Author Topic: T/C for handgun hunting (Read 1805 times)

pendentive · « **on:** May 03, 2004, 07:15:11 AM »

I really like the T/C line. It's just "different".... :grin:

What should I go for, in terms of handgun hunting?

I'm savin' my pennies....don't mind new or used, either. Heck, I'll even take a custom if it speaks to me.

Thanks.

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2004, 08:02:04 AM »

You are bound to get more than a few opinions on this one but here are some basics. There are Tc Encores - chambered in most all high velocity rounds suitable for hunting.......you buy a frame or complete gun as either a rifle or pistol and by changing stocks, grips and lengths of barrels you can have a rifle or pistol from the same basic frame. Make sure you have at least a 16" barrel if you have a buttstock on the frame.

Next you have the original Contender....typically chambered in rounds somewhat less powerful more on the lines of 30-30, 7-30 Waters and many others also suitable for large game albeit shorter effective range. The same fundamentals are true of the Contender....basic frame and by adding buttstock or grips and different barrel lengths you can have a rifle or pistol....the laws apply the same for length. The new G2 is compatable with the Contender in every way but the butt stock and grips....this means all the barrels for one fit the other...same chamberings. The major difference is the G2 to much easier to open, uses a similar trigger to the Encore and the grip frame angle is different.

Anyone of these can be addictive and the more you become familiar with how they work and the ease at which you can change them around the more you will get out of them. There are factory chamberings and then there are several custom houses that make barrels specifically for each in hundreds of different standard and wildcat chamberings.

You have been warned..........they grow on you !

smoky · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2004, 08:13:38 AM »

One other difference to consider between the encore and contender is that from what I have been told, the contender is about a pound lighter in weight.

I only have the encore and I love its versatility. I like the fact that it will handle different chamberings that will cover every thing from varmints to moose. In addition if you like custom quality guns, the aftermarket barrels available are at a fraction of the cost of a complete custom rifle, and many come with the same accuracy guarantees of the $5,000 custom bolt guns.

Welcome to the club

Smoky

pendentive · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2004, 08:24:55 AM »

thanks for the info, guys! That's what I like to hear....love having "options".... :grin:

MnMike · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2004, 03:41:14 PM »

I use a Contender for deer. When walking brush, swamp, and woods, I use a 45 WinMag with open fiber sights. When in more open areas I use a 7-30 Waters with a scope. I like the idea of an Encore but beyond 100 yards, I am the problem. With a pistol, I wouldn't feel confident in trying the shot.

mike

pendentive · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2004, 04:31:13 PM »

Why no scope "in the bush"? don't need it?

whitfang · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2004, 05:19:39 PM »

In the bush, target aquisition (for me) is more of a problem with a scope.

Has anybody tried one of the "heads up display" sights on an Encore pistol? These are like a red-dot sight, but instead of a tube, there's just a round screen with the dot projected on it. Bushnell makes one called the Holosight. The heads-up arrangement looks like the solution to target aquisition but they are expen$ive.

freddogs · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2004, 08:12:28 AM »

I like using my 7x30 contender for hunting I can shoot it accurately most of the time. The big thing is a steady rest. I've shot several deer and an antelope with it. I took it elk hunting also but had no opportunity to use it. You seldom need more than a 2x scope for hunting. I like looking for used stuff. I found a 375 winchester barrel that should work great for an elk, bear, deer round for $100. The new G2 sounds nice because you can recock it without cracking the gun open.

pendentive · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2004, 08:18:56 AM »

when you're out hunting with your Contender/Encore/G2.....are you two-handing it?

How's the recoil?

How "front heavy" is it? (comp. to S&W 500 Magnum)

Captainkev · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2004, 09:08:58 AM »

I have an Encore Handgun and find it well balanced, not too barrel heavy.
A one handed shot would not be recomended although it is possible.
A 2 handed grip would be much more accurate, and if your taking a shot of any distance, a well stuffed day pack will give you virtually Sand Bag accuracy in the field.

Kevin

pendentive · « **Reply #10 on:** May 04, 2004, 09:13:20 AM »

where's the second hand go? under the barrel or your other hand?

