The T/C Contender & Encore FAQ - GMP

Have you ever wondered why the Thompson/Center Contender and Encore have such a devoted following? In this episode, Roy Huntington explains the incredible utility and versatility of these singular guns.
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[@grahampark534]

Apparently SSK firearms are now making new contender frames called SSK 50, that is compatible with all existing contender barrels out there. I have not seen one in the flesh but could be a great story for you guys

[@fmgpubs]

They are, indeed, Graham. The president of the collector’s association is going to set me up with one I think. We’ll report back. Roy

[@kenore4003]

J. D. Jones has been involved building wildcat cartridges for Contenders. He developed wildcats based on the .225 Winchester case and the .444 Marlin. Personally I have barrels from. 22 Long rifle through .45 Winchester Mag. From mouse to moose.

[@shaunsian4784]

I just picked up a Thompson Center Contender Super 14 in 375 JDJ for deer hunting.

[@kenore4003]

He developed that round for heavy, dangerous African game up to elephants. Using it on deer is well within its range. At least if you happen to miss you can get it with the muzzle blast. Or possibly drop a whole forest on it.😂

[@mikeswedin5388]

I've had a contender since 1983 and I love it got seven barrels

[@shawnwood4317]

Great idea about Ruger buying TC. It seems its a better partnership. Kinda like a compliment the old Ruger No. 1

[@fmgpubs]

Wouldn’t that be great! So far though, S&W has made no move to sell off the TC brand. The tooling, etc. for the original TC is pretty much gone so Ruger would really just be buying the name. But the new SSK Contender frame is excellent and there are plenty of after-market barrels (and lots of TC barrels available on eBay, etc.) so if you want a Contender, you get get one. Www.hausofarms.com as the frames. Roy

[@craigbitzer7211]

I've shot the contender, in many different calibers, for most of 30 years. It was my main choice in metallic silhouette competition also. I love them!

[@BraskHouseConcerts]

I had one in .221 fireball. ❤ fast accurate. Great ground squirrel getter.

[@fmgpubs]

Agreed. It’s unique, and great fun to load and to shoot. Roy

[@richardfassett9755]

I have three Contenders. A 22l/r , a ported 44mag. And a 30 Herrret complete with loading dies. I think Ruger should buy the brand. I think they would it justice. Love them. Great video guys. Keep up the good work

[@fmgpubs]

Boy howdy, that’d be a perfect match with Ruger. Roy

[@bullgravy6906]

Wow that’d be amazing. They have nailed it with Marlin, and with the Ruger 1 knowledge they could probably put together something just outrageously strong and beautiful.

[@normanmallory2055]

You are correct! It would be great for Ruger to take on T/C ! Great system it is !

[@philippiscatella7816]

I have one of the originals, purchased it with the 357 Remington Max 10 inch barrel. Eventually added a 44 mag barrel, a .22 long rifle barrel, and a 35 Remington 14 inch hunter barrel. Used the 357 Remington Max and the .22 long rifle barrels for IMSHA matches when they were still around. The 35 Remington was used in the deer woods.

[@fmgpubs]

That .35 Rem. would be a perfect caliber, and that .357 Maximum. I haver a friend with a carbine in .357 Max. he uses for kids to deer hunt. Low recoil but still effective. Roy

[@JuanitaHuro]

Best video on T/C product that I have seen so far, and Ithanks. J J Huro

[@fmgpubs]

Thanks for your kind words! I’ve also written my next Insider column in American Handgunner about shooting a .22 LR and .22 Magnum barrel at 100 yards. It’ll be out soon. Roy

[@SafetySal]

I love my encore .30-06 pistol.

[@fmgpubs]

Not much you can’t do with that! Roy

[@Wyoming_Gramps]

I was like Brent and saw no good use for these. Roy has made some mighty strong arguments for them. Good information. Thanks.

[@fmgpubs]

They’re great fun. I’d start with a .22 barrel. You’ll be hooked! Roy

[@normanmallory2055]

I’ve fired T/C all my life , my brother had two of them all his shooting career since 68 ! I’m late into the single shot pistol game even though I like and own Ruger no.1 and Browning 78 !! My first one was 2008 ! It took off for me understanding it will be fired off a bench or rest including Bog Pod ! Okie dokie time to hunt , 5 deer later and one fine black bear ! All my life I’ve used rifles to hunt with and also handguns ! Even through it’s a single shot handgun with a scope and 14” barrel , that’s a big package so carrying it afield is a sling or chest holster ! I just solved issues as I went ! Was it worth it ? For me , I’d say yes !

