Taboo Question??

[Oilman]

Yesterday I posed the question about a source for the manufacture dates (years) for Contender barrels. I am curious about what the initial offerings were, as well as when new calibers came on the scene. Also would like to know when calibers and lengths were discontinued. I've noticed that my original posting received no replies. I hope that I have not angered or offended anyone with my ignorance. Thanks.

[Graybeard]

I think there is a sticky at the top of this forum with that information. At least I'm pretty sure there is.

[Keith L]

There is a sticky about frame manufacture dates.  If I ever see a chart like you are asking about it will become a sticky as well.  This is the first time I have seen this question, and I don't have a clue as to the answer.  Perhaps no one really knows, so no one answered.  There is no reason I know of that this question would have angered anyone.  I am sure that if it did you would know by now.

[Hopalong7]

Yes, there is a chart on barrel/caliber availability and I have a copy somewhere.  If I can find it I'll be glad to share.  I also have most of the old catalogs from the early years.  I'll try to remember to look tonight.    Walt

[Graybeard]

This is what I was thinking was in the sticky. It's not exactly what you ask but since barrels don't have serial numbers establishing a specific year any given one was manufactured would of course be an impossibility. This gives you what info is available regarding barrels. I'm aware of no other.

This came from a site that does or at least used to sell barrels but for the life of me I can't recall the source.

Barrel designations
T-1 Octagon, One line address, flat base, set screw, short site. 6 caliber's T/C Arms Rochester N.H. Caliber (There are variations also) 1967

Pre Type 2, but not Type 1 has the N.H. BUT the caliber is located at the muzzle end

T-2 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw, significant
identification is a period after the N.H. This type has the largest caliber selection and dates 1967-1972

T-3 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw, now the period is only after the H. NOT THE N 1973-1975 (bull barrels also found is this vintage)

T-4 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw is replaced with a roll pin to hold in locking lug. (bull barrels and 14" found in this vintage)

T-5 Octagon or bull the significant change is the flat base that now has a step on it. If you check any of your 14" barrels it will have this step..

Now with in each of the above there are variations that mainly address sites. Sites are another classification in there own right. For those of you shooters out there T-1 - T-4 typically have the solid locking lug, which generally require changing to use on the newer frames, easy open started at serial # 195,000 .

T-6 thru T-9 are current variation that describe hunter barrels, stainless, 16", 21" scope models and so on. Unofficially I have deemed the T-9 indicating the newest rear site as used on the Encore and post-fire Contenders. Once we clearly sort through the 6 thru 8s this may change again. One thing for sure as a collector of TC's, just when you think you have it figured out....something else jumps up and changes every thing.
Good shooting and collecting,

[RonF]

Oilman,

You asked about the initial caliber offerings.  Warren Center conceived the Contender as a lightweight, small caliber hunting pistol, so it was originally chambered in fairly light calibers.  There were five initially.  They included the .22 LR, .22 Mag, .22 Jet, and two others that have escaped my feeble brain.  I'm fairly sure one was the .38 Special.  Maybe one was .22 Hornet.  I know that before 9 months of manufacture the .256 Win Mag was being offered.  The original grip design made large calibers PAINFUL.

Hope this, along with the info Graybeard has supplied, helps get you started.

RonF

[Czech_too]

A good portion, if not all, of the information you're looking for is in past TCA publications but it may be copyrighted.  Some were just up for sale recently on GB.  I believe that the information given by Greybeard on the barrel types is from RJ's Guns,
http://members.aol.com/ronstcs/index.html

Brian, in Ohio

[Oilman]

Appreciate the info. fellas. I have a copy of the chart I'm asking about, but in my last move it has disappeared! If it shows up, I will share it. I don't remember where I got it. It may or may not be accurate. I'm sure it will make for good discussion. Thanks again.

[Keith L]

Thanks guys.  This thread has been added to the FAQ list.

[Graybeard]

A good portion, if not all, of the information you're looking for is in past TCA publications but it may be copyrighted.  Some were just up for sale recently on GB.  I believe that the information given by Greybeard on the barrel types is from RJ's Guns,
http://members.aol.com/ronstcs/index.html

Brian, in Ohio

Yes I think you are right that definitely sounds like the site I copied that from long ago. I had kinda lost touch with the site and haven't visited it in a long time but I do recall the name Ron in conjunction with it. I've bought a few barrels from him years ago.

[Oilman]

Just visited with Ron Sable (RJ's guns) and he told me that this list was printed 15-16 years ago by the TCA. Said I could probably get a copy from Ed's TC's. Thanks for all the help!!