Henry Rifle Forums

No, not going to write a book about why I like Contenders, though I probably could. For, today, let's just say I love the way they shoot. Not just accuracy, either, though I'll put a Contender up against any pistol. Shooting a Contender relaxes me; it's like going home every time I do.

Here's one of my favorite rigs.


The frame and wood is 1975 vintage Contender, so an early gun. (The first Contender was made in 1967.) The barrel is a slightly later vintage 10" 22 LR round (bull), though TC did offer a 10" round barrel in 1975. It's what we call a standard barrel to distinguish it from the 22 LR Match barrel which appeared much later. Red dot is the ever useable Bushnell TRS-25.

Despite not being a Match barrel (match barrels have a tighter chamber), all Contender 22 LR barrels deliver match grade accuracy. My minimum shooting distance for any Contender is usually 25 yards. Kind of silly to use them for closeup work.


50 yards is very practical for a Contender with a red dot. Even shot a few of these with one hand. (6" bull.)



Meanwhile, my husband has fallen in love with our set of Winchester/Miroku 1885 Rimfire Low Walls. Never thought I would see the day when he'd rather shoot anything else but one of our CZs, but he now asks for one of the Low Walls, first. I think he now shares my addiction for working that classic falling block action. Today it was the 22 LR Low Wall Hunter with the Nikon EFR scope.


He shoots these Low Walls like he means it, too.



As for me, it's still

Next, you should just post a thread, "I like guns."

Contenders are really enjoyable. Winchesters, too.

I'd sure like to see/handle your 1975 vintage Contender, and even shoot it. Or even one just like it somewhere here in KCMO!! And wow, your photo sure does show off some beautiful WOOD, too.

Both the 25-yard and 50-yard target results are great, NCG! And Bill's 50-yard POIs with the Low Wall Hunter is a definite wall hanger.

Ditto has the correct observation: "You like guns!"

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I have a shooting addiction, but not about to change at my age.

Bill has really made big gains in his shooting. That is a respectable group.

Bill still struggles a bit with his handgun shooting and needs a little coaching, now and then, though he's fully capable of enough accuracy for close up work. He's now a respectable rifle shooter in his own right, though. Doesn't need my help.