To all the dealers out there: WHERE ARE THE THOMPSON CONTENDER RIFLES?

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philthygeezer

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It seems strange that this major gap in your product lineup remains unfulfilled, and despite certain demand for these little rifles they're scarcer than hen's teeth.

What's the story? I've heard rumours about T/C losing an export license due to S&W shenanigans, moving factories, etc, etc. And yet the new T/C Hotshots have made it in just fine.

What's the reason?
 
I couldn't agree with you more. I was lucky enough to buy one on the ee about 10 months ago and the seller told me there were 8 other people wanting it immeditately. I have had Clay at Prophet river bring in a barrel as well. All around the contender seems to be unexploited here in Canada. I am looking on another site for a contender and barrels and will have Clay import them as I can't find what I want here.
 
I heard the were moving factories and not taking any orders for about 6 months. I got my Thompson from Cabelas as they seemed to be the only one with lots of TC stock.
 
To the OP, I've noticed exactly the same thing. Encores, Hotshots, and Pro Hunters are in relative abundance in comparison to Contender carbines. In fact, I can't think of a single retailer in Canada that advertises Contenders --- it's as if they're presona non grata in Canada.

A couple of times I've seen CGNers post on the dealer forums about bringing in Contenders and there's never been a reply... silence.

I was lucky to pick up a Contender carbine off the EE with a 7-30 Waters barrel, but I'm always on the lookout for more barrels, particularly one of the JDJ or BellM chamberings.
 
Can someone explain to me the attraction of the contender over the encore/prohunter? I thought the encore/prohunter was just a improved version of the contender..?
 
A 5.5 pound 23" .30-30 with great scope mounting capability and shorter length than a 94 trapper, and spare .22 and 28 ga barrels in the pack is like a rimfire rifle you can hunt anything with. That and the whole works takes down into a two foot bag. The charm is undeniable.
 
double gun said:
Can someone explain to me the attraction of the contender over the encore/prohunter? I thought the encore/prohunter was just a improved version of the contender..?
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What philthy said. The only drawbacks are that you won't be able to get the bigger calibers out of the Contender, no stainless, and no swinging hammer.
 
Apparently you can fit the 303 British and its wildcat derivatives into that platform also. Not to mention the 375 JDJ and others. It is a very nice rifle.
 
philthygeezer said:
They do come in stainless and also have rebounding hammers. The Encore is a larger, heavier version of the G2 Contender.
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Did not know they came in stainless. Everything I've ever seen or bought was blued. Just checked and I stand corrected. They don't look very common though.
 
stuckon308 said:
Did not know they came in stainless. Everything I've ever seen or bought was blued. Just checked and I stand corrected. They don't look very common though.
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Yeah, I spent a lot of time deliberating on these things... :p I'm surprised anyone knows much about them as there seems to be a giant void in Canada where Contenders don't exist.
 
philthygeezer said:
Yeah, I spent a lot of time deliberating on these things... :p I'm surprised anyone knows much about them as there seems to be a giant void in Canada where Contenders don't exist.
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I think most people look at it as a non void though. They probably see the Encore/Pro Hunter as a huge upgrade over the Contender. Are there that many people who are looking for Contenders to make it worthwhile for someone to import?

I do like the idea of having a lighter pistol though. My Pro Hunter is a beast.
 
beefman said:
I thought Camp Cook owned most of the ones in Canada. ;)
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I have 3 gen 1 stainless steel Contender frames and 10 barrels and just sold a 21" s/s 22LR barrel & in the middle of a deal to sell my 204 Ruger barrel.

These are cool little light weight rifles that I first got into 16 years ago when I bought my first one in 30-30 for my 10 year old son this barrel eventually became a 308 Bellm I shot my nicest mule deer buck with this combo.

375RUM_420_and_460_yard_Shots_Nov_28_2008_Buck_015.jpg


My barrels are in 17 Rem/22LR/223/308 Bellm/375JDJ/10mm/410/45 Colt/45-70/50 cal muzzle loader so to say that these guns do not come in the larger calibers is wrong and I want one more barrel in 6.8 SPC spec 11 chamber 1-11" twist to finish off my collection.

This is my favorite combo 21" 375 Win barrel rechambered to 375JDJ by JD Jones himself loaded with 260gr Accubonds @ 2300fps it is a 300 yard thumper and crazy accurate took it grizzly hunting one spring only shot a 6' black bear with it though.

TC_Contender_Carbine_375JDJ_001.jpg


Here is a pic of my 2 sons hunting grouse and with a different butt stock & fore end the same barrel/action it is now set up as my little guys grouse gun.

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My first coyote with the 223 barrel.

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14" barrel in 45 Colt

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They make fun snow shoeing guns too...

Feb_07_2009_Snow_Shoe_Trip_006.jpg


What is important to know is these small break open actions cannot handle the higher pressures rounds like 243/30-06 and up so if there is a turn off for some people this is it.

I would love to see a new flow of Contenders become available because you will not regret getting one of these awesome little guns we even have a warranty repair shop in Canada if you ever have an issue.
 
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Camp Cook said:
My barrels are in 17 Rem/22LR/223/308 Bellm/375JDJ/10mm/410/45 Colt/45-70/50 cal muzzle loader so to say that these guns do not come in the larger calibers is wrong and I want one more barrel in 6.8 SPC spec 11 chamber 1-11" twist to finish off my collection.

What is important to know is these small break open actions cannot handle the higher pressures rounds like 243/30-06 and up so if there is a turn off for some people this is it.
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I meant higher pressures not large bore diameters. I guess I should have worded that better.
 
Seems like no one knows if it's just a lack of dealer interest or a lack of T/C ability. Is there a back-story to this stuff?

I've had a Contender rifle on order since Feb of last year and haven't seen a thing yet. The new Hot shot, Icon and Encore rifles came in, new barrels came in, but no luck for me or my little Contender.
 
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Oh Phil your going to hate me...

I have been wanting one of the slightly stronger G2 frames to install my 375JDJ & 45-70 barrels onto for a while now and finally just a few weeks ago I found one in Canada and just sent an email with an offer seconds before I clicked send/receive to see your post link that you have been waiting for a rifle.

Yes I feel bad but not bad enough to sell one of my other s/s G1 Contenders...

CC
 
Orf. That does hurt. The store has been nagging T/C but T/C doesn't seem to give a rat's ass about my order. It bothers me that the order was submitted many months before thwy were to change factories or close the custom shop. If you cotton onto a second G2 frame could you give me a heads-up?
 
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