[@richardfassett9755]

Plus they are steel and wood. Old school!!

[@douglasbaily9566]

Thanks for another great episode! Kudos to Roy for having the courage to discuss $$$ related to Contenders so close to his wife's studio. I got introduced to the platform in the mid-80's while competing in IHMSA with a Dan Wesson 15-2 in 357 and a 10" barrel. The old guys, now my age, had a variety of crazy calibers in Contenders and XP-100's; essentially SBR's as Roy mentioned. Thanks to you both!

[@fmgpubs]

Shhh … I don’t think she was listening … I lilke the SBR comparison, because you’re right. My Encore in .308 can do sub-1” at 100 with the right ammo. If I told you what it can do at 200 nobody would believe me! Roy

[@jamesshepherd]

No mention of the Contender Carbine. I have one that does most of my woods hunting. All the advantages of the pistol ! (I have two frames, one dedicated to pistol, the other fork rifle,l to avoid having to change the stock, and confusing ATF...) S&W committed a crime against humanity by killing off T/C !

[@fmgpubs]

I do love the carbines. I just didn’t have time on the show to cover everything. I also like their black powder rifles and only recently scored a minty Hawken .50. Roy

[@jamesshepherd]

Roy, save the topics ! 😎@@fmgpubs

[@georgeclarke4235]

I’ve owned a t/c contender since 1978. Have owned, 22 hornet, 223, 6.5 tcu, 7 tcu, 7x30 waters, 30 herrett, 30/30, 357 herrett, 35 Remington, 375 Winchester, 44 mag, 45 win mag, and 45/70. All on the same frame. I have a second frame now, also. Got my money’s worth out of that 150 dollar puchase back in 78.

[@cmoorhead1]

I always wanted one of the TCR83 or TCR87 rifles

[@fmgpubs]

Agreed on the rifles. They are around on gunbroker but chase $1200 to $1500! Roy

[@marklarsen4424]

I wanted one back in the 80's, but I was in high school and couldn't afford them. Now I have three frames, all from the 80's. As for barrel, SSK and Match Grade Machine will make very custom stuff!

[@fmgpubs]

As you say, Mark, there’s still decent support today. I go to Haus of Arms (www.hausofarms.com) and they have great service, and a long list of barrels, stocks and such. Nice people. Tell Marty there I sent you. Roy

[@philirwin2028]

I have contender and ssk-50 frames. Also 5 barrels. Love mine.

[@fmgpubs]

Not surprised Phil. They are nicely done for sure. Watch for a Guns magazine cover article on one I just finished up. Roy

[@edfranz4710]

Been thinking about one of these for a while. Thanks Roy, you pushed me over the edge! Now I need one one and a few barrels as well. I am sure my wife will thank you too! LOL

[@fmgpubs]

You’ll enjoy it Ed. I heartily recommend a gen 1 or 2 contender and start with a .22 LR barrel. Then simply add any other calibers you enjoy. A .38/.357 is handy and fun, but they had 9mm, .45 ACP (a bit rare) and just about anything else. EBay is a great place to shop for barrels, stock sets, etc. Roy

[@Fire_And_Iron]

I had a couple back in the day… I wish I still had them!

[@smitty6518]

Love mine. 30-30, 22 lr and 22 hornet.

[@fmgpubs]

You’ve about got things covered with those calibers! Roy

[@PeterDawson-f5z]

I'm surprised Roy didn't mention the most unusual barrel for the TC. Chambered in .45 Colt and .410 shotgun. It has a screw on choke that has deep parallel grooves designed to stop the spin imparted on the shot by the rifled barrel. They also did a similarly equipped .357barrel

[@fmgpubs]

I have a .45 Colt “Hotshot” barrel, but the ammo is impossible to find today and is expensive when you do. It was popular for a while, but the Feds kept making noises like it was a “short barreled shotgun” so that’s why TC stopped production. Roy

[@bobthenai1er]

Ssk is making new Contender frames I wish someone would start making Encore frames

[@fmgpubs]

Yup, check out a soon-to-be Guns Magazine cover story on the new SSK Contender frame. I got one, along with a custom stock, .360 Buckhammer barrel and .222 Remington barrel. Very nice set-ups. Roy

[@davetroendle4785]

The thing I like about this platform is the trigger pull doesn’t change. It alway the same whatever barrel you have installed.