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2004, 09:43:59 AM »

I have 3 Contender frames No G2s nor any Encoese. I can hunt ANY critter in the contintal US and Canada with the Contender and the cartridges avaiable for it including the 375 JDJ, 444 Marlin, and the venerable 45/70. also the smaller game like deer elk and moose can be handled by any of the above anf smaller calibers are avaiable for mediun game like the 30-30, 7-30 waters, 7mm tcu, 35 remington, and 357 maximum. Of course there are the basic boomers the 357,41,44 magnums and the hot loaded 45 colt. For varmits there is the 22 hornet and the 223 remington among others like the 32/20 and 32 magnum. Lots of calibers are avaiable from both T/C custom as well as a variety of custom houses. Thus there is no critter in the entire world you can't hunt with a chromed or stainless Contender or even a blus one if you take care of its finish. Either way the Contender can do it all and I find no need for the others. I don't much like the redesign of the G2 and the Encore makes a better rifle as its weight is a bit much for a handgun.
JMHO
Jim L

pendentive · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2004, 10:02:35 AM »

how hard is it to switch barrels on the contender, or the G2?

whitfang · « **Reply #13 on:** May 04, 2004, 10:46:45 AM »

I usually put my left hand under my right hand for support. You can't really hold an Encore pistol like a rifle because you'd have to bend your right arm - and the recoil could put the gun into your face. Also, if using a scope, that stance would mess up your eye-to-scope distance. Keep your right arm straight (and locked) and put your left hand under your right hand for support.

Also, you can use a 'Hoosier bipod'. When ground hunting, I'll cut a forked stick and use it from a sitting position for support. You can buy bipods or monopods made for this purpose.

Jim M · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2004, 01:10:18 PM »

I used to put my left hand under the grip as a support but when I started shooting my 44 mag barrel i changed my left hand to grip my right wrist. The recoil would make my left palm black and blue. i love my 44 mag for hunting and it is as accurate as I can hold it.

Captainkev · « **Reply #15 on:** May 04, 2004, 01:58:01 PM »

If I am shooting off any kind of rest, which is my prefered method, ie: shooting sticks, tripod, rock or branch, I rest my off hand on top of the scope. Personally I have found that resting the off-hand under the fore end can cause a bit of extra movement that can affect acuracy.
This works well for me whether shooting the 223,308, or 376.
Kevin

crawfish · « **Reply #16 on:** May 04, 2004, 02:26:09 PM »

To change barrels usually takes only one or two screws (depending on the length of the barrel) to remove the forend, push out the pivot pin, put on the new barrel push in the pivot pin remount the forend. About 5 mins your first few times, eyes closed and fast after that. As they say "easy as pie".

MnMike · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2004, 02:46:03 PM »

Two answers:

No scope in the brush - Longest shot is 25yds, fast target aquisition, 10" no scope is handier to carry - we got nasty brush.

When changing barrels on a tight contender it is nice to have a short piece of dowel to tap out the pin.

regards
mike

Ladobe · « **Reply #18 on:** May 06, 2004, 04:12:30 AM »

Contenderitis. Started handgun hunting big game with my Contenders in 1969, hunting everything else a couple of years later with them. Have had just about every handgun barrel TC offered at one time or another, several of their carbines and dozens of custom wildcat barrels. Dumped all my Encores four years ago and didn't give up anything but carry weight. Shooting 99.9% wildcats on the original Contenders now days and won't look back. Contenderitis = NO CURE! :wink:

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #19 on:** May 06, 2004, 06:40:46 PM »

I have to disagree a little bit, there is indeed a cure for Contenderits, SHOOTING CONTENDERS and COLLECTING BARRELS, and it is pure enjoyment.

My first Contender came into my possession in 1982, and there have been many since then. The one Contender Barrel I will not be without again is a Super 14 Match Grade .22 LR. This barrel is pure fun, and as accurate as any Rimfire Rifle I have ever had. I shoot Rimfire Bench Rest at a local club with my .22 LR Contender competing against the Rifle Shooters. No I haven't taken first place yet, the best finish so far with the Contender Handgun (against the Rifles) was 3rd place.

I am awaiting the arrival of a new 6mm T/CU Contender Barrel. This will be a Stainless-Steel Custom Job, and I plan on using it for Varmints, Coyotes and Whitetail Deer. I've also got my heart set on a Super 14 7-30 Waters in the not to distant future. I figure with these 3 barrels I can hunt about anything I want to hunt in this part of the country.

Contender vs Encore. I have never owned an Encore, but have shot a few. Personally I like the feel of the Contender much better. The Contender is also a slightly more compact, lighter weight package. Choosing between the two is a personal thing, and I guess the bottom line is old habits die hard for some of us.

SD Handgunner

pendentive · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2004, 05:34:14 AM »

really have my interest peaked now, guys.

contender sounds like the way to go. what's it take to get a collection started? how much to keep it going?

Should I start by selling my car?

K2 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2004, 06:18:29 AM »

Right on SD

a .22rf barrel (even the old octogan 10 inchers) will have you shooting the gun a whole lot more than any others and more trigger time turns you into a better shot.

Whatever other calibers are added should be sized for what the person intends to do with the pistol. In general it is hard to go wrong with just about any of them and all should know the gun/shooter/cartridge limitations and tehn things will be fine!

Quote from: SD Handgunner

I have to disagree a little bit, there is indeed a cure for Contenderits, SHOOTING CONTENDERS and COLLECTING BARRELS, and it is pure enjoyment.

