Looking to buy first Contender need advice

[Samned]

I am looking to buy a contender. I have never owned one before, and want advice on my first purchase. I am looking at a used easy open frame for 225.00 with a grip. Is that about the going rate for a frame. I also wanted to ask and see if a G2 frame would be better, I understand that is is a little stronger, but is it worth the money. What is the best caliber for a beginner, I am probably just going to use it for target practice initially. I really like the versatility of the contender and would like to build a rifle out of one later on.

Is there anything that I need to look for when shopping for a used frame?

What is the going price on a new blued G2 frame?

Thanks
Samned
TN

[Keith L]

I have never seen anything that indicates that the G2 is stronger than an original Contender.  In fact the only real advantage of the G2 to me is the easy opening ability, even better I think than the later model Contenders.  I have both original and G2 and like them both.

For a starter barrel, if you are going to punch paper, get a .22 LR barrel.  They shoot well, are cheap to use, and are fun.  If you want to go to something bigger then you always can, and match that barrel to the game you want to shoot.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Contenders.  They are like potato chips: you can't stop at just one.

[ShootnStr8]

I can't comment on the G2.  I do enjoy my 7-30 Waters barrel that handles deer and varmints nicely.  I would like to get a 22 lr barrel for squirrel at some point.  I encourage you to go with stainless steel for both frame and barrels for ease of care. 

Blessings!

ShootnStr8

[David D.]

My personal favorite for target, plinking, small game and varmint is the 17MACH2. Flatter shooting than the 22L.R. and very accurate. When I do my part my 14" factory barrel will consistently shoot 1/2" groups at 50yds. Ammo is a little more than the L.R. but worth it. Barrels for larger game can be added as needed, and they will be needed!!! I have both Contenders and G2 Contenders and like them both.

[Ladobe]

Welcome to the world of TC's.   You are in for some fine times shooting and collecting them.


As an old Contender Dog, the original frames get my nod without question. 

Nothing wrong with the price on that used EO if in good condition.   

Second the 17M2/HMR for a first barrel.   Once you get and shoot one you'll know why.   I have six 17 RF's (M2/HMR) now - sold/retired all the 22RF's (LR/MAG).

Blued barrels and frames are no more difficult to care for than any other blued firearm, and much easier than some.    I have 20 EO frames going back to their first production years, but only 1 of them is stainless.    They all still look as good as the day I got them.

IMO - YMMV

[Cossack2]

First barrel? 22 rimfire. Cheapest to shoot, to buy and proly to sell (You won't). 10 or 12'' handier, also consider getting low power  scope or reflex sight. Avoid a lot of uncertainly and get relatively recent frame. Some early frames may cause problems when mated with newer barrels.

[Nate C]

First bbl?....

Take straight to the range and shoot, and teach kids or others to shoot:  22lr
If you are someone who likes to tinker / reload / plink - 22 hornet.
If you hunt, and reload - 7-30 waters
If you hunt, and don't reload - 30/30 rem
If you think you might want to compete - 7TCU

Read and review this bulletin board.  Check out Eds TCs.  Get an idea of what is a fair price for a used bbl.   Buy used at the right time, and you can work your way through quite a few calibers.

Watch out - they are habit forming

Nate

[hank]

Add a 45/410 barrel to your list, someday, too. It is my first barrel and find it a pleasure to shoot (410 shot shells) and useful for snakes, vermin, rabbit, squirrel, etc.

[7-30 Waters]

I like my original contender frame.  It has served me well.  As for a barrel a 357 Maximum makes a nice deer cartridge if your a handloader.  Otherwise, a 44 Mag or 30-30 if you don't handload.