Whats an "easy open frame" ??

[irold]

Gentlemen,  I hate to show my ignorance, but.....I recently ended up with 2 Contenders, both older models.  One opens smooth and easy, the other takes a good squeeze to open it up.  Both barrels are the single lug style, the grips are not interfering.  Seems I've read on some threads about an easy open frame......I didn't know what was being referred to.  Any body help me out, about when T/C may have went to this other style of action.  ( the newer serial numbered frame is the easier of the two to open)  Thanks in advance.....Mike

[jimann]

     The "easy open" frame...The lever/trigger guard that opens the action is hinged just above the trigger. The "older frames" that hinge point is near the front of the frame. Easy open frames are easy to spot they have a pin in the frame just above the trigger. Also the fore arms are different.  The easy open fore arms have a "notch" cut in to the end, close to the frame. The early fore arms are solid...You can have problems with the easy open frame getting caught on the older fore arms.
     There are several style of frames, Real early frames were flat sided...No engraving.  An Eagle frame has an eagle on one side. Some had the serial number on the front of the receiver.  Some had engraving by the tail of the puma. Some are without the engraving by the tail. Some have just the puma's head and some have the head, in kind of a line drawing. Those are just "regular" T/C frames not including the custom frames.
    Some of the older models open easily and some of the easy open are kind of stiff
jim

[skb2706]

Good info there...
Couple of points to add. I would suggest getting split lugs for all your barrels...regardless of frame style. A non-easy open can be returned to TC to be modified to be an easy open. Last I knew that would cost $50 or so.

[Josh M.]

Hope I'm not hijacking too badly here...what do you mean by split lugs?

I know nothing about Contenders, but I'm trying to learn.  - JM.

[KN]

Easy open frames are serial numbered at 195,000 and up. Slit lugs refer to the locking lugs on the bottom of the barrel being two piece, ( split in the middle/side to side ) Earlier lugs were one solid piece.   KN

[skb2706]

Hope I'm not hijacking too badly here...what do you mean by split lugs?

I know nothing about Contenders, but I'm trying to learn.  - JM.

If I can locate some of my old one piece ones I will take a pic of the comparison. I have a collection of locking bolts (technically they are locking bolts).

[irold]

Thanks ,  All good info, appears by the serial #'s I have one of each.  When I received the one frame, it had a sliding hammer block that acted like a  "saftey" (?).  Which was froze up or something, also it appeared as though the rimfire firing pin was bent.  After hashing it out with the "online seller", I sent it in to T/C........they replaced the entire hammer with a newer style, with the selector on the top.  No charge....I ended up with a like new reciever.  Shoots real nice.   Thanks again,  Mike