Hello

I found this forum about 2 weeks ago. I have been hanging out and reading about big bores.

So I came across this neet sub forum on single shot pistols. We'll a have a TC that I had built in the late 70's by Vern Juenke. Back then Vern thought the 218 was a neet little cartridge as a mutual friend had one also. I had Vern build this. The gun is the most accurate one I own capable of one ragged hole with 3 shots at 50 yards.

Vern put a custom pivot pin in the gun and the gun locks like a bank vault. Back then I shot IMR 4227 which works great in the bee.

Just thought I would post a pic. If anybody has some of Vern's TC pistols I would like to see some pics.

Thanks
Roger

Okay, just wondering what the brass appendage is on the end of the barrel??

What kind of velocities are you getting and with what bullets??

Best bullet, Brass, powder and primer combo has worked out best??

I like the old Contenders but alas, I have sold all of mine (.22 LR, .22 Hornet, .223, 7X30 Waters and .375 JDJ) and purchased an Encore. I regret selling EVERY SINGLE gun I have sold!!

Monty,

Vern put a brass weight on the gun. The only reason I can fiqure was to reduce recoil muzzle jump.

I must confess I haven't shot it for years (5-7) I believe I used the IMR load in Hornandys #3 manual 40 gr bullet with 12gr 4227. but check for verification please. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Even though I don't shoot it now my heirs will fight over it. As these guns I bought in my earlier years I will always keep. Thanks for your reply.

FAST996

Vern built 4 IHMSA Silhouette pistols for me back in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
A 22LR, 6x47, 270VJL, and 270VJR.

The 6x47 was one of the most accurate firearms I’ve ever owned. It would average between .4 and .5 MOA at 100 meters for 5 X 5 shot groups. Only my BR rifles and a few other select bolt actions were more accurate.

The 270VJL and 6x47 were based on the Rem 222 Mag case and the 270VJR was derived from the RWS 5.56x50R.

Landy

PS: I have some pics, but don't see how to post them.

Hi Landy

One thing about Vern's conversion was how tight the action would be. When I first got the pistol back, I went shooting with some reloads. I would not put a crimp on the bullet and if I was'nt careful closing that action it would pull the bullet. I would have to whack the tang on the gun to open her up and I mean whack.

To post pictures. W'ell I'll give it a try. When you hit the reply button at the top you will see a blue line of to do things. 2nd in from the right is the image code. Save your image address in the editor. Your saved picture address should be from photobucket or the like. Hit the image icon(2nd from the right),then paste the address from your editor,then hit the image icon again.should look like this:

img address img

Hope that helps.

Gary

Wasn't able to post direct, so provided links to Photobucket.

Landy

Landy

That is a beauty.What barrel did Vern use? I really like these original style contendors. If I could have afforded it. I should have had Vern make me one in a 30 cal.

Gary

Hi to you Gary

Apparently I was trying to post the pics while you were posting a reply. When I got back here I saw your post and my pics. I still don't know what I did wrong the first time, but I have pics displayed now.

The VJ's were popular in the southwest back in the hay days of pistol silhouette and were competitive with most of the XP-100 conversions.

I'm pretty sure Vern no longer builds or rebarrels these any more. I haven't talked to him in over 20 years, but I have a friend who has purchased several used VJ's(Including 2 of mine)and he has had a coversation with him recently.

Landy

wow, very nice.

Gary

The pics include 3 different VJ's. Vern used Shilen Select Match barrels and the stub barrel system for rebarreling.

I think I paid in the $700 to $900 for these, which back then was a small fortune.

My friend who has talked to Vern said Vern has a couple that he kept and wants about $2,500 ea for them.

Landy

PS: This is like having a phone conversation with a time lag. Every time I come back from posting, I see you've posted while I'm posting.

Landy,

I think I had about $500 to $600 wrapped up in mine. This 218 was just a hoot to shoot. I used to get a can of florescent paint and mark rocks. Then see how small I could make them. In Nevada we have way too many rocks.

I have'nt ran into Vern in about 10 years I guess. I hope he is doing well. He is just a great guy.