All across the custom-gun world, tinkerers love to push the T/C Encore and Contender platforms into new territory.
But only a few do it with the mix of precision, creativity, and pure mad-scientist energy that defines the work of gunsmith Mike Sirois.
In the video above, the curtain gets pulled back on Mike’s workshop to reveal one of the most unique builds ever created for these classic single-shot systems.
The story starts with a reminder of where the platform began. Thompson/Center has been building interchangeable handgun and rifle designs since 1967, and shooters have been wildcatting the Contender, G2, and Encore ever since.
From the humble .22 LR plinker to powerhouse cartridges like a 500 Alaskan Encore, enthusiasts have taken these break-action guns to extremes. But nothing prepares you for the moment Mike unveils a one-of-a-kind masterpiece: an over-and-under G2 Contender.
Yes, an actual double-barrel G2 handgun.
The build features a selector switch that normally toggles between rimfire and centerfire but now flips between top barrel and bottom barrel. The woodwork is stunning, wrapped perfectly for the thumb and fingers, and finished with jeweled details that make the gun look more like custom jewelry than a firearm.
The upper barrel is chambered in .17 HMR and the lower in .17 WSM, with an adjustable barrel regulator to tune points of impact. As the shooter puts it, “have you ever seen an over-and-under multi-shot Contender or Encore? I never have.”
At the range, the pistol performs with almost whimsical ease. The .17 calibers have virtually no recoil, and the red dot barely moves. Shots from each barrel land within half an inch of each other at 50 yards despite windy conditions.
SEE ALSO: Going the Distance with the New Performance Center T/C LRR (Full Review)
With the selector switch acting like a built-in “shoot again” button, the pistol delivers two quick shots without breaking sight picture, a novelty on any Contender platform.
Then comes the real treat: stepping into Mike’s shop to see how this creation came to life. He explains how a simple customer request sparked the idea, how the firing-pin geometry determines selector placement, and how math, not magic, drives his engineering decisions.
His woodworking, barrel finishing, and chambering practices reveal the level of detail he pours into every build. Mike has created nearly a hundred wildcat cartridges and even achieved documented sub-quarter-inch groups with his custom barrels.
The final takeaway? These guns aren’t just builds, they’re labors of love. And in the world of break-action innovation, Mike Sirois stands in a class all his own.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
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It’s good to see there’s still interest in the venerable old T/C Contender and Encore frames and barrels. I’ve been a collector since the 70’s and have over 25 BBL’s of various flavors, including several of JD Jones’ custom made wildcat barrels from SSK for my two Contender frames. I had to scope most due to failing eyesight, but I still enjoy shooting them. I even have one of the old Gonic .45 BP pistol barrels that’s a ‘blast’ to shoot – pun intended!
Last I heard Thompson sold out to S&W and I thought people no longer cared about them – except me! Good to see Gregg bought it back and hopefully he can bring back the popularity again! How about some threaded barrels?