[@fmgpubs]

Indeed. Makes perfect sense! Roy

[@SafetySal]

My encore is the only gun I want to hunt with. I took my encore muzzleloader to Africa. It was totally amazing!

[@fmgpubs]

What a great trip that must have been. We’ve done Africa a few times and a muzzle loader would have been very interesting, indeed! I just picked up a TC Hawken in .50. Roy

[@oldtanker4860]

It was a great boon for the folks doing silhouette competition. I had one with 2 barrels but they were for rifle class cartridges and only about 8 to 10 inches long. Big flash and big boom. Great for long range but the barrels got too expensive. I could buy a CZ 22 lr rifle cheaper than turning it into a 22 single shot. I ended up trading it for a revolver.

[@fmgpubs]

Bet you wish you still had it though! Roy

[@oldtanker4860]

Nope, It was a safe queen for many years. It was last July when I finally traded it. Like I said, wasn't fun for me to shoot and I didn't do silhouette any more. I have nothing against the system, it just didn't work for me after things got pricey.

[@gordonnash6230]

Roy, may I suggest .375 Winchester for Brent if he is serious about an Encore. I live in Indiana and it is one heck of a cartridge for white tail. I have found that it shoots tighter groups than it does from the 94 Winchester Big Bores that were so popular for a few short years. The only thing is finding large rifle primers in Indiana is like finding mushrooms in July.☹

[@fmgpubs]

Makes perfect sense. I have a .30-30 barrel and that damn thing will shoot 1” or so at 100. The guns are always amazing! Roy

[@grundymallory1480]

Thats funny I have the 45..70

[@fmgpubs]

I always wanted a .45-70 but the .308 Encore I have kicks pretty good so I figured I’ll just avoid the .45-70 … at least for now. Roy

[@grundymallory1480]

@@fmgpubs it does have a kick lol

[@markburke2533]

.223? Sub 1/2 inch for sure. 30 -30 is a good contender caliber.

[@fmgpubs]

Both barrels make a good, well-rounded line-up for a Contender. Adding a couple of pistol calibers just makes it even better. I recently found a .32-20 barrel and snapped it up to go with a single shot rifle I have. Roy

[@williamloney9584]

Great review. Big tc fan. How about a review of the rifle bbls available as well

[@fmgpubs]

Bill, I don’t have an Encore rifle but now I may need to get one! Thanks for your kind words. Roy

[@ExSoldier762]

I’ve always wanted either a Contender or Encore carbine with barrels in .308, .30-30 and .22WMR. I just never got around to it. Too busy acquiring other stuff.

[@fmgpubs]

Funny how that happens …. Roy

[@normanmallory2055]

I became a late owner in 2008 with my first Contender ! I’ve fired them all my life as friends own them ! My first barrel was in 30 Herrett and a month making brass from 30-30 cases and I was ready to test loads ! (That went on for 4 months ) Actually it became my first Blacktail deer gun that season and my first buck fell that season using it ! Best groups @200 yards it would produce was 2”7/8”! It’s not a firearm that’s an easy sell , you almost have to pay someone to take it ! That’s risk ! But I added more barrels knowing they would probably go to my grave with me 😂 If it’s a wildcat ctg oh yah you won’t be able to give that away but I did it anyway and I’m really glad I got the calibers I did ! It’s enjoyable to shoot I think either from the bench or a Bog-Pod when I’m out hunting !!

[@fmgpubs]

Norm, I agree with you completely. It’s a tough sell, but once you buy one, you get it. Roy

[@normanmallory2055]

@@fmgpubsRoy that’s very true ! That was my thoughts too !! but after a lot of ctg research in 6mm area and I settled on the 6mm TCU!! Being a wildcat ctg I’m sure they will lay it next to my body in my grave ! But I don’t care about resale value that’s not why I bought it ! But I gotta tell you , it’s super accurate and I’ve had so much fun @200-300 yards ! I plan to hunt deer using that ctg !

[@fmgpubs]

@@normanmallory2055 A perfect cartridge for that gun! Roy

[@MisterTengu]

I want one because of the Cowboy Bebop episode "sympathy for the devil" That show is why I picked up a Jericho.

[@georgegeller1902]

Encore is only centerfire, no rimfire. I like my 2000 production Contender, but I wish it had a better trigger.

[@chriscosby2459]

I had a TC Contender in .223, 6.5 TCU, and 44 Mag. I regret selling it about 25 years ago. The prices of TC Contender and Encores have already gone sky high. I still plan on getting an Encore in 22-250 and 25-06.

