Disassembly of Contender

[Silvertp]

Ive got a used Contender.  I want to completely disassemble the gun to see what kind of shape the components are in and clean things up.  Ive looked thru 35+ pages of the `160 under Thompson Center Handguns, and Ive learned a lot, but its taking forever.  Plus, Ive not found the search function very helpful.

So...can anyone out there refer me to a thread or link that has a comprehensive description of disassembly/ reassimbly?  Much appreciated.

Silvertp

[Hopalong7]

I don't know a link or thread to refer you to, but the best tip I can give on Contender dissassembly/reassembly is to make a slave pin for the hammer spring.  I cut mine from a section of nail just a scouch smaller than the hammer pin in diameter and the same length as the hammer width or a hair less. When reassembling put the spring in the hammer and insert the slave pin, then put it in the frame.  Push the slave pin out with the hammer pin as it goes in.  This should keep most of your religion intact.  The rest is fairly straight forward.  Good luck and welcome to the wonderful and addictive world of Contenders.  Walt

[Silvertp]

Walt, I thank you for the tip.  I looked at that hammer spring long and hard.  I knew I could get it out, just not sure how to get it back in, so I didn't remove it.  I'll think I'll try your suggestion.  Wish me luck.  I already had to deal with the spring loaded part with the "metal cap rocket".  Fortunately the metal cap hit me in the head and fell directly down to my workbench.  The spring took a little longer to find.  Ahhhh, so many guns to tinker...and so little time.

Silvertp

[skb2706]

Beyond taking the trigger group out how much farther would you want to take it apart anyway. Unless you have a weak or broken hammer spring don't fool with it......if you must make your slave pin from a piece of round rod 3/16" diameter by 3/8" long.

[skarke]

The trigger group is very easy.  If you take it out, consider a little tuning.  Many fine smiths will do it cheap (about 50 bucks), and you'll be amazed at what a "factory" trigger can do.

[Silvertp]

SKB...I cleaned and coated the  internal parts with Cerakote after I inspected them, so the more completely I break things down, the more thorough my job.  In fact I did find two cracks in the locking bolt and TC is replacing them under warranty for me.  So far-so good for the reassembly.

Skarke...I  noticed the trigger has both creep and overtravel adjustments.  I think it will tune up nicely.

Thanks for all your thoughts, tips and suggestions.

Silvertp

[xphunter]

silvertip,
Google "contender trigger jobs"  and you should be able to do do it yourself if you like to do that kind of thing.

As mentioned earlier a good number of smiths can do it for you if needed.