Author Topic: Can all contender barrels be scoped?  (Read 521 times)

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Offline MH WASH

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« on: November 24, 2005, 03:15:03 PM »
I've gotten the bug to buy a contender again.Wanted one for years, just haven't done it yet. My question is, can the barrels with sights have scopes put on them?

Offline Keith L

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2005, 04:12:40 PM »
The only ones that I can think of that may be a problem are the ribbed 45-410 barrels, but there may even be a way to scope them.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."  Benjamin Franklin

Offline Steve P

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2005, 04:02:00 PM »
All Contender Barrels can be scoped.  Some mounts are a whole lot more $$s than others though.

Steve   :D
"Life is a play before an audience of One.  When your play is over, will your audience stand and applaude, or stay seated and cry?"  SP 2002

Offline pab

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2005, 04:20:35 AM »
I have seen a 44mag vent rib barrel modified to take a scope mount. This of course was a gunsmith job as these barrels were not intended to have scope mounts.

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2005, 07:06:18 AM »
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Offline Lucky Joe

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2005, 07:41:18 AM »
Quote from: Steve P
All Contender Barrels can be scoped.  Some mounts are a whole lot more $$s than others though.

Steve   :D


I have a LOBO Scope Mount for the Contender. It's No. M746, I also am trying to get in to the Contender's and Encore's. Is this a good mount and will it fit an Encore barrell.

Also I have a snap on fore end for the Contender w/octagon barrell. My question is should I pick up an old frame since I know where one is along with a .357 barrel with the shot choke tube (unfired) or just pick up a newer model?

Are the newer models much improved over the older ones?
Lucky Joe

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Offline Keith L

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2005, 08:28:04 AM »
Quote
Are the newer models much improved over the older ones?


It depends who you talk with.  I have both, and prefer the G2 (newer) style, but the older ones are fine as well.  I use the older style for heavier recoiliing barrels because the grips I have (Pachmeyer) give me a better grip and help me handle the recoil a little better.  G2 frames allow you to lower the hammer and re-cock without opening the breech.  They also open much easier than the originals.  I like the look of the originals better also.  Some don't like the triggers on G2s as well, but both of mine are 2-3 pounds and crisp from the factory.  In fact better than my original (which I like as well).

I don't think you can go wrong with either.  They are all fine in my book.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."  Benjamin Franklin

Offline Steve P

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Can all contender barrels be scoped?
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2005, 05:04:07 PM »
The Lobo mount is made for Lobo scopes.  It was ok in it's day.  Back then it was 22s, 357s, 256 win, etc.  Low recoiling guns.  Some folks put them on the hotter 44s and 45s.  I am not sure how many stayed there.

You can do a whole lot better now days.  I would not put one on an Encore.  That would be like putting a VW Bug exhaust tip on a new Dodge Hemi.  

The better mounts for the old model Contenders were made by Burris, Beuhler, Leupold, Redding, etc.  They are found often on EBay.  You can also check with EA Brown, SKS, etc for new modern heavy duty mounts.

You can get by with less expensive Weaver bases and Burris Z-Rings.  You can be setup with base and rings for under $20.   You need to choose what works best for the caliber you are shooting.

Steve   :D
"Life is a play before an audience of One.  When your play is over, will your audience stand and applaude, or stay seated and cry?"  SP 2002