T/C Contender and Varmints

jrsdell · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:16 pm Post subject: T/C Contender and Varmints

OK ... I saw a forum topic called "whats the worst gun you ever bought". Well, I like to shoot ground hogs (cause I'm a wimp and hate the cold weather) and I like pistols...So ...yea, I bought a Contender about 3 years ago in 222 with a 3-9X40 scope and a bipod. This thing shoots better than my Remington 700 in 222 with a 3-9X40 scope. The best group I've had is 1/2" @ 100 yards. My Pastor also bought an Encore at the same time in 223. He loves his as well. We usally take these hunting instead of rifles. If the 204 works well in my new Savage ...I'll be buying a 204 barrel fo the Contender. "This is probably the BEST gun I've ever bought".

So the point to all this is ... is there anyone else out there that uses pistol for varmints?

Jim

grimel · Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 160

I'll use a Contender at any opportunity in either rifle or pistiol configuration.

A17Shooter · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

Pistols for varmints? Why yes, I believe I do. My favorite is the Contender with a 12" Bullberry 17 Ackley Hornet barrel that I have been shooting since '92. My XP-100 in 223 also works well. The S&W 647 represents both the 17 caliber community and the revolver freaks. There is a 17 Mach IV barrel for the Contender and another XP-100 in 6MM Remington.

The 17 AH puts a 17 VMax downrange at 3200 fps and will put five shots in one inch at a hundred yds. I have taken a number of prairie dogs and ground squirrels with it. Very Happy

What's your longest shot with the Contender Pistol? Shocked

Your favorite shot to remember? Very Happy

A17Shooter

jrsdell · Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 12:37 am Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

So far my most favorite shot was not a long one, about 65-70 yards. We were moving to another field. As we were driving, I spotted two hogs in the field we had just left, over the hill, we parked the car, retrieved our pistols from the rear of the car and entered the field. I couldn't believe these things just sat there watching us. We quickly re-loaded & I drew a bead on one of them and fired. When I fired, the other one ran off out of sight over a rise, mine dropped. My partner & I waited about 60 seconds figuring we would never see the other one again ... and sure enough ... the same hog came running back just as fast as he ran away. The hog stopped just above his hole, as soon as he stopped my partner fired and dropped that one as well. It seems that the best shots are the ones you don't figure you ever get a change to take.

Jim

grimel · Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 160

Contender 223 300yds pop can because some retard said a pistol can't hit jack at that range.

The steak tasted mighty good. Very Happy

Knifeboy · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 6:28 pm Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

Sounds like you guys are all pretty good with pistols. Personally I suck with a pistol (cant hit a foot wide target at 30 yards). But hey I guess I cant have it all. Very Happy

Knifeboy

A17Shooter · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 12:10 am Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

Knifeboy,

I don't know about everyone else but, when I shoot long range pistol, I cheat. No standing on my hind legs like a man stuff. Here's my contender fitted out for killing varmints. It does make it easier.

A17Shooter

grimel · Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 160

put it in 223 and rubber I've got one like it. Very Happy

Crackshot · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

Contender also, but with Fox Ridge 22K hornet custom Heavy barrel, fitted with Pachmyer Decelrator grip and forend, with burris glass.
Grimel, Ive won a bet or two with my 44 magnum Desert Eagle, and sold a few for the local gunshop, shooting Mini clay birds(glued to target board) at 100 yds from the bench.

515034s10ring · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

Although shooting mostly bolt and semi-auto now, i have quite a few wildcat barrels for an Encore and Contender, and i can honestly say as far as accuracy and cost, they can't be beat! Very Happy

Tusero · Rookie Member Joined: Aug 26, 2005 Posts: 19

I tried to be a great shot with a pistol, but I couldn't hit the side of a barn. Then a friend I met shooting prairie dogs fixed all that for me. He put me inside the barn! Cool

yotebuster · Member Joined: Oct 16, 2005 Posts: 216 Location: Georgia

You betcha! Varmints and other vermin will face a well placed round out of my Contender 223 14" bull barrel. When it's big game time. push out the pin and slide on the 7-30 Waters barrel. WooHoo!
Yotebuster Very Happy

buffalohunter · Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

I went to SD last year, I took a encore in .222 rem. and in .22-250 rem.
We shot from about 50 yds. to about 300 yards, shot about 800 rounds in 4 days. We had a real good time, I'm not sure which I enjoy more deer or varmints.

DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR

PaulS · Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:09 am Post subject: Re: T/C Contender and Varmints

I feel bad using my contender on ground squirrels so I use my revolver - a bit of a challenge and it sure is fun.

skb2706 · Member Joined: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 269

Been shooting TC Contenders since the 70's so none of this surprises me at all.
I have the unique opportunity to shoot prairie dogs on private land pretty much whenever I want to. Gives me lots of chances to test out guns and although I have several others I have a pair of TC carbines in .204 Ruger that often will make 400 yd. shots.
My favorite barrel is the pistol length .221 FB ........uncommonly accurate.