Author Topic: Contender frame curiosity...  (Read 766 times)

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Offline Ladobe

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Contender frame curiosity...
« on: February 05, 2008, 12:33:33 PM »
RE: Last version of the Contender EO frames (renewable block frames).

Not sure what serial number they started them with, but I have an early 1996 (441,000 series) blued frame that is a standard frame, and a mid 1997 (447,000 series) blued frame that is the last version.   Also have a mid 1998 (S39,000 series) stainless frame that is the last version.    So I'll assume they went to this version sometime in 1996-1997.

Just curios if any of you have this last version to come out of TC just before the Contender frames were discontinued.    If so, did you have any problem with them when new?    How have they held up for you?

Want to compare to my experiences with the two I have.

Thanks,

L.

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 rural17

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Re: Contender frame curiosity...
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2008, 04:43:17 PM »
Hey Ladobe, I have a 449,000 frame that I bought new. I probably don't shoot as much as alot of people do, but I have not had any problems with mine. Good shootin'

Jeff

Offline HAMMERHEAD

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Re: Contender frame curiosity...
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2008, 08:56:10 AM »
I had one of the last Contenders made (stainless). It had the ugly cat's face instead of the crouching puma on the frame. Couldn't tell you the serial #.
I was a little skeptical at first, but it shot just as well as any other Contender I've owned/shot. Didn't own it long enough to tell about longevity.
I sold it once I got my G2. Yes, I'm one of the few who prefer the G2.

Offline skb2706

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Re: Contender frame curiosity...
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2008, 08:16:56 AM »
RE: Last version of the Contender EO frames (renewable block frames).

Not sure what serial number they started them with, but I have an early 1996 (441,000 series) blued frame that is a standard frame, and a mid 1997 (447,000 series) blued frame that is the last version.   Also have a mid 1998 (S39,000 series) stainless frame that is the last version.    So I'll assume they went to this version sometime in 1996-1997.

Just curios if any of you have this last version to come out of TC just before the Contender frames were discontinued.    If so, did you have any problem with them when new?    How have they held up for you?

Want to compare to my experiences with the two I have.

Thanks,



L.



My last original frame Contender is a serial #454xxx, obviously one of the last of the last. Not sure what you mean by "renewable block" but I am assuming this is the shelf block. The only trouble I had was my own fault and easily remedied....got oil inside the frame and had minor lockup problems. Seems I had more trouble with barrels that either wouldn't lock up tight or never lock in the locking bolts under the shelf completely. Since I have a collection of lockingbolts from every generation I just tried different combinations to get one that worked.

Offline Ladobe

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Re: Contender frame curiosity...
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2008, 10:04:32 AM »
Thanks for the replies.

skb2706 -

Yes, I am referring to the last version frames with the replaceable block on the bottom of the breech face.   I asked because on the blued frame that I bought new it turned out they had not spot welded the block, passed QC and was shipped.   I didn't see the problem and it locked up the first barrel I put on it the first time I closed it and the frame had to disassembled to get the barrel back off.    I sat on the frame until the SHOT show, and took it to Tim and Ken at the show.   Long story short, Tim was shocked and hand carried it back to the factory.    It was 3 1/2 months before I got it back repaired.   In part because I held it in disgust until the show I know, but the frame was well over a year and a half old before it ever shot its first round.   Had a friend have one come apart on him after a couple of years of use too.   So I was just curious if anybody else got one new with the same problem, or had the problem show up with use.   So far both of mine are holding up now, but I seldom rely on either of them and they don't get shot much.

Like you I have a large stash of every vintage of locking bolts.   I am only guessing, but it seems about the same time TC went to this last version frame is also when they went to only one size of locking bolts.   Maybe because the renewable block can be replaced when it wears?    Regardless, one size fits all is at the loss of being able to fit barrels for their best lock up on all frames with any wear for anyone who doesn't have a stash.

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 skb2706

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Re: Contender frame curiosity...
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2008, 10:34:09 AM »
Now you have me wondering. Are the 'welds' visible once the barrel/trigger group are removed ?

I bought this frame late 1997 on an insurance deal after my home was burglarized. It was purchased new as a pistol per the paperwork. I have never had a problem with it that I could attribute to a TC quality control issue (at least nothing I wasn't aware of from the many years of previous ownership).
This frame has been used primarily with varmint type chamberings (.223 and 30-30 base brass rounds) and never been pushed much anyway. Excellent factory trigger and nice tight lockup on all the barrels I use on it. I have barrels that I prefer to use on my sons G2 but only because its handier in those circumstances.