[@fmgpubs]

Just do it, Chris. The prices won’t be going down! Roy

[@alserna3439]

Yes sir got both contender 3030 encore 4570 just love em

[@fmgpubs]

With those two you can hunt anything! I load the 30-30 way down too for plinking and fun. Roy

[@mikeswedin5388]

They're up in Elk River Minnesota

[@woodsmn8047]

one thing that effects the accuracy is the snugness of the barrel mount pin ..if there is wobble in that fit the gun will not shoot a decent group

[@fmgpubs]

You're exactly right sir. Roy

[@charleshenson4183]

There use to be upgraded pins that fixed that.

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

Their black powder stuff was really good too. I miss that. And maxi ball bullets. Way better than the Italian stuff.

[@fmgpubs]

I had one of the synthetic stocked muzzle loaders (a .50 but shot .45 bullets in sabots). Accurate and reliable. But I’m an idiot so sold it. I did just pick up a nicely done TC Hawken rifle kit someone built (remember the kits they offered?). Roy

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

@@fmgpubs a good friend of mine had a TC Hawken. He swore by it.

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

@@fmgpubs S&W seems to want to chase the tactical crowd and ignore the hunters. I like tactical stuff too, but not everything is tactical. Even air guns have gone tactical.

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

Larry Weishuhn used one. He loved it.

[@fmgpubs]

I know Larry and he’s always great to be around. He used to write a lot about TC in the old days. I miss the old TC too .. Roy

[@shaunsian4784]

I just purchased a Thompson Center Encore that has a 14" .308 Winchester barrel and scope

[@fmgpubs]

Sounds like the one I have. Shoots like a rifle! Roy

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

I have several barrels for my frames. Off the top of my head I have 22lr, 256 Win Mag, 30 Carbine, 30-30 Win, 357 Mag (hotshot), 45-70, and .410 bore. I am surprised the Contender and Encore system is not more popular. I have thought about getting an Encore frame to shoot higher pressure calibers.

[@fmgpubs]

You have a few cool ones there. That .256 is a great cartridge and if you load it right (say, a 115 gr. Hard cast SWC) that .30 carbine is great fun! With TC being shut down by S&W a few years ago nobody is promoting the design so it’s just sort of idling along. I have an Encore in .308 and it shoots like a rifle! Roy

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

@@fmgpubs I load 87gr soft points in the 256, I have a bunch of the 60gr bullets but they are not as accurate. For the 30 Carbine I have been using Berry's 110gr bullets. I have a mold but I already cast for a bunch of more expensive calibers I don't mind buying 30 carbine bullets. I did shoot a 308 Encore before. I was amazed on how pleasant it was to shoot. I have a "project" Contender as well. It is quite interesting. At least to me.

[@fmgpubs]

@@jakeoutdoors9600 You sound like just the sort of fellow the TC was made for Jake! Roy

[@youknowit8799]

I received my first receiver from SSK a week or so ago and have a second one coming soon.

[@fmgpubs]

I just got my first one too, with .360 Buckhammer and .222 barrels and that stock from Haus of Arms with the loop at the back, I think they call it the Crusher? It works great. I’ll be doing a video soon. Roy

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

I saw one in 35 Remington. I think I might get it.

[@Soulreaver6]

Former CEO Greg Ritz has bought it back and is moving it back to New Hampshire

[@fmgpubs]

Yup. They have a good video of them picking up the parts and guns from S&W. Do a search on youtube. Roy

[@kenstory6713]

i almost sold my G2 thank God that i didn't i joined the tc collection association got my first copy of One Good Shot

[@bullgravy6906]

I just traded a pre64 for a TC Contender with a 44Mag and .223 barrel. Need to shoot but so far I’ve enjoyed just tinkering. I looked up a 32H&R Mag barrel on eBay…$750. Nope, not using eBay, for the first time ever gun shows may be the actual better deal.

[@fmgpubs]

That seems really high for that barrel. I buy ‘em on eBay all the time for fair prices. I’d keep nosing around … Roy

[@bullgravy6906]

@@fmgpubsbefore I jump into a 3rd barrel I need to shoot mine first, but I bet I like it. I’d like to get a 22 Hornet, 22lr, 222 rem, 22mag…see the trend? But keep the 44 mag barrel because I have tons of 44spl that needs to be sent down range!

