Early Contender Frame/Newer barrels???

[Idaho Rancher]

I'm VERY confused about a recently acquired early frame #46xxx and my newer barrels.  T/C has informed me they will alter the frame to the "easy open" style for $55. but I need to send my barrels in for "modification" also.  The barrels (10 or 12 of them) currently work fine on my newer contender frame and my G2 frame too, so why do they need the barrels - and if they "modify" the barrels will they still lockup properly on my newer frame?
Idaho Rancher

[coyo]

Hello
I just had Norm at T/C to up date my Armor Alloy a couple of weeks ago and it works great with the newer G2 barrels he also up dated my older Armor Alloy barrel. You only need to send in you older frame and older barrels. By looking at it you would not think Norm does anything to it. He does real good work. My Contender works GREAT.

[Hopalong7]

As far as I know, the only "update" TC does to the barrels is to switch out the old one piece locking bolts on the older barrels to the newer split bolts.   Walt

[Ladobe]

The older barrels with the solid locking bolt AND stepped barrel block needs the update to split bolts to work reliably on the easy open frames.

Sounds like all of your barrels already have the split locking bolts.   If so, there is no need to send the barrels to TC.   If any did need the update, you can save barrel postage by just having TC send you the split bolts and doing it yourself.   It's very easy, and unless it's changed since S&W took over, TC will send them to you free.   Just tell them how many barrels you need them for.

Back when they still made several sizes of locking bolts, "fitting" to compensate for wear for the best lock up was possible.   With only one size fits all locking bolts now, there is no fitting. 

[Czech_too]

I've picked up an earlier frame in the 25xxx range along with two barrels.  The frame has not been converted and the barrels both have solid lugs with a flat bottomed barrel block.  These barrels work fine in this frame, but, what of the other barrels with split lugs and stepped bottom.  Will those lock up and then not open, period?  I'm hesitant to try it before asking and then have to figure out how to get it apart.

I'm debating on whether to sell the whole outfit, if I can't use my other barrels on this frame, or just 'losing' the two barrels, calibers/configurations I just don't care for, if I can.

Brian, in Ohio

3/13/08
I called T/C's customer service regarding the compatibility of a non-easy open frame and newer barrels and was told that they were NOT.  So, it looks like I'll be taking a couple of barrels to the gun show this weekend and if I sell them, I'll send the frame in for the conversion.  Question answered, problem solved.

[sk330lc]

T/C will No longer send you locking lugs, Unless you send send them your old Lungs first !! Talked to Two diff people on Monday They Both said the same thing .. Customer service is going south With T/C as well !! Left messages four days in a row. Not one of my calls was returned. SO I sat and did the redial thing for four hours On Monday.  I guess this is one of the down falls of S&W buying them out.
Sorry had to vent!

[Alaska Dave]

Had a problem with a barrel and called them. After talking to the gal I purchased 3 sets for a total of 38.60 shipped.They are not interested in your old ones. Maybe you can get a more sympathetic ear ???I don't like dealing with them. Dave