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Impressions of the G2 Contender

Strangely, I became afflicted with a case of Contenderitis at a time when the T/C Contender was only available in the used gun market.  Production of the Contender had been ceased in order to introduce the entirely redesigned G2 design.  I guess good things take time.  By the time the G2 Contender was finally available, I had accumulated three Contender frames.  I was curious about the new design, but I really couldn’t justify a fourth Contender frame.

I can’t say I wasn’t curious about the G2 design.    The G2 supposedly addressed a few of the annoyances of the Contender design.  One thing I never liked about Contenders is that they could not be shot like a pistol.  Basically, the design of the trigger guard was too close to the grip to allow the shooter to use a standard two handed grip.   One could attempt a two handed grip, but any chambering capable of taking big game was equally capable of imparting great pain as recoil drives the trigger guard into your fingers.  A less critical annoyance was the requirement to break open the action in order to reset the trigger.   On a few occasions over several hunting seasons, I did have to let down the hammer and reset the action as game traveled in and out of shooting lanes.  There were also little annoyances like I didn’t care for any of T/C’s grips or forends and the frames were still a little difficult to open on occasion.  

One thing I have always liked about T/C is their exceptional customer service.  When T/C says lifetime warranty, they mean it.  They truly stand behind all of their products.  I recently found myself counting on T/C’s reputation.  I’m not sure what caused it, but one of my Contender frames had stretched.  I called T/C and discussed the problem.  I was asked to return the frame to T/C .  In a couple of weeks I received confirmation that the frame was in fact destroyed and that my only option was to accept a new G2 frame.  I must admit, I was thrilled.  Now I could try the G2.

Like any introduction of a new-improved design, some people love it and some people hate it.  This was particularly true for the Contender.  The Contender has been around for many years.  Many options for customization are readily available.  The trigger is easily adjustable by the amateur gunsmith.  Not surprisingly, many of the bulletin boards had posts that complained about the new design.  Personally, I hoped the new design was in fact an improvement. 

My new G2 frame and grip arrived at my door via Federal Express a few days later.  My first impressions were mostly positive.  I loved the grip.  The added space between the trigger guard and the grip is wonderful.  The only negative to the new grip is that the trigger feels a bit too far forward.  Undoubtedly, I will adjust to the new grip, but initially, I could see the required stretch of my trigger finger pulling the pistol off target. I noticed that the hammer is considerably heavier and thus harder to pull back.   The G2 hammer also lacks the precise mechanical feel of my Contender frame.   I had read a lot of complaints about the G2 trigger and the lack of adjustability.  Straight from the factory, my G2 trigger broke at 3 ½ pounds.  The trigger was crisp with no detectable travel.  Although I prefer a little lighter trigger, a crisp 3 ½ pounds is a fine trigger and well suited to hunting. 

Now, I’m not one to leave well-enough alone.  I did some research and decided to dive into the G2 action and see what makes it tick.  I was very pleased at the simplicity of the design.  In my opinion, the G2 design is an improvement over the original and the easy-open design.  Although I didn’t count them, it seems like the G2 has less moving parts.  The interlock design is completely new and far simpler. 

My research had shown a proper G2 trigger job consists of smoothing the bearing surfaces and lightening the trigger spring.  Since my trigger was smooth and crisp, I only slightly worked the trigger components.  I chose not to touch the sear or sear notch because I didn’t want to risk creating an unsafe firearm.  To lighten the trigger spring, I simply pressed down on it.  This unwinds the spring and leaves the spring slightly weaker.  Alternatively, I could have ordered some of the custom springs that are being sold for this purpose. One risk in tuning the G2 action is that the hammer may become prone to pushoff.  This would be unsafe.  So I tested my action and made sure I couldn’t push the hammer causing the hammer to fall.  Upon completing the simple reassembly, the trigger pull had been reduced to 1 ¾ lbs which is perfect for my purposes.   While the G2 doesn’t allow the owner to adjust the trigger via a set screw, I found tuning the action of the G2 very simple.  The resulting trigger is quite nice.  In the end, I believe the G2 trigger has a better feel as compared to my easy-open frames. 

As I mentioned, I have a bad case of Contenderitis.  Currently, I own 14 different Contender barrels chambered in cartridges ranging from the .22LR to the .375JDJ.  One problem that I have seen with my G2 frame is that most many of the barrels do not lock up properly with my G2 frame.  Two of my barrels have the latest locking lug design which consists of a split locking lug with the side pins molded into each half.  These barrels locked perfectly with the new frame.  Upon calling T/C, I was requested to return any barrels that weren’t locking up to be fitted with new locking lugs.  

Enthusiastically, I headed to the range with my new G2 frame and two barrels.  For the maiden voyage, I brought along a factory .30 Herrett barrel and a custom shop .357 Herrett barrel.  Performance of this frame was as good excellent.  I did not have any problems with lock up.  No shallow primer strikes or misfires of any kind. Accuracy was consistent with the previous performance of these barrels.  The .357 Herrett barrel was quite impressive putting five shots into a single ragged hole at 50 yards.  The trigger was incredible off of the bench, but almost too light for two handed offhand shots.  Recoil with my tapered lightweight .357 Herrett barrel is quite severe.  However, I was able to use a two handed grip for offhand shots without injuring a single finger. 

One reason that I had been holding off on purchasing a G2 frame was that the only grip/forend combination that I liked for the Contender was the aftermarket Pachmayr design.  None of the wooden or ryanite grips/forend combinations worked well for me.  Since the Pachmayr grips and forends are not available for the G2, I feared I wouldn’t like the grip.  The new angle of the G2 grip is quite comfortable.  The forend is wide and long enough to permit stabilizing the pistol in field shooting conditions such as off a butt pack.  The wood grip and forend are absolutely beautiful.  In my opinion, the design is very appealing.  However, I am not a fan of wooden grips for field use.  Dents and scratches are inevitable.  However, T/C recently introduced a rubber grip and forend for the G2.  The rubber grips match my G2 perfectly.  The rubber provides a good grip both to my hand and to impromptu rests like my butt pack.  I believe this combination is attractive as well.  I’m no longer concerned about the limited options in grips and forends for the G2.  I believe either the wooden or rubber grips will suit the vast majority of shooters.

All in all, I accept the G2 as the next generation Contender.  The G2 design is improved in so many ways.  I no longer hold onto concerns about the trigger or limited options in grips and forends.  Without a doubt, I would trade my remaining easy-open frame for a G2 frame.  Are there any takers?