The Thompson/Center Contender pistol is renowned for its versatility, stemming from its interchangeable barrel system. This allows shooters to adapt the firearm to various hunting, target shooting, and even self-defense situations, simply by swapping barrels. But the sheer number of available calibers can be overwhelming for newcomers. This guide provides a comprehensive list of Thompson Contender calibers, categorized for easier navigation, along with insights to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Understanding Contender Barrel Systems
Before diving into the caliber list, it's crucial to understand that Thompson Center Contenders (and their successors) come in different frame sizes, impacting the calibers they can accommodate. Generally, you'll encounter:
- Contender Frames: These are the most common and accept a broad range of calibers.
- G2 Contender Frames: These frames offer enhanced features and often accommodate slightly larger calibers.
This distinction is vital as not all calibers are compatible with all frames. Always verify compatibility before purchasing a barrel.
Thompson Contender Caliber List: By Cartridge Type
This list is not exhaustive, as custom barrels exist, but it encompasses the most widely available and popular calibers for the Thompson Contender.
Pistol Calibers:
- .22 Long Rifle: A popular choice for plinking and small-game hunting, offering affordability and readily available ammunition.
- .22 Magnum: A step up from .22 LR, offering greater power and range. Ideal for small game and pest control.
- .32 S&W Long: A classic pistol caliber suitable for smaller game and target practice.
- .32 H&R Magnum: A more powerful .32 caliber offering more stopping power than the .32 S&W Long.
- .38 Special: A versatile caliber popular for self-defense and target shooting. Offers a good balance of power and accuracy.
- .357 Magnum: A potent cartridge, offering more stopping power than .38 Special but with greater recoil.
- 9mm Luger (Parabellum): Extremely popular, versatile, and readily available ammunition.
- .41 Magnum: A powerful handgun cartridge, suitable for larger game hunting and self-defense.
- .44 Special: A classic, moderately powerful cartridge with good accuracy.
- .44 Magnum: Extremely powerful, capable of taking down large game. However, it comes with significant recoil.
- .45 Colt: Another powerful cartridge with a long history, commonly used for hunting and self-defense.
- .45 ACP: Widely available, offering good stopping power in a handgun cartridge.
Rifle Calibers:
The Contender’s versatility extends into rifle calibers, offering a wide array of choices for hunting and target shooting. Some popular rifle calibers include:
- .22 Hornet: A light recoil cartridge, ideal for small game hunting and target shooting.
- .218 Bee: Another popular small game cartridge, slightly more powerful than the .22 Hornet.
- .223 Remington: A very popular cartridge frequently used for varmints and deer.
- .22-250 Remington: A high-velocity cartridge suitable for varmints and small game.
- 6.5mm Creedmoor: A more modern cartridge, gaining popularity for hunting.
- .243 Winchester: An excellent all-around hunting cartridge, versatile and accurate.
- .25-06 Remington: A capable cartridge suitable for medium-sized game.
- .270 Winchester: A popular and versatile hunting cartridge for a range of game animals.
- .30 Carbine: A common cartridge, usually paired with shorter barrels for this platform.
- .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO): A highly versatile cartridge for hunting and target shooting.
- .30-30 Winchester: A powerful lever-action cartridge historically popular for deer hunting.
- 7mm-08 Remington: A good all-around hunting cartridge, balancing power and recoil.
- .35 Remington: A historically popular deer hunting cartridge.
- .44-40 Winchester: A classic cartridge with a long history, useful for hunting and target shooting.
- .45-70 Government: A powerful black powder cartridge, historically used for large game.
Choosing the Right Caliber
Selecting the correct caliber depends entirely on your intended use. Consider these factors:
- Intended Use: Hunting, target shooting, or self-defense?
- Game Size: For hunting, the game's size will dictate the required caliber's stopping power.
- Recoil Management: Larger calibers produce significantly more recoil.
This list provides a solid foundation for exploring the many options available for the Thompson Contender. Remember to always consult your owner's manual and verify barrel compatibility before making a purchase. Happy shooting!
