The Thompson Center Contender is a unique and highly customizable firearm, and a significant part of that customization lies in its grips and forends. These aren't just accessories; they dramatically impact the feel, handling, and overall shooting experience. This guide delves into the world of Contender grips and forends, exploring the various types, materials, and considerations for choosing the perfect fit for your firearm.
Understanding the Thompson Center Contender's Grip and Forend System
Before diving into the specifics of grips and forends, it's crucial to understand the Contender's design. Unlike most firearms with integral stocks, the Contender's frame allows for easy interchangeability of barrels and, importantly for this discussion, grips and forends. This modularity is a key feature of the Contender's appeal, offering unparalleled versatility to shooters. The grip and forend are attached to the frame via a simple, yet robust, system, typically involving screws or a locking mechanism.
Types of Contender Grips
The market offers a wide variety of Contender grips, each catering to different preferences and shooting styles. Here are some of the most common types:
1. Pistol Grips:
- Standard Contoured Grips: These are the most common and often come as standard equipment with the firearm. They usually offer a comfortable, ergonomic design for general-purpose shooting.
- Target Grips: Designed for enhanced accuracy, target grips often feature a larger surface area and more pronounced palm swells.
- Competition Grips: These grips are tailored for specific competitive disciplines, offering features like adjustable palm swells or extended beavertails for improved control.
2. Revolver-Style Grips:
- Traditional Revolver Grips: These grips mimic the feel of a revolver, offering a more substantial and often more comfortable grip for larger-framed shooters.
- Custom Revolver Grips: Many custom grip makers offer a wide range of revolver-style grips in various materials and styles.
3. Thumbhole Grips:
- Ergonomic Designs: These grips feature a thumbhole cutout, providing additional control and support for the shooting hand.
Contender Forend Options
Just as diverse as the grips, the Contender's forends also come in various styles and materials.
1. Standard Forends:
- Wood: Traditional and classic, wood forends offer a beautiful aesthetic and a good grip.
- Synthetic: Synthetic forends are durable, weather-resistant, and often more affordable than wood.
2. Specialized Forends:
- Pistol-Grip Forends: Integrating a pistol grip into the forend provides extra control and stability, particularly beneficial for longer barrels.
- Scoped Forends: These forends are designed to accommodate scopes and other optical sights.
Choosing the Right Grips and Forends
Selecting the ideal grips and forends depends heavily on individual preferences and intended use. Consider these factors:
- Shooting Style: Are you a target shooter, hunter, or casual plinker?
- Hand Size: Ensure the grips are comfortable and provide a secure hold.
- Barrel Length: Longer barrels may require a different forend design for balance and control.
- Material Preferences: Wood, synthetic, or metal—each material offers unique benefits.
- Budget: Prices for grips and forends can vary significantly.
Maintenance and Care
Regardless of the material, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to preserve the longevity and appearance of your Contender grips and forends. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Thompson Center Contender grips and forends. Remember that the best choice is subjective and depends entirely on your needs and preferences. Consider experimenting with different options to find the perfect setup for your Contender.
