be the most fun and obnoxious gun I have ever owned. The triggers are superb and the .223 was capable of MOA groups with 40 grain Speer spire point bullets. I even had the .45LC/.410 barrel before they were considered to be

 

[snapping turtle]

I would say a frame (pistol) and 2 barrels, is 400-550 approx.

Barrels seem to bring 200 each new and the frame about 250.

Back when i was buying mine 14 inch barrrels were about 139 each and the frames were 150.

If it is the OLD first generation contender you will never look at triggers the same again. The crisp brake of glass.

 

[coyote1966]

I have 2 contenders, one 1st generation with serial number in low 5000, and one of the newer 1st generation with the selector switch on the hammer, 10" 44mag, 12" 357mag, 24" TC custom shop 204 Ruger barrel, love them, wouldn't trade them for anything, especially the 204 Ruger.

 

[445supermag]

I STARTED IN 2000 WITH MY FIRST ONE WAS THE OLD STYLE RIFLE IN 223REM FOR $350. THE LAST ONE I PICK UP WAS A SS G2 HAND GUN IN 22 HORNET FOR $450. ALSO PICK JUST A HAND GUN WITH NO BARREL FOR $250. BARRELS COULD COST FROM $150 TO $450 FOR NEW & USED.DEPEND ON WHAT YOU WANT. I DO HAVE A BARRELS THAT YOU CAN ANY MORE SUCH AS .45COLT/410 IN A 16.25'. 357MAX 10" & 14" & 23" .445 SUPER MAG 24". YOU HAVE GO TO THE CUSTOM SHOP TO GET THEM MADE. I ALSO SEEN ONE PICTURE OF A OVER & UNDER PISIOL & RIFLE 22RIM FIRE SOME CUSTOM SHOP MADE. I ALSO SEE THEM AT THE LOUISVILLE GUN SHOW SELL FOR $500 FOR THE EARLY MODLES.

 

[asquires2]

I have a Tender in 30.30 w/ a muzzlebreak, a Encore in 7.08 w/ a muzzlebreak. Ive had the Tender 223 , 357 barrels and Encore 243 barrel and ML barrel. I also had a 22 barrel for the Tender.

Like it was said the Encore is more for the bigger calibers where as the Tender is for the low preasure calibers. The Encore has a bigger grip than the Tender. Even though you can get the same calibers in the Encore as you do the Tender but not vis versa.

As for prices on barrels , if you shop around you can find them from $150 to $200. Custom barrels can bite a bit.