some questions and a phone number

[baitwaister]

On Saturday at the range,while shooting my .41 mag, the hammer started to not want to catch.  At first I thought it just needed cleaning.  I went home ad gave it a cleaning and lube but that did not seem to help.  When you lock the barrel you can hear it catch the trigger but the hammer drops forward like when you latch the hammer but release it.  It doesn't do it all the time but enough so it is not reliable to hunt with.  I need to contact TC about but cannot get the customer service phone number on my computer at work because it is blocked by a filter.  So any suggestions and the customer service number for TC would be great.

[swampthing]

1-800-243-4570

[baitwaister]

that was the Fox Ridge outfitters number.  Is that the number to contact Thompson Center arms with?  I know that Smith and Wesson bought them but I used to have TC's customer service number but like I said can't find it and my computer at work is blocked from their site.

[quickdtoo]

The contact number on the website is  603-332-2333.

Tim

[Graybeard]

If this is an older Contender with the screw adjustment for sear engagement as I suspect it is what is most likely happening is the screw wasn't properly staked after adjustment and it has worked loose and you no longer have enough sear engagement to allow it to work. I've seen lots of folks who don't really understand how the action works and what that screw REALLY is cause this situation. All you need to do is adjust it so action works and use some fingernail polish to stake it in place afterward.

[baitwaister]

Okay...I guess what I need then is schematic or some explanation on how to do it.  My contender I believe is a mid 80's as I recall.  I think it is a third generation...I think

[Who Me?]

Here's a link where you can download the T/C owner's manual with the parts diagram.  Too bad T/C didn't see fit to offer the same diagrams for the new G2 that I have.   

http://stevespages.com/pdf/thompsoncenter_contender.pdf 

p.s.  This is a 10 Meg download, I hope you don't have dial-up!   

[Graybeard]

The screw is a pretty simple deal. It's a teeny tiny little hex head that takes a tiny little allen wrench. Some were adjustable from outside underneath the trigger from inside the trigger guard and some you had to take off the barrel and adjust it. Takes the same size wrench as the over travel screw at back of trigger guard. It's the ONLY other such size screw on the frame. Been awhile but my best recollection is you back it out to increase sear engagement and screw it in to decrease but like I said I've not messed with the TCs in several years so I'm going on memory here and might have that sequence reversed.

[doc-and]

Had that problem recently, stumped me for awhile   Then I found the problem Remove the barrel and check the screw that hold the "Interlock Safety", you'll have to remove the trigger guard assembly to get at it.  But that screw is prone to back out.  Hope this helps

docand

[Ken ONeill]

Back out the the trigger adjustment screw by turning it counter clockwise about 1/4 turn at a time then check it again; repeat until it works satisfactorily, and the hammer remains cocked with the barrel installed.Then back it out another 1/8 to 1/4 turn for safety sake. If the action is an "easy open" action, this trigger adjustment screw will be at the top of the trigger, and appear to go into the action. If it is a pre- "easy open" action, the screw must be accessed from inside the action, preferrably after removing the barrel. Turn the screw out (counter-clockwise, also) that same 1/4 turn at a time and repeat as necessary. You may also have to back out or adjust the trigger overtravel screw in the back of the trigger guard at the time you are making these adjustments.
T/C furnished a small allen wrench with each Contender just for this purpose. I believe that the size is .050", but I don't have one in front of me to measure.
 Any hardware store should have this size. Just take the action with you to check, if necessary.
This is  a very simple adjustment. The newer G-2 Contenders do not have an adjustable trigger, so none of this applies to them.

[Graybeard]

Thanks for the specifics Ken. It had really just been too long since I'd done this or had a Contender to remember those specifics you mentioned even tho I did remember that as the most likely cause.

[Keith L]

I have to stop being lazy and put together a FAQ post.  Good information here not to loose, so for now it will become a sticky.

[mtnjack]

Just picked up an allen wrench 1.5mm ,seems strange they use metric but its all i could find at my hardware it worked well.

[baitwaister]

Well that is good info!  I however sent mine back to the factory where they basically replaced the entire inside workings-hammer spring,interlock, bushings and etc.  What great service.