Author Topic: All 3 of my T/C frames are old models. Is the new G2 worth (Read 1243 times)

Deaf Smith · « **on:** March 31, 2004, 03:16:19 AM »

buying? Are there any advantages to the newer design at all or just disadvantages? All my forends and grip etc are for old model frames as well. I am wondering about the good and bad about the new G2 frames are they worth it? Or is it just the only option for folks wanting a new Contender? Tell me the truth about the G2 what are your experiences.
Thank You

Mayor of Hobbs Knob · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2004, 03:37:45 AM »

For me, the advantage of being able to let the hammer down without recock is a significant improvement. I use my G2 frame whenever I go hunting for just that reason. Like the grip and feel. Mine has a very good trigger. Would I buy one just for those reasons? Probably not. Am I glad I bought mine? Yuh, and I need more barrels now :roll: !!!!!!!

I understand they are considerable stronger than the older frames.
That may be reason enough to buy one if you are going with heavier calibers.

The Mayor

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2004, 03:50:22 AM »

is my 16+ 45/70 barrel. I also have a 30-30 barrel that I shoot a bit. the 45/70 I don't shoot much due to recoil but even then I only use trapdoor loads in it as about the limit of recoil I can take anyway. The 30-30 is a blast to shoot and I enjoy it. I use mainly factory or factory equivlant loads again mostly for 100 yard plinking and sometimes 50 yards as this ones got a set of irons on it. The only other rifle caliber I have is the 223. so I am not shooting a lot of heavy hitters so see no reason for a stronger gun than I currently own. If I have to replace a frame(under warrenty) will T/C give me a G2? I think so but I can't say for sure. I do know as things stand now its the only way i will get one. I can't see buying another frame unless its really a deal and the G2 at least right now won't come under that heading

Bullseye · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2004, 01:54:02 PM »

I have 3 old frames and have looked at the G2. Do not think I will be changing anytime soon. The grip angle of the old frame has served me well for the last 10+ years, I like the adjustable sear engagement on the trigger. The breaking it open to reset the mechanism does not bother me, and as another poster mentioned at one time the mechanism can be reset without breaking the gun open once you get the fell of pulling the trigger guard. And lastly my old Contenders look like something more than a scaled down Encore. I know that is crazy, but I like the unique look.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2004, 07:25:27 PM »

is much more pleaseing to me than the ulgy G2 design. Never much liked the looks of the encore either. Must be why when I have 3 contender frames I don't own 1 encore of any kind.

bushmaster · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2004, 06:04:33 PM »

I sold my "old style" Contender before I saw my G2. Now I'm in the process of buyin' another original frame. The G2 frame is smaller. The trigger guard is so small that you might have trouble gettin you gloved finger in there.
The quality of the G2 is my biggest gripe...The bluing is poor. Most of the frame looks like it's been painted.
The G2 trigger will never be as good as the old style.
If you've never had a Contender, get a g2, but IMO don't trade your old one.
Just my dos pesos.

Bushmaster

larry223 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:26:28 AM »

i have 3 contender frames and 2 encore frames looked at G2 but
didnot like it so i will not be getting one.got the encore so i could
have more rifle calibers without going to widcats.
larry

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2004, 05:18:13 AM »

in my lowly opinion is just a lawered up version of the Contender so T/C will try and avoid any lawsuits. All the adjustment has been removed and already they have a barrel that is G2 only, the shape of things to come? In the future probabley but as long as we have the custom makers(and used sellers like Ed's) we will never be without barrels.

Bullseye · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2004, 01:50:41 PM »

I need to weigh in on this topic again. I actually picked up and handled a G2 with 17 HMR barrel on it Friday. The 17 barrel is a very heavy barrel, but I did not like the grip angle at all on that gun. The gun felt very uncomfortable trying to hold the barrel level compared to my old ones. I also thought the grip felt awful small, kinda like my Single Six which I have never gotten used to. I know Chris and some others really like the grip angle, but I was unimpressed. Maybe it would grow on me in time, but as long as my old ones are working, it will be a long time.

Keith L · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:43:28 PM »

I have two frames: an old pre easy open and a G2. I like the G2 best. It came with a fine trigger (at least as good as the old one), finish is first class, and I like the grip size and angle. I wish some of you with G2s you don't like lived close enough to come over and trade. I would be quite happy with two G2s.

Just thought a little ballence was necessary.

Mayor of Hobbs Knob · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2004, 12:35:07 AM »

Keith, I'm with you. Seems a lot of the people who hate the G2 don't actually have any experience with them. I own a very early frame, two easy open frames and one G2. I don't find the G2 the prettiest, but it's the first one I grab if I'm serious about the hunt. I have zero complaint with it and I think I'm as quality conscious as the next guy. Guess this is what makes horse races!

