Another opinion, since thats what you are asking for.
Fred and I are long time friends. I spent a lot of time with him and in his shop during the 8 years I lived in Utah's Dixie - still see him when we can work it out as we are still only a little over 2 hours apart. He knows his Contenders without question, and we have 'hashed-over' many of the fine points on them over the years. We don't agree on everything, but do respect each others opinion.
I do mount my barrels, sans forend, in some very solid desktop blocks I made for them for load work and sight installation operations. Striping the extractor does take away some of the variables, but I don't find it necessary. I have great success using the Stoney Point products in all my Bullberry, SSK and BP wildcat barrels for the Contenders (and for the Encores before I dumped them all). My 'cases' for the Stoney are made from brass shot in the individual barrels, and for most loads I choose to use a light jam fit. You do need to use the tool correctly though and acquire a 'feel' for it, but it works great for me (if it aint broke, don't fix it).
Ladobe