T/C Contender .45LC/.410

BillAK · 08-20-2009, 02:38 AM

Looking for someone familiar with T/C Contender barrels...
Recntly "inherited" one from a friend with .45/70, .45 LC, and .223 barrels.

My question involves using the .45LC for .410 shotshells..every thing I've researched shows barrels available listed as .45/.410, but my barrel isn't stamped for .410, just the .45LC. Anyone know if this barrel is safe to chamber .410 shotshells?

**masterPsmith** · 08-20-2009, 09:42 AM

Stick to the .45 Colt in your barrel..

Jim..................

**Mark F** · 08-20-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillAK

Looking for someone familiar with T/C Contender barrels...
Recntly "inherited" one from a friend with .45/70, .45 LC, and .223 barrels.

My question involves using the .45LC for .410 shotshells..every thing I've researched shows barrels available listed as .45/.410, but my barrel isn't stamped for .410, just the .45LC. Anyone know if this barrel is safe to chamber .410 shotshells?

Yes, it's OK. I don't know why you would want to, though....

**stalkingbear** · 08-20-2009, 04:29 PM

Does it appear to have a removable "choke tube"? Normally the .45colt/.410 barrels are so marked, and come with such a choke. If it has plain rifling & no choke tube, it's .45 colt only. If it DOES have a choke tube, it's safe for 2 1/2" .410 shells. My contender is marked for both. Be SURE to put anti-seize lube on the threads of the choke tube as you DON'T want to fire .45colt bullets through the screwed in choke-it WILL damage the barrel/choke! Remove the choke tube before firing .45 colt IF it's so equipped.

With the right shotshells & choke tube installed, you have an effective range of 25-30 yards with .410.

BillAK · 08-21-2009, 12:13 AM

Thanks for the replies folks....the barrel is threaded with what I am pretty sure is a choke tube attatched...can't see what ELSE it would be.

As to the question of why I would want to....it's the only gun I own, can't afford a new one right now, and it's grouse season.

**WDB** · 08-21-2009, 02:06 AM

Bear is right on point as usual, What I don't know is how effective the 410 shot will be with out the choke tube. I would find a full choke tube for the barrel before going grouse hunting.

**c3shooter** · 08-21-2009, 02:45 AM

IIRC, the "choke" tube on the TC 45/410 sort of "undoes" the spin imparted by the rifling- otherwise you get a doughnut hole pattern.

**Mark F** · 08-21-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillAK

Thanks for the replies folks....the barrel is threaded with what I am pretty sure is a choke tube attatched...can't see what ELSE it would be.

As to the question of why I would want to....it's the only gun I own, can't afford a new one right now, and it's grouse season.

Great reason! Ain't nothin' wrong with T/C weapons!

753X0 · 08-23-2009, 07:34 AM

I had one of those, 45/410 barrels, it shot the 410's great at close range. The 45 Colt was very disappointing, 4-5" groups @ 25 yds.

BillAK · 09-02-2009, 11:27 PM

OK so after all my research, I bought a box of 2.5" shells...and the gun won't close with one loaded. At this point I can only speculate that the previous owner used the choke tube for .45LC shotcaps....I'm 95% certain that the threaded attachment IS a choke tube..can't see what else it would be for, and it does have the "straightening grooves" for "undoing" the rifling effect mentioned previously. I've heard that it is possible to handload 2" .410 shells, designed for turn of the century firearms...wondering if he was doing that.

Basically I'm just looking for some general info...for instance is there anywhere to purchase 2" .410 commercially? And if not, what kind of range could I expect out of .45LC shotshells? From what I understand they are suited for pest control, and not hunting, so I don't really hope for any good news there.

With the barrels I have, my only other option is trying to "pop heads" with the .223....or buy a new barrel.

Guess it's time to save my pennies AND log some range time with the .223.

08-20-2009, 02:38 AM	#1
BillAK Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 3	T/C Contender .45LC/.410 Looking for someone familiar with T/C Contender barrels... Recntly "inherited" one from a friend with .45/70, .45 LC, and .223 barrels. My question involves using the .45LC for .410 shotshells..every thing I've researched shows barrels available listed as .45/.410, but my barrel isn't stamped for .410, just the .45LC. Anyone know if this barrel is safe to chamber .410 shotshells?

08-21-2009, 02:06 AM	#6
WDB Supporting Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 3,013	Bear is right on point as usual, What I don't know is how effective the 410 shot will be with out the choke tube. I would find a full choke tube for the barrel before going grouse hunting. __________________ Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." ~ Thomas Jefferson

08-21-2009, 02:45 AM	#7
c3shooter Grumpy Olde Phart Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Richmond (a Ways Off), Virginia Posts: 2,641	IIRC, the "choke" tube on the TC 45/410 sort of "undoes" the spin imparted by the rifling- otherwise you get a doughnut hole pattern. __________________ What we have heah is.... failure to communicate.

08-23-2009, 07:34 AM	#9
753X0 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 194	I had one of those, 45/410 barrels, it shot the 410's great at close range. The 45 Colt was very disappointing, 4-5" groups @ 25 yds. __________________ I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. Will Rogers BTW, I'm front left in my avatar pic.

09-02-2009, 11:27 PM	#10
BillAK Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 3	stumped OK so after all my research, I bought a box of 2.5" shells...and the gun won't close with one loaded. At this point I can only speculate that the previous owner used the choke tube for .45LC shotcaps....I'm 95% certain that the threaded attachment IS a choke tube..can't see what else it would be for, and it does have the "straightening grooves" for "undoing" the rifling effect mentioned previously. I've heard that it is possible to handload 2" .410 shells, designed for turn of the century firearms...wondering if he was doing that. Basically I'm just looking for some general info...for instance is there anywhere to purchase 2" .410 commercially? And if not, what kind of range could I expect out of .45LC shotshells? From what I understand they are suited for pest control, and not hunting, so I don't really hope for any good news there. With the barrels I have, my only other option is trying to "pop heads" with the .223....or buy a new barrel. Guess it's time to save my pennies AND log some range time with the .223.

08-20-2009, 09:42 AM	#2
masterPsmith Supporting Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 570	Stick to the .45 Colt in your barrel.. Jim..................

08-21-2009, 12:13 AM	#5
BillAK Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks for the replies folks....the barrel is threaded with what I am pretty sure is a choke tube attatched...can't see what ELSE it would be. As to the question of why I would want to....it's the only gun I own, can't afford a new one right now, and it's grouse season.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Firearms Forum	Replies	Last Post
Thompson Center Contender	Glenn R	Firearms & Accessories For Sale	0	04-19-2009 10:36 PM
Good .45LC load	chorst294	Revolver Handguns	0	04-24-2008 02:19 AM
WTB Navy Arms Schofield 5 inch 45LC	PRM	Firearms & Accessories Wanted	0	04-04-2008 12:28 PM
45lc	Mr45	Revolver Handguns	10	12-01-2007 02:35 AM
Contender Frames?	crazyforoptics	General Handgun Discussion	1	09-28-2007 11:33 PM