GunsAmerica

Quick Look

Contender barrels originated with the Thompson/Center Contender platform, introduced in the 1960s for interchangeable barrel use. Designed for modularity, each barrel enables caliber swaps without changing the frame. These barrels maintain popularity for custom hunting, target shooting, and experimental cartridge builds.

Why It's a Top Choice

Barrel interchange enables multi-caliber flexibility
Optimized for accuracy in pistol and carbine formats
Factory and custom barrel options available
Compatible with specialty hunting and wildcat cartridges
Easy field swap without gunsmithing tools

Key Variants

Contender 10 Inch Barrel

Popular for compact handgun builds with controllable recoil and accuracy.

Contender 14 Inch Barrel

Excellent for long-range handgun hunting and target shooting with enhanced velocity.

Contender Carbine Barrel

Transforms the Contender into a lightweight and precise rifle platform.

Contender Bull Barrel

Heavier profile boosts stability and reduces vibration on high-power loads.

Contender Custom Shop Barrel

Offers premium-fit precision barrels in rare calibers or high-performance chamberings.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Contender Barrels	Encore Barrels	H&R Handi-Rifle Barrels
MSRP	$200–$400	$250–$500	$150–$300
Capacity/Size	Single-shot	Single-shot	Single-shot
Weight	Varies by barrel/profile	Generally heavier than Contender	Comparable to Contender
Optics-Ready	Yes, drilled and tapped	Yes	Varies by model
Notable Pro	Wide aftermarket and vintage availability	Stronger action allows larger calibers	Budget-friendly and simple
Notable Con	Limited to lower-pressure cartridges	Heavier frame limits pistol use	No barrel interchangeability

Best Use Cases

Custom hunting handgun builds
Specialized target shooting loads
Reloading and load development platforms
Lightweight carbine conversions
Collector component swaps

FAQs

Can I use Contender barrels on an Encore frame?

No. Contender barrels are not compatible with Encore frames due to locking lug differences.

What calibers are available for Contender barrels?

Numerous calibers from .22 LR to .45-70 Government are available, including wildcat options.

How does barrel length affect velocity?

Longer barrels typically increase velocity, with rifle-length Contender barrels offering higher ballistic performance.

CONTENDER BARRELS for Sale