KYODE · « **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2004, 01:56:12 AM »

i gotta go with keith, and the mayor also. absolutely love the G2!
i have 4 old model frames(all easy open), and they are great. i don't expect to get rid of those old models, but i think the G2 has found a home also. like the mayor, the G2/30-30AI is the one i'm gonna grab when it's time to hit the deer woods. the grip feels great, opens super easily, and i modified the factory trigger to a very light pull.
only thing they missed on the G2 was those pretty little cougar etchings, but i don't think the deer will mind. :grin:

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2004, 03:53:54 AM »

It just means more old model frames for me!
Jim L

palgeno · « **Reply #13 on:** April 06, 2004, 07:38:22 AM »

Not so fast there,DS :grin: ----who is selling? I had two Contender frames----then got two Encore frames for different purposes---got a G2, loved it and just got a second ---now don't have to be concerned with frame stretch from those big-boomer calibers------ and I can leave some complete guns all set up and scopes zeroed for different loads on hunting trips----- :shock: -I AIN'T SELLIN!!!!!!! pg

Bullseye · « **Reply #14 on:** April 06, 2004, 07:57:08 AM »

Why does everyone assume the G2 is stronger? That has never been stated by T/C and as far as I know it is not available in any hotter caliber by the factory or custom.

KYODE · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2004, 10:21:54 AM »

thats the purpose of those unsightly little gussets on each side of the encore, and new G2 contender. to add strength. i think that would probably be stated by TC. they can't add any more powerful chamberings than the original contender can permit, but there's the encore to handle those.
there are a few borderline chamberings out there. the 30-30AI may be one of them, but TC has made it in a special run of factory barrels. the 250 savage has, and may still be chambered in the contender as custom. i also seen a 6br contender from SSK last summer, as i'm sure there are many others out there.
i would feel more comfortable with a stronger G2 while using a "borderline" caliber, but one still would have to use safe loading methods to remain inside the pressure design of the contender, and shouldn't "hot rod" it above that level.
don't know if i make much sense, but just my opinions.

Bullseye · « **Reply #16 on:** April 06, 2004, 01:26:46 PM »

I am not trying to argue this point folks, but let me tell you my concern. A lot of posts are making reference to the G2 being stronger, and as Chris said T/C has never said that and I am sure never will. Just because it has gussets on the side does not make it stronger, maybe the surrounding metal is thinner and the gussets just get it back to its old strength. Any frame stretching would also involve the hinge pin, is that any stronger? As I said I do not want to argue the point, just point out this concern of mine which is....

Some Contender owner has an old Contender in say a 45-70 and has kept his loads safe. He now buys a G2 and since he has read on forums that it is stronger he nows moves up to the next section in the reloading manual. Will the gun hold together? Who knows. Until there is some independent testing to find its limits (TC will never admit to it being stronger because of the barrel switch issue) we should not ASSUME that it is because it has a rib or for whatever other reason. Someone might just get the wrong idea and hurt themself. I was taught a long time ago not to assume because we all know what it makes out of you and me, this is true for sure when bodily damage is at stake.

Bullseye · « **Reply #17 on:** April 06, 2004, 01:49:57 PM »

Just saw a post in the T/C Rifle Section of this forum where a poster stated the G2 is 150% stronger than the old Contender. That would probably meant that we could shoot anything the Encore could shoot and bigger in a G2. NOW WE KNOW THAT IS NOT TRUE.

See my concern, and I am sure it would have to be T/C's concern to.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #18 on:** April 06, 2004, 08:04:29 PM »

T/C barrel maker (who shall remain nameless) said the G2 is no stronger than the older Contender frames. It may have the ribs but the rest of the frame measurments are simular and if the gun don't streach in one place it will in another. Its just a different klooking frame no stronger or weaker than the Contender but without all the adjustments of the Contender frame. The more I read and hear about the G2 the less i want one and I never wanted one in the first place! Sorry you guys can have all the G2 frames me I will stick to the tried and true Contender.
Jim L
after all I have 3 of them!

Keith L · « **Reply #19 on:** April 06, 2004, 08:34:14 PM »

So now we know your preference in frames and barrel lengths. What is next? Do we need to know what chamberings are good and no good in your opinion?

Thing is all are good. I like all Contenders and I am happy you like yours. Further I could care less that you don't like my choice.

Kinda looks like you are trying to start a fight. That would make you a troll.

And I have three of em also, so I know as well.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #20 on:** April 07, 2004, 04:41:24 AM »

I am just expressing mu opinions about what I LIKE not what anybody else should buy. I thought this was a talk forum and i expressed my opinion. No I don't care for the G2 I consider it a lawered redesign of the origional thats my opinion and it has little to nothing to do with weither you like yours if you do great tell us about it. As to my personal barrel length and caliber preferences so what its what I like not what you should buy. I am not particularly happy with the way T/C is going thes days I suspect they are trying to distanc themselves from the Contender and any perseived libabilitys. My opinion. Please do not call or infer I am a troll as nothing could be firther fron the truth. these are my perisonal opinions about what I likw about one of my favorite guns and firing systems the Contender. Lets face what matter does the origional barel length matter for $100 or less any gunmith can make as short as you would prefer. I like 10 inchers and have a weakness for the snubbies the 6.5s they look cool and make the gun very handy. again my opinion.
Since I am home 24/7 most days due to my disability I would be glad to discuss this or calibers with you any time as a matter of fact I would enjoy it. I talk to to few humans as it is. So let the discussion continue!
Jim L