Henry Rifle Forums

Did a little range work with another old friend at the range yesterday, this time my TC Contender. I used two barrels on this range trip. Top barrel is a 10" 22 LR Match with a Bushnell Trophy red dot. On the gun, is a another 10" barrel, but this one in 44 mag with an Ultradot red dot.



First up was the Contender with the 22 LR Match. Right off, let me say what a pleasure it was to shoot the Contender with this fine, very accurate barrel. Oh, I'm still a bit rusty after a long handgun shooting layoff, but I had no problem keeping all my shots in the black with this rig. By the end of the summer, though, I'll have all these groups tightened up.


And moving out to 50 yards.


Next up was the 44 mag barrel. For those that don't know the Contender, shooting a barrel like the 44 mag is as unpleasant as the the 22 LR barrel is pleasant. Recoil on a Contender with a big bore like the 44 mag is just plain nasty for a couple of reasons. First, the 10" barrel with a closed breach pushes the 44 mag velocity (and recoil) about 250-300 fps over the same load in the typical 7.5" 44 mag revolver. Second, the Contender grip angle and design is not recoil friendly. If I'll be shooting 44 mag out of this Contender, I'll have to replace that wood grip with a Pachy, for sure. Anyway, once I got the red dot adjusted I went straight out to 50 yards. Shot this one target and had enough. Much prefer shooting 44 mag out of my Ruger revolvers.


All in all, though, I really enjoyed a day with another old friend in my Contender.

I always wanted a contender, in a more manageable caliber. Say, .223 or 38/357. I've always liked single shots, they encourage you to slow down and focus on individual shots. When I've had guests on the range, I've noticed many with semiautos seem to think they have to shoot fast... Even if "they" can't do so accurately.

So true, Marine. I very much enjoy the relaxed loading, shooting, and unloading sequence with single shots of any kind. Nothing against autoloaders and I have some of those, too, but single shots suit me.

For those big nasty revolver cartridges, the much heavier and stronger Encore is a better match for sure. Of course, when we get to the Encore pistol, then we see some crazy loading like the 30-06, 444 Marlin, 308, 7mm-08 and so on. Have shot those, too. The 30-06 redefines the term, "nasty" to shoot in a handgun, believe me.

I would like an Encore with the rifle stock..
. But geeee are they pricey......

True. Ever since S&W, who owns TC, put TC up for sale, Encore prices have gone up. Since the Encore is no longer available, I doubt prices will be going down anytime soon.

Great shooting. That does not look like a comfortable gun for 44 mag. I understand why you prefer the Ruger.

I’ve always wanted a Contender in rimfire. I’m done with the big boomers.

I have shot some big bore rifles, and some big bore handguns. I can handle recoil, but more than the 357 in a mid frame revolver or the 45 which I shot a LOT, I just didn't want to deal with it when the guns I had would do the job. I could see the need if you were shooting Rams at long distances, LIKE some here. In the right revolver some big boomers are not bad... an example, 357 Maximum in the Blackhawk... No Problem.


I carry a beast, and shoot it with full power loads a few times a year. The Smith 340PD is a Scandium Frame Snubby 357. It's fine with 38, and gets your attention with 38+P+, but with full power 357... ... NOT something you want to do a lot. When I practice, I shoot 38s to insure I can still hit with it, and a cylinder of 357... because that's what I carry. Then I'm done.

The Arthritis in my hands will eventually put me off of the big boomers, but proper techniques can keep me shooting them for a good while. (That, and good hand filling grips.)

Glad you're enjoying that Max. It's a great cartridge. I used to shoot in the Contender, too. Got me the 44 mag power without as much recoil. Flatter shooting than the 44, too.

Gene, Contenders are disappearing, fast. If you find one, better grab it. Be glad to do a trigger job on a Contender if you do find one or take care of any issues. I can do any gunsmithing on a Contender.

I used to shoot the 30-30 in the Contender, too, and also the 7-30 Waters. Both are great cartridges in the Contender if you can handle the recoil.