Contender Breach plug

[Davemuzz]

I have an "old style" Contender S\N in the 147K range. I bot this used last fall and before I shot it, I sent it back to T\C for a "look over". They replaced the orginal trigger with an easy open style one as the orginal did not sit square in the frame.

However, I have been working on loads for my new 23" 223 barrel and noticed that the breach plug does not sit squarely in the frame. I would guess one side is recessed about four thousands of an inch below the frame and the other side is flush.

So, would this situation cause any issues with the groups that I am getting from shooting the 223 barrel? My initial guess is no as my 14" 223 barrel shoots very well.

And finally, should I look at sending this to T\C to have this matter fixed anyway?

Thanks.

Dave.

[Doublejake]

If it's really 4 thousands of an inch, and shooting well, I would leave it alone. If it aint broke don't fix it! I would also think 4 thousands of an inch wouldn't be or could only be barrely visible without a guage

[gunnut69]

I'm a little confused by 'breach plug'. I assume you're refering to the barrel lug which is welded to the barrel and thru which the hinge pin goes. The barrel not perfectly aligning with the standing breach is OK. The rear of the barrel need to be square to the face of the standing breach to avoid cases with canted caseheads. This can lead to problems even in small amounts.. If the breach doesn't show a gap one side over the other, and it shoots well, just enjoy!!

[Davemuzz]

No, I'm not talking about the barrel lug. I'm talking about the "large circle" that outlines where the fireing pin(s) come thru the frame.

I will have a chance later and post a picture to show you exactely what I mean.

I am a big fan of "if it aint broke, don't fix it", but what I'm asking is "if I get this fixed, will my groups shrink?".

'Cause smaller is always better when you are talking about shooting groups....oh, yeah....and bikini's. :eek:

Dave

[Davemuzz]

Ok, here is what I am yappin about.



When you look at the picture, you can see the breach plug (the round gizmo that encircles the center fire pin) is flush on the right side, and the left side is recessed by .004 or four thousands. I know this as I measured it, more than once.

Now, this is where the shell in every T\C barrel rest immediately before being fired. So, the back of the shell is not recoiling against something square or perpendicular to the bullet.

So, when a bullet is fired, the brass is being shoved against an out of square breach plug. Not much out of square...I mean...this aint NASA, but still I would think "sumpin's gotta give" at some point. Be it the brass or be it accuracy...I dunno....that's why I'm askin.

I don't think they usually build 'em this way.

Dave

[Racepres]

At first guess I would say that there was a piece of "mystery stuff" behind the  plug. They are a pretty close fit , but, only held against their recess by a small screw. Easy enough to replace, if you understand the mechanics of the contender. However , if I paid someone to go over it, I would expect that to be included, if indeed they replaced the breach, otherwise I "assume" that it is within the accepted tolerance.   HTH.   MV

[gunnut69]

Indeed the case heaads would likely be that much out of square with the bore. Assuming the bore is perpendicular to the breachface.. I honestly don't believe it'll make any difference but I simply don't know for certain. To keep from gicing you bad info I shall simply suggest a call to TC's service department.. Have you checked fired cases to see if the chamber and breach face are out of square? Perhaps the breach face and the chamber are IN alignment!  To check roll the fired case in 2 V's. If the case head wobbles it's out of alignment..

[Davemuzz]

Thank you for the responses, I appreciate it.

And I will give T\C a call and ask 'em what they think.

Dave.

[gunnut69]

I'd appreciate it if you could keep us up to speed.. I'd especially like to know their reply.. I've not had any dealings with TC customer service but have always heard good thngs..

[Davemuzz]

Well, I called T\C and spoke to one of there "Contender specialist" about this issue. They are really very nice people to chat with.

They did correct me about what I called this part. It is not called a "breachplug" but it is called a "fireing pin housing". Actually, the tech guy said this housing should be either flush with the frame, or even protruding a few thousands outside of the frame. But, however it is seated, it should be the same all the way around and not "cocked" as mine is.

He suggested that I send this to T\C. Now, the bad part is the turn around time is 4 weeks, and I just got my new 223 barrel and just found the load that works out to 400 yards. He thought since the gun was shooting well and nothing seemed to be out-of-whack, to waite until my "hog season" was over and send it back then. But he did think it should be sent back and the housing changed out.

I ask him if there might be something I could do to possibly take this out, clean it up and fix it and he said no, that may even make it worse.

So, I don't need to be hit on the thumb twice by a hammer to know it hurts. I'm gonna shoot it until the fall....then send it back.

Heck, I only shot one hog.....and there's a whole summer left.

Dave.

[Racepres]

Good choice and glad you got it goin' on. I too would mimic what gunnut says, we would like to know how it turns out. I agree that T/C has some very good customer service, and I would say that virtually no-one, stands more firmly behind their product. In the "old days" they sent me parts that I maybe had no business needing!!! I am positive that this condition presents no safety issues, so yea shoot it. when yer able to give 'er up for awhile get it looked at. Good luck and good shootin'  MV