Contender Chamberings by Year - Question

[bstewrat3]

While browsing some auctions I have noticed that some chamberings are being listed as only produced in certain years. I am looking for info on what years the different chamberings may have been produced. I am trying to build a Contender that is accurate to the 1970 time frame and thought I had it, but after looking at the types, I found out my 222 Remington 10 Octagon is a Type III making it a later edition. Thanks for any info.

[Ladobe]

As you probably know, 1970 would be a Type 2 or possibly Pre Type 2 barrel (the generation of barrels where the most different chamber's were offered by TC).   

The exact offerings by year I doubt are listed anywhere that you can just access on-line.   And details are sketchy at best from the early years at TC before their first catalog in 1974.   Brochures and printed ads were used before it, but few of them survived (I have one ad from 1967).   While I got my first Contender in 1968 (38 Special), had them all since and have some old TC literature & catalogs, I can't give you an exact answer for 1970.   

Your best bet is going to be to contact the TCA, someone like Ed Kirkpatrick or Ron Sable for the most accurate answer.

   

[delt167502]

I picked one up in 1966 or 67 with a ser.# 4*** in 22rf and 357mag. the following year a 45/410 the following year 357 Herrett .after that who counts.

[Gabby]

If you know of anybody with a collection of Gun Digest's or Shooter's Bible would be a good place to look.  Good luck

[Hopalong7]

     I don't know that a complete and exact list exists anywhere.  There were so many "special runs" and even variations in catalogs within the same year that to generate an accurate list for just one year would be difficult.  I guess that's what makes them so intriguing . Walt

[Ladobe]

I picked one up in 1966 or 67 with a ser.# 4*** in 22rf and 357mag. the following year a 45/410 the following year 357 Herrett .after that who counts.

Fact is a 4XXX serial number puts your frame manufacture date as very late 1968 to early 1969.

The first Contenders didn't hit the streets until tghe summer of 1967 and were only offered in 22S/L/LR and 38 Special at first, with 22WMR, 22 Jet and 22 Hornet the next offerings to be added.   Not sure when the 357MAG was added, but maybe the following year.

Unfortunately the books mentioned are not always accurate, either for years offered or for calibers.   Even the TC catalogs have errors in them. 

[bstewrat3]

I have all of the Gun Digests from 1944 on, but unfortunately they seem to just repeat the listings from the previous year unless something major changed. 5mm Remington has been brought up in my research as only being made in 1970 and then another brief run in 1980. I know Aguila is making 5mm Remington ammo again, but the round really isn't grabbing me.