My first Contender came into my possession in 1982, and there have been many since then. The one Contender Barrel I will not be without again is a Super 14 Match Grade .22 LR. This barrel is pure fun, and as accurate as any Rimfire Rifle I have ever had. I shoot Rimfire Bench Rest at a local club with my .22 LR Contender competing against the Rifle Shooters. No I haven't taken first place yet, the best finish so far with the Contender Handgun (against the Rifles) was 3rd place.

I am awaiting the arrival of a new 6mm T/CU Contender Barrel. This will be a Stainless-Steel Custom Job, and I plan on using it for Varmints, Coyotes and Whitetail Deer. I've also got my heart set on a Super 14 7-30 Waters in the not to distant future. I figure with these 3 barrels I can hunt about anything I want to hunt in this part of the country.

Contender vs Encore. I have never owned an Encore, but have shot a few. Personally I like the feel of the Contender much better. The Contender is also a slightly more compact, lighter weight package. Choosing between the two is a personal thing, and I guess the bottom line is old habits die hard for some of us.

SD Handgunner

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2004, 11:13:37 AM »

Like I stated in my previous post, we all have our likes and dislikes in regards to our Hunting Handguns. I stated I like the feel and weight of the Contender better than an Encore, that's just my preference. I also happen to prefer Stainless-Steel.

Here is a photo of my SS Super 14 Contender with it's Match Grade .22 LR Barrel, and 3x12x Burris LER Handgun Scope.

While I like the feel of T/C's Rynite Grip, I do not like the shape or looks of T/C's Rynite Super 14 Forend. As such I had a gunsmith buddy of mine remodel a T/C Super 16 Rynite Forend so it now fits on my Super 14 Contender Barrels.

Like I stated above, we all have different likes and dislikes. However this is the way I prefer my Contenders to be set up.

SD Handgunner

Lone Star · « **Reply #23 on:** May 08, 2004, 08:31:07 AM »

I've used my three Contender frames for over 27 years hunting big game in Alaska and Texas, along wtih more IHMSA silhouette matches than I care to count. For me it is the ultimate SS hunting handgun, and I've tried my XP-100, Encore, etc. The advantage is the smaller size and lighter weight...it is simply easier to carry when hunting. The others are certainly excellent handguns, just not my cup of tea - varming hiunting is something different.

I use a scope exclusively when hunting, and my favorite is a 4X. This works surprisingly well close up and out to 200+ yards as long as the hunter is familiar with it. I don't use my 2X scopes anymore as I feel handicapped; the closest deer I've taken was under 10 yards away so it is possible to shoot well at close range with a 4X....

IMO only amateurs shoot a scoped T/C with one hand; the pistol is just too heavy in hunting trim and no one can shoot it as well with one hand. I always place the second hand under the barrel, gripping the forend. This is simply more accurate, and there is no problem hitting yourself in the face with this technique; even JD Jones uses it when firing his HandCannons. Grip the forend firmly and it helps keep the rise in recoil down and absorbs a lot of recoil.

Barrels are easy to change and if you have the tools handy it takes less than two minutes. Chamberings suitable for deer include the 7-30 Waters, .30-30, .357 Maximium, .35 Remington, .41 and .44 Magnum and the .45-70 in factory barrels. Custom tubes allow almost anything practical. My favorite is the .300 Savage, firing a 150 BTip at ca. 2400 fps. Recoil is not bad, accuracy is unbelieveble, and it kills well from 10 yards to over 200 yards. I've used many chamberings, and the .35 Remington and .45LC are the others I use most. Still, at one time I held the world handgun record Sitka Blacktail, taken with a .25 Bullberry; very little recoil and extreme accuracy. Any reasonable cartridge will do. Range is limited by the shooter, almost never by the cartridge.

pendentive · « **Reply #24 on:** May 08, 2004, 12:41:45 PM »

dumb question = is a G2 also a contender?

Keith L · « **Reply #25 on:** May 08, 2004, 01:21:04 PM »

Quote from: pendentive

dumb question = is a G2 also a contender?

G2 stands for "Generation 2" Contender, and was designed to use most of the original Contender options. The exceptions are grips and buttstocks, and now we find out that barrels with some of the early style iron sights don't fit.

I think that G2s are very much Contenders. They are evolved to meet current market needs and style. Traditionalists may disagree. That is their right.

pendentive · « **Reply #26 on:** May 08, 2004, 04:05:32 PM »

Where's a good place to start "accumulating" parts, barrels, etc.?

sgtt · « **Reply #27 on:** May 08, 2004, 08:01:57 PM »

Ed's, here, and occasionally ebay.

pendentive · « **Reply #28 on:** May 09, 2004, 03:37:44 AM »

shameful question....who's Ed?

like2shoot · « **Reply #29 on:** May 09, 2004, 05:48:52 AM »

Go to the home page on this site. Look for the sponsors. Look for Eds TCs. Good reputation.