Contender rifles are lightweight little things with great accuracy and interchangeable heavy barrels that will cover everything from plinking to varmints to moose. What's not to like, and why aren't these more popular in Canada?
Why aren't Thompson Center Contender Rifles more popular in Canada?
- Thread starter philthygeezer
- Start date
Contender rifles are lightweight little things with great accuracy and interchangeable heavy barrels that will cover everything from plinking to varmints to moose. What's not to like, and why aren't these more popular in Canada?
The rifles aren't restricted. Epps just sold out of their last batch of .45-70 rifles.
90% of the Contender you see forsale on the EE are pistols and sure you can put a rifle barrel on it. But it will still be a restricted gun.
It is real rare to find a factory contender rifle. that is non restricted
Remove the pistol grip, install a rifle butt stock and suitably long barrel, go see the RCMP, have the status changed to non-restricted. Not really difficult.
Remember do NOT put the pistol grip back on or it will be restricted again and you will be opening a huge can of worms!
good luck.
- Location
- Edmonton, Alberta
These aren't unobtainium as rifles go. One can order through any T/C dealer I am sure.
Yes, they are rare second-hand. But that's because distributors generally don't bring them in.
They are about 1/3 smaller than the Encore rifles, between 5.5 and 6 pounds with 23" barrels at about 36" OAL and much handier from what I have read.
Only difference is you max out at .30-30 LeveRevolution or .45-70 trapdoor loads (no Hornadys!), where the Encore can take up to .416 Rigby, 20 gauge and 12 gauge. Since most deer and moose are thumped at less than 150 yards, and this is a woods gun for the most part, are you really losing much if you see it as a pack rifle?
Yes, they are rare second-hand. But that's because distributors generally don't bring them in.
They are about 1/3 smaller than the Encore rifles, between 5.5 and 6 pounds with 23" barrels at about 36" OAL and much handier from what I have read.
Only difference is you max out at .30-30 LeveRevolution or .45-70 trapdoor loads (no Hornadys!), where the Encore can take up to .416 Rigby, 20 gauge and 12 gauge. Since most deer and moose are thumped at less than 150 yards, and this is a woods gun for the most part, are you really losing much if you see it as a pack rifle?
Sorry for the hijack, but what's with the double rings?
i say if you looking to buy a gun like that stick with the encore , or pro hunter, or what i did is the TC endeavor
I also got a 15" 45-75 barrel and a 20" 500s&w that’s on order.
Absolutely sure. They had Encores/Pro Hunters listed as well. They were blue/wood .45-70s. I wanted stainless/synthetic in .22, .223 or .30-30 so I didn't buy one. They were gone a few weeks later.
Last edited:
i like the look.
- Me too. And hey: your guns - your choice. Besides, one can never find those spare rings when one needs them! But this way ...
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421150
I've got EGW rails for my Pro Hunter now too. Great bases.
- Location
- Southern MB
