Should I buy it?

[RicMic]

While looking around for a big bore revolver I stumbled onto a Thompson-Center Contender in mint condition with two 10" bull barrels, one in 22LR and the other in 44MAG.  The asking price is firm at $500.  I really like it!  Is it a good deal?

[OLDHandgunner]

Not to bad of a deal. Look to see if the 22LR is a Match barrel. The match barrels usually shoot more accurate. And if you haven't shot a T/C with a 10" 44 Mag. Barrel, ( just a warning if it has the older style grips ) It is a kicker. I've shot these before and it will bring tears to your eyes with full house loads. My 44 Mag is a 12" Hunter barrel with a muzzle brake & the newer style grips & it still stings a bit with heavy loads. My 10" 22 Match barrel will shoot as good or better than most 22 rifles will at 50 yards.
Enjoy your new gun if you buy it.   

[RicMic]

It has wood grips with a rubber insert.  It is a light gun and I wonder about some of those JDJ Handcannon barrels.  It's been awhile since I saw it anywhere but what is the upper limit pressure wise for the Contender?  I think that I may want to use it as a carbine as well.  The more I think about it the more I want it.

[RicMic]

I'm kinda of disappointed that a couple hundred folks read this thread but only 1 commented.  Should I hold out for something else, like an Encore maybe?

[Graybeard]

I seldom respond until other members have had a chance as it some times reduces the replies. There is nothing wrong with the gun or the price if it pleases you. I've owned both barrels and both do fine but as was said the other 10" guns with the first two or three versions of grips when shot with iron sights were truly painful experiences. Use Pachmayr's on it and you'll be fine. Personally I've gone away from the TCs for the most part and use revolvers with iron sights for most of my hunting with handguns now. If I need more I use a rifle.

[OLDHandgunner]

RicMic:

If you really like the gun I would buy it. You can always get different grips & barrels. I personally don't care for the Encore ( too heavy ). I have all of my T/C pistol barrels now with scopes. I've taken all the scopes off my revolvers now because I can shoot them better with open sights & they feel more natural. I've got quite a few carbine barrels now for my contender & G-2 frames. My latest carbine barrels are from Bullberry Barrel Works ( a 22LR Match, 222 & 30-30 Ack Imp. )
So if you like a heavier gun that will take long action calibers go with the Encore. I'll stick with my little T/C contender & G-2 because they have so many calibers to offer from the 17's to the 45-70 and including the JDJ's.
GOOD LUCK DECIDING 

[blhof]

I have both pistol and carbine setups for my contender and use both.  My first purchase was a pistol with a 357 max. barrel and wooden grip.  A box of ammo through it left me with a sore hand, suprising as I already had a DW 357 max with several rounds through and no problem.  The weight makes a difference.  Pachmyer grips and a muzzle brake make it comparable to my DW, but more accurate out to 200 yds.  The trigger on the contender is superior to the Encore, at least the ones that I've tried.

[SD Handgunner]

Generally speaking a used frame in good condition (provided it is of the easy open type with the rotary firing pin / safety selector on top of the hammer) will bring at least $200.00 without grip or forend. Again provided the barrels are in good shape, $150.00 per barrel is not out of line for used blued barrels.

$500.00 for a Frame and two Barrels would not be too high priced in my opinion.

You already stated you "Liked it". so I would say if you like it, go for it. However be fore warned Contender Handguns can be addicting.

Larry

[crisisbill]

In my neck of the woods you would pay 500.00 for the frame, wood set-up with one barrel, so I would jump on it if it's what you want.

[OLDHandgunner]

However be fore warned Contender Handguns can be addicting.

Larry

You got that right.

[Bitterroot Bob]

No brainer!
That is a hugely useful set-up as-is. My first Contender had a .35 Remington barrel. I scoped it with a 2X 30mm tube and killed a couple deer with it. The gun shoots 2" at 100 yards, which is what the reticle covers at that distance. Yes, a steady string of twenty rounds will leave you sore all the way to your elbow.
My next barrel was a 14" .223 that I scoped with a 2-8X. When I sighted it in the first time, I used some Winchester USA white box ammo. 5/8" 5-shot groups at 100 yards. Boy, was I impressed!
Turns out that, within reason, a lot of rifle cartridges shoot better from a short, stiff barrel. SSK Industries is still in business and they have a ton of wildcats to choose from. Check eBay for barrels, too. I found a few bargains and some long out-of-production tubes there.
Hey, I'm hooked. What could be more fun that shooting ripe tomatoes with a .22 K-Hornet?

Buy the gun.
Bitterroot

[rockbilly]

Buy it.  The beauty of the Contender, if you don't like a barrel, or wish to add another it can be done, usually at a reasonable price.  I started with a T/C in .223 many years ago, last count, I now own three frames, and  barrels in 31 different calibers.  About half of the barrels are scoped.

I call my T/Cs my fun guns.  I have spent many hours reloading for them, shooting them, and hunting with them.  They are fun to shoot, and once hooked, you will end up with additional barrels too.

[RicMic]

I called the shop yesterday to ask if the 22LR barrel was a "Match Barrel" and they said the gun was sold earlier that day.  Must have been a good deal!  My remaining choices were new Ruger Bisley, Graybeards Taurus RB .480, or a S&W 629 Classic with a red dot and other stuff.  I took the S&W.  That being said, I'm pretty sure a Contender will still be part of my future.