Single Shot Showdown: Hunting Handguns

Old school never looked so good. While both the Thompson/Center Contender break-action pistol and Magnum Research Lone Eagle rotating-breech handgun offer one-shooter designs that are out of current production, they’re no less relevant or sought after. So which is better when it comes to practical hunting? Is one action superior to the other? Guns.com gets hands-on with these two stout single-shot hunting handguns to answer those and other questions.

[@aaaaa1957]

I didn’t like the Thompson when I first started shooting one about 40-45 years ago but I love it now. It took many years and many guns to truly appreciate that gun. Thanks for sharing

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Wished it had the auto eject though :/

[@normanmallory2055]

I have never seen a Lone Eagle as of yet !
I’ve owned the T/C Contender system since 2008 , very accurate and extremely versatile!!
It’s a shame what S&W did , bought the company and closed it down !

[@rusticredd6294]

I've never heard of the Lone Eagle. It's certainly a cool gun. I want a Thompson Contender.

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Same, it's like a loner eagle lol

[@memberarnshine6377]

Wow, it's a pleasure listening to you present, your well informed and convey it well.... keep up the good work

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

She's Ian's wife ;)

[@QSLCODE]

WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORRE VIDS LIKE THIS TY FOR SHARING

[@mongosafariadventure]

I have two Super 14" barrels for my TC Contender. 44 Rem Mag with red dot sight and 30-30 Win with Leupold 2x long eye relief scope. The 30-30 has harvested several White tail deer and feral hogs at 75 yards and under.
Had a Contender Super 14 in 223 but couldn't find a bullet weight and load it really liked
There were a couple of bolt action single shot pistols years ago 80's. They were intended for silhouette but so were the Contender and Lone Eagles.

[@tommykawasaki9676]

Both guns are spectacular firearms.
Accurate, capable & very manageable.
The contender is where my accuracy addiction all began.
I was just barely 19.
The sickness rules me still to this day.

[@markmiller3448]

I have a gen 1 TC Contender and a lone eagle. I’ll take the contender over the eagle anytime. Great review!

[@GUNS-GDC]

Good to know. Thanks Mark.

[@greenordie66]

TC’s are simply beautiful- no discussion

[@gasconader1150]

When you do the showdown you should also include the MOA falling block pistol, which is MUCH more accurate than the two you choose and also the BF falling block pistols. It would be difficult to say which is more accurate between the MOA and the BF but they are worlds beyond the T/C and the MR . And of course, the Remington XP-100 bolt action pistol. Basically a rifle in a handgun configuration.

[@ShootingHobby]

I have a Thompson in 35 Rem. It makes my 44 mag super black hawk seem subdued.

[@rubbafunk]

Thanks Kristen! (Spelling?)
I love watching women talk about guns and hunting, it reminds me it is not just a guy's thing. I hope you keep making more videos, you do a great job.

[@BeckTech-u4e]

Thank you for not assuming the prone position and showing us your butt recoil. Solid video.

[@TheWonderman1964]

Fantastic presentation 👏.

[@debi5292]

Merrill Sportsman. Sriker fired, cocks on opening. Billet construction, multiple calibers, and grooved for scope mount. Very nice single shot. Later became the RPM silhouette gun.

[@shaunsian4784]

What scope mount is on that Lone Eagle I'm having trouble finding mounts for mine in 44 magnum it's the Magnum Research Lone Eagle SSP-91 in 44 magnum

[@antpassalacqua]

Are the thompson center still in production? news has been hard to come by since smith and wesson announced their intent to divest

[@fanbatcher]

S&W seems to have no interest in finding a buyer for TC.

[@kenore4003]

I think Smith bought Thompson for their lost wax casting expertise.

[@leighrate]

Recoil on the Lone Eagle is ridiculous. Too much weight at the back and the barrel is far too high above the action.
The TC is a much better design.

[@chasetower6773]

Thanks again

[@doghousedon1]

Looks to me like it's a Contender, not an Encore.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Too bad TC has been bought out and thrown away by Smith an Wesson. They were easy to interchange barrels, and one of our best black powder gun makers as well. Shame on you S&W !

[@shaunsian4784]

I like the Lone Eagle pistol personally

[@Muttbike65]

1.55 Encore really?

[@josecoop]

Where is the XP-100?

[@MichaelGorman-c3o]

Not an encore.

[@walterschmitz3091]

Contender not Encore

[@CheapCreep]

308 seems too beefy to be used without a stock.
Then again, I have the wrists of the Crypt Keeper

[@TheSkeptic000]

What a woman!!!!
Oh- the guns are nice too.

[@WorldClassSatanist]

The Last of Us Part 2 Abby's gun

[@ryanquerec3051]

Thompson center is gone