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Author Topic: How do you tell if its an old or new style frame?  (Read 726 times)

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Offline Dr. Michael

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How do you tell if its an old or new style frame?
« on: June 14, 2003, 02:01:04 PM »
I just posted below about the ready to jump thing. how do I tell if it is the new easy open or the older hard style? Are all the barrels still interchangeable or not.
thanks
Doc
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Offline Ladobe

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How do you tell if its an old or new style
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2003, 02:57:02 PM »
Easy open frames started around serial number 195,000 for the blued Contenders - all stainless frames are easy open.    I prefer pre-fire frames to post-fire... because I don't like a breech face change they made later on (due to their crappy quality control since the fire and problems the mod can cause), or the hen scratch on the side plates of the P/F that look like a 6 year old did them.  

Barrels are interchangeable, blued, Armor Alloy and stainless.   The AA needs fitting, and ideally the barrel lug bolt(s) should be "matched" to your frame with all barrels.   On the old stepped lug and solid bolt barrels you'll want to fit split barrel lug bolts most likely.

Be careful buying used frames - there is a lot of stretched frames out there, and very often the seller doesn't even know he's selling junk.   When you do get your "C" frame, best bet is to have it checked out and tuned by Jim Henry in Barstow, CA.   Prices are very conservative, and he's THE Contender Guru, way better than anyone they have working at the factory.   I have his contact info if you need it (or of any of the aftermarket custom barrels makers as well).   With over 33 years in using Contenders, will be glad to help in any way Dr. Mike.

Kiss your loved ones goodbye - you won't be seeing much of them anymore once the TC Wildcat Bug bites you.   :wink:

Ladobe
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Evolution at work. Over two million years ago the genus Homo had small cranial capacity and thick skin to protect them from their environment. One species has evolved into obese cranial fatheads with thin skin in comparison that whines about anything and everything as their shield against their environment. Meus

Offline Bug

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Here Goes,
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2003, 01:26:33 AM »
To address your question directly; The easy-open frame pivots at the middle of the trigger group. If, when you open the action, the trigger group pivots at the front, then it is the early style. If it is easy-open, the front of the trigger guard drops down a small amount, when the action is opened. A rule of thumb is, if the hammer must be changed from rimfire to centerfire with a screwdriver, then it's likely early. Most easy-open frames, and the early ones that have been converted to easy-open, have the new style hammer, with the switch on top of the hammer. Hope this helps>>>>>>>>>>>>>Bug.
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It's The Little Things That Matter.

Offline Dr. Michael

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How do you tell if its an old or new style
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2003, 02:44:32 AM »
AHHH!! I like easy answers
thanks a bunch
Doc
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Offline helobill

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How do you tell if its an old or new style
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2003, 04:40:38 AM »
The answer IS easy! Serial number 195,000 was the first easy open frame from the factory. If it is lower than that it started life in a non-easy open configuration. It may have been modified. If it is lower than 195k and has a roll pin directly above the trigger, it's been converted to easy open. Look at the pictures on Auction Arms or Gunbroker, it's really easy. No pin above the trigger, no easy open.
Helicopter Bill
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