Author Topic: Used Contender (Read 642 times)

SandWedge · « **on:** October 30, 2004, 04:07:04 AM »

Hi: I'm new to the Contender world and to make it harder, I live in California... so my choices on what to buy are quite limited. I've found a Contender available locally but before I plunge, I had a few questions regarding older Contenders.

The Contender in question is from the 70's. Does this pose any problems? I've read on the forum that fixes are available from TC for various problems, but what about general serviceability for a frame that is 30 years old? The frame is in very good condition visually (as far as I can tell) - anything I should look for?

The frame is also Armor Alloy. What is Armor Alloy? Can I use new G2 barrels with it?

And of course, because of the regulations here, the frame is way over priced...

Thanks,

Sandwedge

ftw · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2004, 12:09:04 PM »

The older frames are usually fine. All Contender frames are well made and if not abused will last near forever.

Armor Alloy is a plating process that was used on Contenders before the advent of stainless steel. I understand it wears very well. The frame hinge hole is very slightly smaller than a blued frame. In order to make any current blued or stainless contender or G2 barrels work, you will have to slightly enlarge the pin hole. It can easily be done with a dowell rod and sand paper or valve grinding compound.
You or T/C can take care of any problems on the older frames. If it has a split barrel link it will need to be replaced with a solid one. T/C will give you a new one and it is a simple changeover.
Do a search here for Armor Alloy or T/C frames or anything in the T/C section and you will find a wealth of knowledge.

SandWedge · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2004, 02:43:28 PM »

ftw -

It's quite a study in supply and demand here in Kali for Contenders. But where there's a will (and a wallet) there's a way!

Thanks for the help.

SW

Flash · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2004, 08:40:26 AM »

FTW failed to mention that you need a new hinge pin also. The barrels for frames other than the Armour Alloy will all work fine in your frame but a hinge pin will need to be aquired or made. I second the opinion of FTW on the frame modification too but you need a hinge pin first for proper fitting. I've opened up Armour Alloy barrels many times and used a hand drill, wooden dowel and fine emory cloth soaked with oil.

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2004, 09:07:47 AM »

Quote from: SandWedge

Hi: I'm new to the Contender world and to make it harder, I live in California...
The Contender in question is from the 70's. Does this pose any problems? The frame is also Armor Alloy.
Sandwedge

The Armour Alloy frames and barrels were offered in the early 90's so the frame isn't that old. I've got one and I love it.

Flash · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2004, 01:14:07 PM »

Correction, the Armour Alloy guns were offered from 1986 to 1989 but lingered in shops into the 90's.