Contender Frame question

[Gswag]

I'm not one that ever really got into the contender scene but have started aquiring some pieces here lately.  I should have started this a long time ago.  I've had encores and such but never had my own Contender until recently.  I have a question for you guys in the know.  I see mention of 5 digit serial number frames and 195,000..... frames etc.  From what I can tell, the "easy" open frames are the ones with the pin over the trigger I guess.  What are the better frames?  Are the early frames without the selector on the top of the hammer better or are the later ones better.  Any clarification on these things would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.  GS

[Keith L]

You are likely to hear all kinds of opinions on this.  I have early frames, easy open frames and G2 frames and I like them all.  Conventional wisdom used to be the easy open frames were the best.  More folks are now getting and liking the G2s.  Many will say the G2s can't have as good a trigger as the original Contenders, but mine break at 2.5-3 pounds and are creep free.  The could be lighter if I wanted them lighter, so I don't really know what could be gained with the other triggers. 

[Gswag]

I haven't used one of the G2s yet but if the grip angle is like the Encore, I would rather have more of the original contender.  I have an encore in 375/06 JDJ and the grip angle on that one is just not as comfortable to me.  I know they did it for one reason to get more room for your fingers behind the trigger guard but I have always preferred to just put my fingers on the guard of the original contender with the heavier kickers.  Just feels better to me personally.  I have been looking for another frame and was just curious which one I should get.  Thanks.

GS

[Hopalong7]

      I'm one of those old hard-headed, ol' fashioned, grumpy ol' coots that still insist the new fangled G-2 is worthless and I wouldn't trade one of my real Contenders for a boat load of 'm(talk about stirring the pot).  Obvisously I'm exaggerating terrribly and if really pushed would have to admit that I've never even had a G-2 to compare.  But, the fact is that I'm VERY happy with my pre-fire, easy open Contender frames.  I much prefer the newer style hammer assembly with the selector switch on top.  I've a couple of frames that were post 195,000 but still old enough to have the old style hammers that were converted by TC, for $0.00, to the newer hammer assemblies and when comparing them to some newer frames(300,000-435,000) really just don't see much difference.  Way back, I had a couple of pre-195,000 frames, but got rid of them without converting to easy open, so I can't make a comparison there either.
     Now with all that said, if I were new to Contenders today and just starting out, I'd probably go get me a G-2 and be as happy as a pig in a mud-wallow.... But, then.... on the other hand...........
Walt

[Curtis]

I like the older ones.  For one thing the debate on whether they are rifle or pistol frames is a non issue on older frames.  They're all pistol and none of mine have ever worn a rifle barrel.  I have a stainless, easy-open frame that I use for carbine duty.  Also I have a couple of older single lug pistol barrels and they lock up properly on all of my older pistol frames.  They usually will not lock up on newer ("easy-open" or G2) frames without changing to split locking lugs.  Since TC will no longer send lugs to customers for a DIY, I would have to send my single lug barrels in to them for conversion.  Ain't happenin!

Admittedly the hammer design on the older ones leaves a bit to be desired, but since I always have at least a range box with me when changing barrels a screwdriver being needed to change the firing pin selector has never been a problem.  As far as "easy open" is concerned, I don't like the pivot point above the trigger (it just makes the whole assembly seem like an afterthought) and I really cannot tell much difference in the effort required to break the action.

Never tried a G2 and since I'm so happy with my older frames I am not likely to  ........unless one drops in my lap.

Curtis

[Flynmoose]

I did not come down with T/C disease until about nine years ago (I think). My first was an Encore
and then I tried a friends G1 Contender. Due to the difficulty I had opening the action (arthritis),
I ordered a G2. Now both of these firearms are head and shoulders above the old junk I was shooting
at the time so I have no real experiences to compare. Whenever I go to the range to shoot, one or
more of the T/Cs with a few barrels always go as well. I highly recommend T/C products, they work.
FM

[b44mag]

this was a good read it answerd a few ?s i had now to find the answers to the rest
                    thanks  b44mag