Thompson Center Pistols

[grampayeehaa]

I would like some information on the Thompson Center pistols. What I am most interested in is the accuracy of the pistol, the quality of the trigger, and anything that you don't like about the pistol. I am looking for a large bore, (460 or 500 S&W), to to hunt with and double as a long range paper puncher.

 

[Ernie]

I would like some information on the Thompson Center pistols. What I am most interested in is the accuracy of the pistol, the quality of the trigger, and anything that you don't like about the pistol. I am looking for a large bore, (460 or 500 S&W), to to hunt with and double as a long range paper puncher.

First, I am not sure that you can run full pressure loads with the 460 & the 500 in the Contender/G-2. TC does not chamber for those 2 rounds.

The Encore would handle them just fine though. For LR shooting I would prefer the Encore over the Contender, since you can use cartridges that have a 308 Win head size at rifle pressures safely.

What distances are you considering when you mention a "long range paper puncher?"

What I do not like about the the TC system is that you cannot free-float the barrel.
Second, when pushing the capability of the action there is quite a bit more flex in the action barrel/relationship than there is compared to a bolt rig or falling block.

 

[grampayeehaa]

Thank you xphunter. Your posting is informative. My experience with TC is zip. I have owned a break open action before in a rifle and I noted the flex in the barrel/action relation but I thought TC may have solved that problem. As far as range for paper punching, that would be limited by the cartridge I chose to go with. I would like to be able to do 300 or more. Perhaps I should take a look at those bolts and falling blocks.

At present I have a Tauras Raging Bull in 454 that will print under an inch, off a good rest, at 50 yards with open sights. With good glass I would not have a problem taking a shot at a dear out to say 200 yards with complete confidence. After that the bullet drop gets rather steep.

 

[Ernie]

It is easier to accomplish LR goals with the bolt or falling block designs, but you can do some pretty amazing things with the break-open as well.

It comes down to preference. Although I have a Contender (fast twist 223) that I will use for some LR varminting out to and hopefully beyond 1k (pd's), it is easier IMO with other types of specialty handguns.

300 yards is a walk in the park for deer or paper with a properly set-up SP.

 

[TCKev]

If you buy a bolt rig you'll be hooked for sure. I started with TC's and saw the benefit's of having the XP bigger stonger faster is the only way to describe them. I have an XP in 7.21 Lazzeroni that shoot's 168gr Berger's at 2850fps and are very accurate. On my way to Casper for a Speed Goat hunt with the Lazz I'm going to stop in Kersey to pick up a XP chambered in 300 Dakota and try to start the barrel break in.

 

[grampayeehaa]

Thanks gentlemen. I can see that TC is good but bolt guns are better. Looks like I am going to have to save up a bit more money.

Do you have any suggestions for a cartridge that will give me long accuracy and can double as a large dear hunter?

 

[yotefever]

Get over to a IHMSA match and some of the guys/gals would be happy to let you try a round or two. Lots of pistols to choose from. Nothing like being able to try before you buy ;-)
Contact Joe Cullison at jcunclejoe at aol.com
A great guy and regional director/match director. I hope to make it out to OR for their BIG match next year. A great bunch of people!

Mike

 

[Ernie]

Thanks gentlemen. I can see that TC is good but bolt guns are better. Looks like I am going to have to save up a bit more money.

Do you have any suggestions for a cartridge that will give me long accuracy and can double as a large dear hunter?

Many cartridges to choose from:
What caliber(s) are you interested in?

 

[grampayeehaa]

I'm not really sure. My long range shooting with rifles has taught me that the 30 caliber has a lot of good bullet selection. Long range handgunning is new ground for me. I would like some thing that I can really reach out there but I would like a caliber that can cleanly take dear at at least three hundred or more yards.

Paper punching bores the hell out of me. I like the instant gradification I get from the target reacting to the bullet stike, (clay birds, water jugs, knock down targets and things like that).

 

[Ernie]

FWIW- My hands down fav's for SP's are: 6', 6.5's and 7mm.

 

[yotefever]

Paper punching bores the hell out of me. I like the instant gradification I get from the target reacting to the bullet stike, (clay birds, water jugs, knock down targets and things like that).

I know just how you feel, that's why silhouette shooting appeals to me. Get in touch with Joe and he can send you a cd to watch which explains our steel shooting.

Mike

 

[flyin lizard]

I had a T/C 35 rem. that I had rechambered to 358 JDJ, what a fantastic round ,point of aim at 100 yds. and 7 in. low at 200 yds,and it grouped sub-moa all day long.

 

[wm5l]

I guess I will chime in on this. I am not an expert by any means but I love my Encore in 7mm-08 (15") it has HALF the recoil of my 12" 454 barrel!!! It is very easy to load for if you like. It will shoot almost anything over the counter good and the proper handload will put em all in 1 hole @100yds off a rest. Mine likes 140grain and up bullets. I think anything a ".308case" is a winner in a 15" handgun. I also like the 7mm IMHSA and the 7mm Bench Rest as well but don't have one right now. I have 5 other barrels for my Encore in different calabers but none of them shoot as good as the 7mm-08. I have a 28" pro hunter in it as well and it is a tack driver too. I guess I am a 7mm-08 "homer" if you will but it is a mild recoiling,great shooting cartridge that is very versitie for vermin or busting steel to Elk. Yes I would shoot an Elk with it without worrying if he was 150yds or so. My personal beast is a whitetail at 175 but hey this is central Texas and 100yds is a long shot here. Just my .02............Jim

 

[grampayeehaa]

Thanks for your reply Jim. Lately I have had a hankering to do some longer range hand gun shooting and hunting. I have a Tauras Raging Bull 454 with an 8 1/2 inch barrel that will shoot under and inch, with open sights, at 100 yrds but I am having a hard time convincing myself to put glass on it. My first thought was to go with a TC Encore Pro Hunter because it would not bankrupt my wallet but everyone tells me that I should be going with a bolt pistol. Have you seen the price of those things? They may very well be worth the money but it would hit my back pocket a bit too hard. I can get in to a TC, fully equiped, with a trigger job, for less than a grand. 7mm-08 was one of those calibers I have been considering. Another consideration was a 30 caliber because of the vast bullet selection.