contender frames, how old is to old?

[huntinhick]

How about it guys,

when in the market for used contender frames when should you start to worry about how they will stand up and if they are worth the investment?  are there any worries about the older frames standing up to rounds like the 375jdj or 358 jdj?

thanks
carl

[Lone Star]

The pre easy-open frames were weaker than later frames, so I would stick to them.  The only problem is that some of the old frames were apparently converted to easy-opens....I don't remember the serial number of the switch.


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[RonF]

I certainly don't mean to start an argument here, but I don't understand why the pre-easy open frames are weaker.  I believe they just changed the pivot point of the trigger guard and made minor adjustments to some camming surfaces in order to effect opening with less force.  All frame dimensions are the same, I believe, and as far as I know there were no metallurgical changes.  Can you tell us why these earlier frames are not as strong?  I have several of them that I've used with some pretty stiff .35 Ram loads and some .30-40 Krag, as well - no problems.

I may be wrong, but I believe the change to the easy open frame was around #190,000.

RonF

[Lone Star]

There is no argument, just engineering fact.   Older frames are weaker, period.  T/C recognized this and changed the "watertable" on newer frames, I believe around the time of the easy-open switch.  Older frames have a cutout in the rails right at the breech, newer frames do not.  I stretched and cracked an old frame - right at the cutouts - with .35 Remington loads .  T/C replaced it with a new frame - without the rail cutouts.  It was my fault, but T/C stood by their product.


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[Davemuzz]

I have two Contender frames (not G2). One is the "older" #143k which I sent back to T\C and they put an easy open trigger in. It's not difficult to tell the update....just look at the front of the frame and you will see the old hing holes still there. I also have a newer Contender "easy open" frame.

The "older" frame is kind of exclusively used for my 223. The newer one I keep a pachmyer handgun grip on, and change handgun barrels on.  I wouldn't be concerned about buying an older frame. I would just make sure the hammer had the center fire\rim fire switch. If you buy the older frame and it cracks, bends, twist or does anything else, T\C will replace it for free.....so why be concerned about buyin an older frame?

Dave

[RonF]

Thanks for the explanation Lone Star.  Although I have old and new frames, I hadn't noticed the difference; guess I'll have to take a look.

RonF

[Ken ONeill]

For heavy loads, I would suggest using a Contender with a s/n above 195,000, or a stainless frame (they were made even later).  J.D. will tell you the same thing.

[Deanmac]

Good information for a newbie like me.

trying to get educated on the different models.

Any advantages of the G2 verses the easy open?

[Keith L]

They do open even easier than the easy open.  Some say they are stronger, but TC doesn't so I wouldn't assume you can load hotter in them.  I stick to the books.  The G2 trigger has less adujstment available, but you can lower the hammer then re-cock it without opening the frame.  I thought I liked the looks better, then I saw a stainless original with walnut grips and changed my mind.

I like Contenders period.  I have one oldie (pre-easyopen) and three G2s and like them all.

[Deanmac]

They do open even easier than the easy open.  Some say they are stronger, but TC doesn't so I wouldn't assume you can load hotter in them.  I stick to the books.  The G2 trigger has less adujstment available, but you can lower the hammer then re-cock it without opening the frame.  I thought I liked the looks better, then I saw a stainless original with walnut grips and changed my mind.

I like Contenders period.  I have one oldie (pre-easyopen) and three G2s and like them all.

You got any idea when they started making the G2'S?

[Keith L]

I am thinking four or five years ago, but I am most likely wrong.  What do the rest of you think?  Someone will know.

[Deanmac]

I am thinking four or five years ago, but I am most likely wrong.  What do the rest of you think?  Someone will know.

That was that I was thinking.  Would still like a Serial # point of change.  I could not find it on a net search.

[Deanmac]

I just got a reply from TC customer service.


The G2 came out in 2003, the easy open was after 195,000. the older models are the ones with the engraving on the side.