Contender frame barrel cross reference chart available?

[Kywoodwrkr]

Is there an easy to read and even easier to understand chart depicting contender frames and which factory barrels are usable on which frames?
Thompsons website didn't shed any light on the basic question from what I saw.
Have a couple early frames and want to find out what my alternatives are as well as determing which if any additional frames I might want or be able to use with existing abrrels etc.
Thanks in advance for any useful information.
DaveP

[Keith L]

With one exception there is complete compatability between Contender frames and barrels.  That exception is the muzzle loading barrel for the G-2 will only fit on the G-2.

Having said that, frequently proper fitting of the locking bolts has to happen for the gun to fire.  Old barrels fitted with the one piece bolts are the hardest to get to work with the new frames.  There are three ways to get this fitting done.  One is to send your frames and barrels to TC and have them all fitted.  Last time I spoke with them this was free of charge.  Second way is to request new bolts from TC.  I have heard conflicting reports about how well this works.  A year or so ago some people were denied the bolts,  before and since I have heard that they were given freely from TC to anyone who asked.  I stoned the tops of the bolts in the couple of barrels I had that wouldn't fit properly and they all work fine now.

Hope this helps.

[Kywoodwrkr]

Keith,
Thak you very much!
That is the information I desired.
I want to obtain a carbine length barrel and wondered which particular barrel I should pursue.
I think your answer pretty much puts my mind at ease.
Will assume getting the wood will be my next big obstacle.
Both from a $ viewpoint and determining which way to go! :-|
Guess it will just be one $ at a time! :-)
Thanks again.
DaveP   

[Keith L]

Wood is a little different.  Handgrips and buttstocks have to match the frame.  In other words it has to be a G2 buttstock on a G2, a traditional Contender on a Contender.  Forends will interchange in most cases.  I had to trim the ears on one but I can't recall which one to get it to fit one of my G2s.

I like them because most stuff fits most stuff, and if it doesn't work completely (bolts needing to be stoned or minor mods to wood) it isn't a big trick to make things fit.  The exception being the muzzleloader for the G2, and having never seen one I can't comment on how that one doesn't work.  I just know TC says it doesn't.

[Pixsurguy]

I'm a new Contender owner and know just enough to get in trouble.

I've only recently heard that TC previously sold frames and barrels in "Armor Alloy".  Is it true that the "Armor Alloy" frames/barrels will not fit blued or SS TC frames and barrels?  If the Armor Alloy is only a coating, I'm pretty surprised if that is so.

I am familiar with an anti-corrosion coating that was available first in the 1970s called "Armalloy" and I think that it is still available from some smiths.  The coating was sufficiently thin that it did not make any significantg dimensional difference.   Is this basically the same stuff that TC used?

[Graybeard]

Yes it is true that UNMODIFIED AA frames and barrels are NOT compatible with either blued or SS frames/barrels. BUT by now I'd hazard a guess that "most" AA frames and barrels have been modified so they do work with blued and SS components. It's a matter of the hole size in barrel/frame where the pin goes that is the difference. The AA finish made them a wee bit smaller than on blue and SS components. The cure is to open it up via sanding or reaming if you have one and want it to fit.