MATCH GRADE MACHINE THOMPSON/CENTER BARRELS

MOSTLY LONG GUNS

- Brian Pearce

MGM offers barrels for more than 236 cartridges that include popular industry standardized versions, proprietary and wildcat options. Note the MGM 284 WINCHESTER barrel marking.

Many years ago, I needed a Remington Model 700 chambered in .17 Remington specifically to develop handload data for LoadData.com. This is a relatively hard rifle and caliber to find. I had several dealers searching for me but to no avail. One of the dealers inquired if I had any experience with Match Grade Machine barrels, which I had not.

He then handed me a beautifully machined and blue finished MGM barrel made for a Thompson/Center Encore rifle that was chambered for .17 Remington. After studying the overall quality, a price was negotiated and by the next day, a scope was mounted and the barrel was evaluated for accuracy and overall performance. With carefully tailored handloads, four-shot groups were typically measuring .300 to .500 inches. I was impressed.

The Thompson/Center Arms Encore and G2 Contender are outstanding single-shot rifles. Their origins began with the famous Contender single-shot pistol that was introduced in 1967 and featured a break-open action, an external hammer, and interchangeable barrels that were offered in dozens of chamberings that included rimfire and centerfire cartridges. Thompson/Center eventually opened a custom shop that offered many non-standard barrels and calibers. The Contender developed a reputation for accuracy and became popular among hunters and target shooters.