Thompson Contender - .357 barrel

[thawein1856]

So I'm serious thinking about getting a Thompson Contender. Just really like the look and flexibility of the gun (interchangeable barrels). My original plan was to start with the .204 ruger barrel but I wanted to know if I got the .357 barrel, can I shoot .38 rounds in it? I know on my dad's S&W 686 he can do that but I'm not sure if the same would apply here.

Also if anyone has recommendations for a caliber that they've enjoyed shooting on a Thompson I'd love to hear them. I'm not looking for hunting or something that I can only fire a couple of times before my hand hurts. =]

Thanks.

WEIN
____________________________
XD 5" Tactical - 9mm
Kel-Tec SU16ca - .223
Kimber - .22
Remington 870 - 12 Gugage

[EOD3]

Encore? Pistol? Rifle?

[dfletcher]

So I'm serious thinking about getting a Thompson Contender. Just really like the look and flexibility of the gun (interchangeable barrels). My original plan was to start with the .204 ruger barrel but I wanted to know if I got the .357 barrel, can I shoot .38 rounds in it? I know on my dad's S&W 686 he can do that but I'm not sure if the same would apply here.

Also if anyone has recommendations for a caliber that they've enjoyed shooting on a Thompson I'd love to hear them. I'm not looking for hunting or something that I can only fire a couple of times before my hand hurts. =]

Thanks.

WEIN
____________________________
XD 5" Tactical - 9mm
Kel-Tec SU16ca - .223
Kimber - .22
Remington 870 - 12 Gugage

Instead of the Contender you may want to get the Encore. You can shoot a much wider variety or cartridges in the stronger Encore frame.

If you get a 357 barrel, yes - you can shoot 38 Special ammo in it. Do you plan on getting a rifle or a pistol?

Here's an excellent forum for T/C shooters. BTW, they won't consider you a dedicated T/C shooter until you have at least 3 frames and at least a dozen barrels.

http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/groupee/forums

I think there are a few basics for T/C handgun shooters. A 223, some sort of 30 caliber, 35 to 375 caliber medium/heavy and a big boomer. In the Contender, the 30.30 or 30 Herrett is very popular as is the 35 Remington and 375 JDJ. The big caliber is often a 45/70 - lots of fun. Those are a good start anyway.

[thawein1856]

Sorry all, the pistol is what i'm looking for.

[dfletcher]

In addition to the 223 - which really has very little recoil in the T/C, there's also the 30 Carbine. Ammo is inexpensive if you don't reload. And of course the 17 HMR and 22 Magnum can be had also, the Contender handles rim and centerfire whereas the Encore is not factory set up for rimfire.

The 204 would be an excellent choice of course.

The 30.30 is probably on the outer edge of "very little recoil" but is an excellent choice for the Contender. Plan on getting a scope or using iron?

[Kid Stanislaus]

I'll probably get laughed off the forum for asking this BUT, is there anybody north of Bakersfied who actually STOCKS Encore barrels?

[thawein1856]

Probably just using iron sights. I reviewed the encore barrels vs the contender barrels and I'm leaning toward the contender. If you scope if you have to scope the individual barrel correct? Would there be a scope option that would be easy to trsfr between barrels (I doubt it cause you would have to re-zero it each time right?)?

I know this is not a light recoil but.... would the 45/410 barrel be legal in california? Gotta have something that's completely unreasonable in the safe. =]

[dfletcher]

I'll probably get laughed off the forum for asking this BUT, is there anybody north of Bakersfied who actually STOCKS Encore barrels?

There's some fellow in Redding I believe - now that's really north of Bakersfield - who carries alot of new & used. Sportsmans Warehouse did carry some, but I think they closed them out. Other than that, it's just a few odds & ends at gun stores.

Natchez mail order has Encore rifle barrels made by Bergara on sale, they're only $165.00 for blued standard chamberings. Very good deal, good barrels also.

[dfletcher]

Probably just using iron sights. I reviewed the encore barrels vs the contender barrels and I'm leaning toward the contender. If you scope if you have to scope the individual barrel correct? Would there be a scope option that would be easy to trsfr between barrels (I doubt it cause you would have to re-zero it each time right?)?

I know this is not a light recoil but.... would the 45/410 barrel be legal in california? Gotta have something that's completely unreasonable in the safe. =]

The 45/410 handgun length barrel is not legal, it's considered a short barrelled shotgun. Since constructive possession applies, you can't even have the barrel alone in CA.

Yes, each barrel requires a separate scope as a practical matter. Taking off one & attaching to another requires rezero. So a reliable handgun scope that doesn't break the bank is a plus. I most often use a Weaver 2.5 to 8X and it costs about $175.00. I have them on 375 H & H, 405 Winchester, 45/70 & 350 Rem Mag barrels and it has done fine. You could probably go with a 4X fixed and be fine, they're about $50.00 less, but I think having the barrel scoped on a handgun that shoots rifle calibers is worthwhile.

[gbp]

I've got a contender in 30-06 I'll make you a hello***ood deal on. Not recoil friendly though.

auto sensor - censor lol