Author Topic: Contender Hard to open (Read 1476 times)

umax5555 · « **on:** April 29, 2005, 03:28:18 PM »

What can I do to make my Contender easier to open. I was told of a double barrel lug?

fyrepowrx · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2005, 05:11:19 PM »

Some of the older models of frames are much more difficult to open due to the design.... Later models changed the pivot point of the trigger guard, giving more leverage to make it easier to open. If you do have the older style of frame, i believe that TC will modify it at your request to make it the "easy open" style of frame.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:18:45 AM »

Call T/C and order the split barrel lugs. Cost is about $15.00.

Racepres · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:51:49 AM »

I agree w/ the "split lugs!! But, I would not modify an old frame, for personal reasons, I find a bit of pride in owning one of the "original" designs. Simply squeeze hard, while ya "rap" yer knuckles on yer knee... She'll open ... Marty

umax5555 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2005, 03:54:28 AM »

How difficult are they to install? When I bought mine it had no manual to show the break down procedure. Does any one have the manual scanned into a pdf format or just images? Also does someone have picts so I can compare to the one I have?

Racepres · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2005, 02:37:28 PM »

The lugs are a simple change... w/ the bbl off, turn it over and look at the lugs ... just behind 'em is a "cross pin" that retains the lug... Kind of hold the lug(s) in while ya drive the cross pin out and when ya let pressure off the lug (s) come out... Yea three hands are best but most of us have accomplished it w/ 2... you will recognize precisely how it works once you have the new (split) lugs in hand and hold it up to the existing setup... Marty
If you still feel ya need pics ... drop me a msg and I will try to scan a "sales tool manual" picture to you but I don't find it helpful...

umax5555 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2005, 03:25:50 PM »

So I take it these are changed on each barrel. I have two older barrels and brand new barrel. They are all difficult to open will they all need to be changed?

Racepres · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2005, 07:08:06 AM »

Welllll... If they are all solid (one piece) lugs, I would change them, tho I have a couple w/ solid lugs that seem to open fairly well so I let 'em be.. Perhaps if ya did one to see if the difference was worth the effort?? Some barrels I shoot (and therefore open and close) alot .. others not so much!! It won't hurt a thing to replace "all" of em.. Though if you have a "new" barrel it should have split lugs already ... push em w/ yer finger and see!!! Marty

umax5555 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2005, 12:03:18 PM »

I called TC today and they did not want to sell me the split lugs for the barrel. All they wanted to do is the easy open option. Send it in and let them rework it. I am kind of hesitant to do this but he just wouldn't budge on the lugs he even said they would not help. But part of the easy open upgrade are new split lugs!?!?!?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2005, 12:07:41 PM »

Quote from: umax5555

I called TC today and they did not want to sell me the split lugs for the barrel. All they wanted to do is the easy open option. Send it in and let them rework it. I am kind of hesitant to do this but he just wouldn't budge on the lugs he even said they would not help. But part of the easy open upgrade are new split lugs!?!?!?

When I call them several weeks ago, I told them I had the old lugs out and just wanted the new lugs. They sent them to me. But like they said the split lugs may not be your only problem.

Steve P · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2005, 03:38:55 PM »

Do you want the gun to shoot or to look at?
I shoot mine. Yes, I do have some guns that are collectors, that are all original, etc. But they are pieces of art and are more for looks. (Yes they are pretty. I shoot the ugly ones !)

If you got the gun to shoot, and do want to shoot it, send it to TC with all of the barrels. They will make sure all of the barrels and the frame are working together for you. They will likely install all new springs, give it a major tune-up and send it back with no charge. You will have a shooter, not a collector.

Good Luck with your choice.

Steve

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2005, 01:07:30 AM »

Steve P, I have to agree with you. All my guns are shooters also. I take my very nice and expensive Shiloh Shapes out hunting and shooting all the time. The only value to me is does it shoot well.

Racepres · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:38:33 AM »

For the record I have been shooting mine since 1976 w/ no alterations except the lugs on some barrels... Sent a 5 gal bucket of wheelweights thru the 45 barrel alone!!! No reason not to have a "collectable shooter" IMHO.. Marty

RonF · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2005, 06:06:57 AM »

"Collectible shooter". I like that. Sounds like a four digit original Contender I have that is still in great shape and shooting well.

RonF

jro45 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2005, 09:39:03 PM »

I bought mine back in the early 70's. and had to send the action back a couple times. I broke two springs a couple times shooting full house loaded 45/70 bullets. A box full. Never had any problem opening with one of my barrels. I put a friends barrel on my contender and had one *&^(
of a time opening it. Good shooting to you.