[@fmgpubs]

@@bullgravy6906 I have the Hornet, 22 LR, Magnum, .222 and a .32-20 and .32 H&R. Love those small bores. Hell, I even have a .221 Fireball. Talk about silly! Roy

[@ChrisBatchelor-fz5qy]

Outdated --- Gregg Ritz and some investors in Indiana just bought T/C from S&W.

[@fmgpubs]

This was done a while ago. We’ve interviewed Greg and they’ll be more later. Roy

[@gunsnwater2668]

😂

[@Gene_Yohannan]

Okay Roy, you’ve got me desperate to have one. Now help me find it! I’ve searched high and low with no luck so far. The local stores eyes glaze over and point to CVA in 350 legend and I say uhhh no. That’s not it and it has to be 22LR 🤠 Gene Yohannan

[@fmgpubs]

Try Marty at Hausofarms.com (I think that’s the site). A nice fellow and I work with him. Tell him I sent you. Also, watch gunbroker.com as they pop up now and again. I’m getting a .222 Rem and .360 Buckhammer barrel from Marty. He’s the sole dealer for the new SSK frames. See if he has one. Simply marvelous! Let me know if I can help. Roy

[@CntBckt]

I've been considering an Encore, but have a question about the chamberings. Can they run rimfire barrels? I've seen they don't have the old switch like the Contenders, but I also see rimfire barrels for it on some of the custom barrel sites. Confusion....

[@fmgpubs]

Yup, you can flip the little lever on the hammer and go from one to the other. But it’s a bit heavy for a rimfire is you ask me. It’s why I like the Contender frames, especially for anything rimfire. Once you get beyond about the 30-30 though, the Encore rocks. My .308 Encore is a beast! Roy

[@CntBckt]

@fmgpubs It's definitely overkill for rimfire. Lol. I just wanted to know if I'd be able to switch from 460 to 17HMR without needing a second frame.

[@fmgpubs]

@@CntBckt Squirrels to Elephant on the same day … Roy

[@CntBckt]

@@fmgpubs Indeed. 😎

[@bryankilgore9729]

Who is the company making encore frames?(taking orders)

[@jamesblevins4290]

I have a Thompson encore muzzle loader change stocks out from wood to synthetic still have both excellent shape what would be worth looking to sell

[@fmgpubs]

Those were outstanding rifles. I had one and took several wild pigs with it. A .50, as I recall, but I used sabots to make it .45. Let your local gun store sell it on consignment or put it on Gunbroker.com yourself. Roy

[@jeffhutchins7048]

Don't forget the Armorloy barrels and frames that ONLY fit each other!!!!!!

[@isaaco5679]

Im one of those numbskulls who own a 45-70 encore. I agree fully with you. I had to make a custom grip for it and now it is my favorite gun to carry and plink with!

[@fmgpubs]

I like to shoot a 300 gr. Lead Flat Point at about 1100 fps out of one. It thumps but doesn’t hurt and can still wang a steel target pretty well! Roy

[@isaaco5679]

@@fmgpubs I suspect I am throwing my 312 grain paper patched bullet at roughly the same using 32 grains of 5744. Drops whitetail like steel targets. I haven't bought a chrono yet.

[@fmgpubs]

@@isaaco5679 People forget just how effective a .45-70 can be. Who needs velocity when you're pushing a 300 to 400 gr. lead flat point at 1100 to 1300 fps. As you say, I've seen that shoot clean through a Bison and a deer from front to back. Roy

[@mkshffr4936]

I think that what S&W did is criminal.

[@fmgpubs]

I'd tend to agree sir. Roy

[@josephpflug4123]

I just watched your video (2/26/24) and I was disappointed in the information you were giving. As you said in your comments SSK Ind. is making the new Contender, the SSK 50. They also make all the different barrels for it. As of right now you can only purchase the receiver through different gun supplier. I won’t mother name because I am very unhappy with the way they are selling them. But I know another supplier is coming soon. Anyways I have shot the new contender in a few different styles. Such as a .22 and a 45 cal muzzle loader. Look up SSK industry and learn more about this great gun.

[@fmgpubs]

Read the cover story I did on the SSK frame and barrel systems in the next Guns Magazine. Roy

[@kennypringle4580]

I was with you until you called those who shoot a 45-70 from these Stupid! That was a narrow and rude comment.

[@fmgpubs]

Well … being someone who has done that, I claim credit for it too. It’s just too hard on the early Contender frames and they stretch and can crack. Roy