thompson center 410

Wilkerson Boys · Post by **Wilkerson Boys** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 8:56 pm

I just bought a new contender GT with the 14" barrel that is 45/410. (45 colt ammo) I could have got the 12" barrel but wanted the 14". The barrel is grooved for the 45 bullet and has a choke for the 410 shells that has to be taken out for the 45 or 410 slugs. (very accurate) I gave $500+ for mine new. It is nice and I look foward to using it the end of Oct. when we go to Wisconsin to hunt hare for 7 days straight. I shot a 2 - 3/4 #4 shot in it at a milk jug about 25' away and it well ventilated the jug so I'm sure the 3" with #4 shot will be good for up to 50'+ or so I would think. (maybe farther on luck shots) I really don't know the distances it will work but will know soon. I do know I will be using it from now own as that's why I bought it. Less to carry.

Wayne

lined out · Post by **lined out** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 9:32 pm

I just got into carrying the T/C contender w/ 410 barrel last year and absolutely love it. Don't have to worry about hauling around that long gun while handling 4 or 5 hounds. I patterned mine out to 25 yards and was impressed. Those chokes must be tight. I shot a rabbit last year at 32 yards, but there was probably only 1-2 pellets in the rabbit that I could find. I'll never take a long gun to the rabbit woods again. After some practice, a guy can get pretty good with one of those pistols. Lots of fun too.

Spruce Ridge Beagler · Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:59 pm

The Encore is a blast to hunt with!! As mentioned before, covenience is hard to beat and if you like hound music this is the gun to have. Try shooting skeet for some good practice.One other differance between the Encore & Contender is that if you decide not to shoot and let the hammer down on the contender you have to break the barrel back open to cock it, at least thats how my buddies works. Good investment ! don't hesitate!Dave

smithbros.1 · Post by **smithbros.1** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:01 pm

I bought an encore about 4-5 years ago. I have a 45/410 barrel for it. I also had the TC custom shop build me a 454 casull barrel for it with a muzzle tammer on it....its a tack driver. I have taken many hare with the 410....I shoot 3" 7-1/2's out of it. Its a good gun just have to limit your shots a little....I like to keep them 20 yards & in.
The only draw back for me is the grip is alittle big for my hand....I believe the G2 contender's grip is a bit slimmer. Take care Jason

ringtail · Post by **ringtail** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:34 pm

here are a couple of pics of my contender im playing with as you can see i dont have my hand grips done yet,,,,,,,

this is a stainless frame , blued super 14'' 44 mag with wood

as you can see in this pic the contender has the swith to change it from rim fire to center fire

hope you enjoyed my 2006 deer killing project,,,,,,,,,,,,,,jeff

fulcount · Post by **fulcount** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:46 pm

I just started with my encore 45/410 a year ago sure wish i started a long time ago so far am about 4 out of 18 with it on Rabbit/Hare
but am having a lot of pure fun with it just ordereda 223 barrel for it
as per above if youre a meat hunter and want only body count dont try it but for fun and convenience in the woods it is the way to go
John O

S.R.Patch · Post by **S.R.Patch** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:37 am

A neighbor had a T/C with a 35 Rem barrel & 2X scope, he was deadly at 100 yds. He got in a bind and sold his guns before I knew about it, would have loved to of gotten his set-up, had a shoulder holster and also a sling for it...
A couple of guys from work have T/C's and they go to an old junkyard and sit on the tops of cars and shoot rabbits, as their beagle pushes them around, says they have a blast...