early Contender hammer fix/replacement?

[Czech_too]

On the early frames, those with the firing pin selector on the face of the hammer, not on the top, is the screw which holds the selector in place prone to working loose?  The reason I ask this, is that I had just that happen earlier in the day.  Luckily I felt that TINY screw hit me and was able to find it.  The area I was shooting from is paved with a concrete pad and it was relatively clean.
I've got the screw back in place, used loctite on it, but from appearances there were only a couple of threads actually making contact with the selector.  Wondering if, in the long run, if I wouldn't be better off replacing the entire hammer with the newer style and just how difficult that might be.  Checked the schematics and I see that there is a pin which holds the hammer in place.  Is it a matter of drifting out this pin, and yes I do realize that there is the hammer spring to contend with, and replacing the hammer, or there more involved?
Opinions, suggestions, comments welcomed.

Brian, in Ohio

[Slowpoke Slim]

I have the same hammer on mine. I've never had any issues with it. I've shot a few "boomers", 375 win, and 45-70 handgun bbls and mine's not loosened up. Have you had it since it was new, or did you pick it up used? Maybe somewhere down the line, someone has "fixed" it and diddled-up the screw? I like being able to thumb the safety off of mine while I'm cocking it. I think the "newer" style hammer, with the safety lever on the top prevents that.

[Ladobe]

All you have to do to get your hammer fixed or updated FOR FREE is to send the frame back to TC.   Most likely they will update it to the latest style hammer.   Free except your cost to ship it to them that is.   They will not charge you for the parts, labor or return shipping.


"I like being able to thumb the safety off of mine while I'm cocking it. I think the "newer" style hammer, with the safety lever on the top prevents that."

If I understand what your saying Chris, by safety you mean having the firing pin selector set so neither rim or centerfire fire hammer pin makes contact with a firing pin (ie, half way between).   You can do that with the new style hammers a bunch easier than with the early screwdriver set hammers.   If that's not what you mean, I don't have a clue what you mean by "safety" on a Contender frame.

[Ken ONeill]

Czech too,
You can ( and I would ) send 'er back to the factory, requesting a hammer upgrade. I'm not sure whether this will require a conversion to the " Easy Open " feature, though. If it does, there will be a charge of about $ 50. A phone call to the factory technicians can answer whether a conversion is required. The " Easy open " feature also gives a better trigger profile and adjustment, and is well worth the cost, in my opinion.

[Czech_too]

I have some other later production frames on hand, so if I send this one in for a replacement hammer, it's not like I'm gonna go into withdrawl or anything.  I'll give the factory a call next week and go from there, don't think I want to go with the easy open conversion though, personal preference sort of thing, although the trigger does 'bite' sometimes when shooting the .357 Max. barrel.  Just gotta watch where I place my finger!

Thanks,
Brian, in Ohio

[Slowpoke Slim]

Hi Larry,

I was referring to the cross block on the early hammers that, when in "safe" mode, push a blocking pin out that stops the hammer from striking the firing pin. It's easy to push it off with the right thumb as you begin the cocking motion to cock the hammer. It's not part of the selector that switches between rimfire and centerfire.

Sorry, I should have been more clear.

[hunterspistol]

   If you call the Thompson Center people at the factory, they can send you new parts for it. The problem with changing a hammer out is knowing that you'll need a small section of rod to hold the spring in place until you drive the pin back in.  It takes a little "hanger" rod to keep the spring inside while you place the pin through the frame.  By the way, that's likely a Type 1 Contender frame.  I've had TC send me parts for free, just to keep my pistols going.

    Shoot it and have the parts sent to you.

[Nygma]

Can anyone tell me what thread this screw is? I read this post last week and it jinxed me! This weekend I lost this screw for the 1st time since 1974. T/C cannot sell it to me and I don't want to send the frame to them with hunting season coming up.

Update:  3-48