Cowgirl Corner: Confessions of a Contender nut

[North Country Gal]

If you don't see me post for awhile, it's probably because I'm shooting one of my TC Contenders. I'm a Contender nut, with a nice collection of frames barrels of various types and vintages. In fact, I probably spend more time shooting Contenders than any other type of gun other than our air guns. As with our air guns, though, I consider these specialty pistols to be a bit too far off the beaten path on a Henry forum, so, as with air guns, you have my promise I won't flood you with a bunch of Contender posts, either.

Been down all week with a nasty flu bug, but felt up to a range trip, today, and decided to re-zero one of my favorite Contender rigs with some new ammo. What you see, here, is a late vintage Contender frame wearing an old TC Custom Shop (now gone) 14" 44 mag barrel with a TC brake. Scope is an excellent Nikon Force 2.5-8x with a BDC reticle.




The 44 mag has always been a favorite of mine and even more so when shooting it these TCs. Compared to a revolver, I get a 200-300 fps boost in velocity with the same loads and, also compared to a revolver ... well their is no comparison in terms of accuracy. A Contender 44 mag handgun really is more like a rifle. Here's today's sight in with the cheapest 44 mag factory ammo in our area in the Mag-tech 240 JSPs. Plenty good enough for offhand work, but, as you can see, even this 44 mag ammo does well in the Contender.



Guess you'll have to take my word for it, today, when I say that with the pricey premier factory 44 mag hunting ammo, such as the Barnes or the Hornady, this barrel will print one inch, 5 shot groups at 100 and has even done under 3" at 200 on a good day. Of course, it helps that I have about three decades of shooting these specialty handguns under my belt. They are different.

Today's plan was to go right to offhand work with the Contender at 100 yards, but still feeling a bit weak and shaky from the flu bug, so we called it a day and headed home. Sure was nice to get out with one of my favorites, though. May try, again, tomorrow.

[RanchRoper]

Not something I've ever seen. Looks like great fun to shoot.

[PT7]

Nice firearm, and nicer yet target results, NCG. Always very good shooting, even when fighting a flu bug. Trust you'll feel better soon.

In your last paragraph, I'd easily "take your word" on how the Contender prints so accurately. Both ammo brands, Barnes and Hornady, are quality stuff. But more importantly, with the practice/shooting for 30 years, you surely can achieve much skill. My experience is much more time-limited. The most fun time I had were those two summers shooting 1-oz. slugs long distance with my Benelli 12-ga Tactical Pump. For me, I got really good at handling that shotgun, and shot very well after that short, concentrated time. Practice-practice-practice is the great key for excellent range results!

You also made the statement "I consider these specialty pistols to be a bit too far off the beaten path on a Henry forum." Just a reminder of the description of our Henry Forum activities on our web site banner (underline is mine):

Henry Rifle Forums
A friendly place to talk about Henry Repeating Arms.....and just about anything else.

I especially enjoy writing Range Reports about shooting my Henry SGC. But also for me, always neat to see and learn new things. I'm good with such different/unusual handguns anytime, and enjoy the range reports. I'd vote for more!

If you don't see me post for awhile, it's probably because I'm shooting one of my TC Contenders. I'm a Contender nut, with a nice collection of frames barrels of various types and vintages. http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p60 ... 090269.jpg[/img][/url]




Guess you'll have to take my word for it, today, when I say that with the pricey premier factory 44 mag hunting ammo, such as the Barnes or the Hornady, this barrel will print one inch, 5 shot groups at 100 and has even done under 3" at 200 on a good day. Of course, it helps that I have about three decades of shooting these specialty handguns under my belt. They are different.

[RanchRoper]

Agreed. I think I speak for the group when I say: we like range reports and flying lead!!!

[tx gunrunner]

TC Contender with easy open frame is my favorite gun in any cal . Ken French of TC in the 80's taught me how to trick a TC out for competition . I help him at the big matches tuning up contenders .

P.S. NCG .... stop kissing men and you won't catch colds ......

[RetiredSeabee]

As always your range reports are truly appreciated.
Doesn't matter what type of firearm. If you ever take up shooting cannons or rocket launchers please post away.

[North Country Gal]

Thank-you all for such nice comments. You guys are great. I'll keep posting and adding a little variety as I go.

[ditto1958]

NCG, as is the norm for your guns, those Contenders are the bees' knees.

There has been a small outbreak of Contender-itis at our range this spring. I have gotten to shoot several of them in various calibers, and they sure are enjoyable to shoot.

[tractortad]

Really fascinating report - never heard of Contender pistols before this. Went on Bud's to check their prices and saw that they even have a 45-70 model - that must be a real handful to shoot. The last time I was this interested in one of your reports, I ended up buying a Ruger #1 in 44mag - bet a 44mag TC Contender would go nicely with that...

Thanks for the info.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, again, guys.

Would love to see more folks get into Contenders, but PLEASE do not start with a 45-70, tractordad. Trust me on that one.

You even have to be careful with the 44 mag as to barrel length and stock as far as recoil. Some combinations can be vicious. Most folks are good for about 5 shots and then call it quits with the original octagon 44 mag barrel and original grip combination. You'll feel the sting right up to your elbow.

Keep in mind that with revolver cartridge loadings like the 44 mag, you are getting a pretty hefty velocity increase in a Contender because there is no cylinder/barrel gap on a Contender and you're usually running longer barrels to boot. That higher velocity, of course, also gets you both an energy boost and an increase in recoil.

Also, with a Contender in the hard kickers, you do have to learn the proper way to grip them and then how to manage that recoil. You'll learn real quick that a standard strong arm, two hand hold as per a 1911 or a revolver is NOT the right way ... unless you like having a pistol scope surgically removed from your skull or losing the use of a couple fingers from that trigger guard spur biting your hand. Like I said, shooting these is different.