quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
Yes they are...and the market for them is strong. I still use them, albeit now in rifle format -- something you could consider since revolvers have your handgun hunting covered.


This snapshot was actually taken earlier today:

quote:

Originally posted by DidIFire5or6:
Of course Contenders are still being used! These bbl's & frames were created by God, so JD Jones & Mike Bellm could be born, along with others who were crack shot, master gunsmiths, & ballisticians, all rolled into 1: who would go on to create a 1.5 lb target trigger pull by just changing a spring, variable magnification pistol scopes that had to see from 25-300 yds, and amazing wildcat cartidges that would group their caliber @ 100 yds, who so changed the accuracy, reach, and poewr of that platform, additionally with precise headspace and reloading protocols that changed their reloading over night. These amazing wildcats could drop anything that walks the earth with 1 shot, out to 300 yds, awhile creating the slowest, sweetest, straight back, recoil push into your hand, that would not destroy your nervous system, your extremities, and your hearing, and... could be comfortably slung all day, could flip into action on a dime, and lastly...with a Harris Bipod attached behind the front sight, created that bench rest shooting position at the range, where you wouldn't question that 1 hole load you just worked up in minimal time....The reloads were good, season to season, as it only took 3 rounds before the next season, to convince myself they were still hitting where they always did!

TC was a most incredible Company throughout their history. Back in the 80's my original frame that I had just customized, stretched the round pin hole in the frame from shooting 3 of JD Jones's very hot, Super Blackhawk only, heavy cast 44 Mag loads in the Contender. On the 3rd shot, the frame opened by itself, & ejected the case! (I thought the frame wasn't fully locked and fired a 4th round, that hit me in the head when it opened!.. DUH!

TC was kind enough to replace the frame at N/C, and so thoughtfully, removed my custom trigger,& hammer,(that I gunsmithed), along with Mike Bellm's incredible trigger spring, and installed them into the new frame for me! Liability issues weren't issues back then, as TC was obviously impressed with & approved of my work on their trigger & hammer,(and MB's spring replacement). We also spoke often of my many TC wildcats, as we were writing the reloading books as they were loaded! So I guess the relationship that existed, helped, too!
Is there a such thing as relationships with Firearm MFG'ers today?

That replacement frame, remains in NIB condition, and is still proud to date and mate with the following:
1. 358 JDJ, 14", using a 35 Rem TC bbl that JD rechambered, & TSOB'd, (which it really didn't need). This started my wildcat fantasy with this platform!
2. 308 Bellm, in a 14" SS bbl. It was a TC 30 Herrit bbl bought specifically to rechamber.
3. 308 Bellm, in a SS Contender Carbine bbl, that Mike rechambered to match the chamber of the 14" bbl he did. That blonde tiger maple thumbhole stock & forend, that was popular at the time completed the package.
4. 222 RMAI, also done by Mile Bellm, on a 14" 223 TC bbl that was horribly innacurate. I couldn't wait to send it to Mike; it produced 22-250 ballistics, with match accuracy!
5. A 7-30 waters bbl came before the 308's; it never goy the AI chamber after the 308B came along, and was retired.It took many deer at 50-125 yds, w/ Sierra SSP bullets
6. 10" TC bbls in .22RF,and their "collectors" 44 Mag with the choke, are also retired. The 22 was very inaccurate, & the 44 caused the "auto ejecting modification" & the "stretch marks."
7. A custom Hendrick, Texas Contender, 410 Gauge bbl, vent rib, dot sights, with his custom matching, figured walnut forearm. Some very unsporting dude ebayed the beautiful matching shoulder stock, before the bbl went to me, and refused to then sell it to me afterward. Shame on Him, 20+ years ago!..Hey, you still out there with my stock?...

Didn't mean to write a love story, but couldn't help it. These calibers took many deer, caribou, and elk over the year. They require no maintenance whatsoever, hit to the same point of impact year after year. With a cartridge holder on your wrist, and 2 rounds between your fingers as it supports the forend, it's as fast as a bolt action (if repeated shots are occasionally necessary), but it does make you a very confident 1 shot kill, marksman/ hunter out of you!
My 454 Casull,w/SSK hot loads is a major OUCH when attempting to work up loads. My SSK hot loaded 44 Ruger SBH, a toy compared to the 454 with its SSK hot loads, is still an OUCH! My massive 10", scoped, 475 Wildy, with recoil like a 22 compared to the other 2, is great to hunt with; but these are never my 1st choice when November rolls around. I've had them as long as the TC, but the TC is my main squeeze every time!

quote:

Originally posted by df06:
I have been in and out of them more than once. I am currently out and will stay out. Never could get great accuracy. It wasn't terrible, just not as good as I wanted. Had several MGM barrels and they were the best I ever owned.
And I liked the G2 frames better than the older ones.

quote:

Originally posted by df06:

quote:

Originally posted by df06:
I have been in and out of them more than once. I am currently out and will stay out. Never could get great accuracy. It wasn't terrible, just not as good as I wanted. Had several MGM barrels and they were the best I ever owned.
And I liked the G2 frames better than the older ones.

I lied.
I am back in with a G2 frame and MGM 20 AH barrel at 22"
Have not shot it a lot but is a 1" combination and should work good on prairie dogs.