Author Topic: Contender frames (Read 1091 times)

Ken55 · « **on:** February 01, 2003, 01:31:48 PM »

Would anyone know when the frame side engraving changed from the Puma on the ledge, to just the Puma's head?

norm · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2003, 05:06:10 PM »

Pumas head only is a post fire frame. With out checking about 1997 or 1998. norm

norm · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2003, 06:33:21 PM »

Did some research th TC fire was march 28 1997.
All stainless frames are easy opening, they start at serial #S1100. In 1993.
hope this helps norm

helobill · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2003, 04:44:08 PM »

Wish there was someplace that had all the dates and serial numbers associated with the changes. I know it's in the TC computer because when you ask for a replacement instruction book all they need is the serial number. But you sure can't get it out of them. Nice lady i was talking to tried to see if she could pull it up somehow but all she could do was get it to tell her which book to send. Guess I could have just kept giving her numbers until a new book was required, but she wasn't willing to spend all day with me. Anyone know of a source for this info?
Helicopter Bill

thomas · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2003, 05:03:14 PM »

I think the TC List has the numbers you are looking for. I might be wrong , but somehwere on the interenet is a listing of Serial numbers and dates.
For sure you can get the info from Ed's Contenders
Tom

helobill · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2003, 05:10:49 PM »

Thomas,
I'll send Ed an e-mail. I've looked all over the net and can't find one. If you come across an address I'd love to have it.
Thanks,
Bill

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2003, 05:44:15 PM »

There are no OLD forums any longer. They have been deleted and are history.

GB

DanL · « **Reply #7 on:** February 03, 2003, 01:00:09 AM »

Beneath this table you can select blue-stainless, Contender or Encore.

http://www.handgunhunt.com/noframes/tech/t1/manuf_ss_tc.html

Barrel info...

http://members.aol.com/~ronstcs/page2.html

helobill · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2003, 05:50:47 AM »

Great, thanks. Good link for dates of manufacture from that site. Know the fire was end of March 1997 (reason they only put out 500 in the first half of 97 I guess) and the easy opening change was with serial number 195,000 which was in late 1981, and according to my owners booklet the external manual firing pin selector was added to contender pistols manufactured after April 1, 1984 (somewhere in the 240,000 range according to the link provided by DanL). Still would like to put definite serial numbers with the changes so I know what changes go with each. I'll keep looking.

Anyone know what the last serial number made was?

Guess I'm getting down in the weeds, but "the devil's in the details".
Helicopter Bill