Author Topic: G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems  (Read 623 times)

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Offline 7-30 Waters

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G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems
« on: April 06, 2008, 09:39:47 AM »
Has anyone experienced this problem?  I have an T/C factory barrel that up until now has resided on an old T/C Contender frame.  Recently, I bought a G-2 frame and decided to mount my T/C factory barrel on the G-2 frame. 

Upon trying to close the barrel, I noticed a small gap of daylight between the barrel and frame once the barrel appeared to be shut.

Are the lugs different on older T/C factory barrels or is the older style frame different from the new G-2 frame? 

I tried my Bullberry barrels on both my G-2 and older style T/C Contender frame and see no visable or physical issues when closing the frame up.

What is happening?

Offline Czech_too

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Re: G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2008, 02:23:51 PM »
Does the factory barrel have solid or split locking lugs?  Does it have a flat or stepped base.  Is the older frame an 'easy open', post serial #195000, or earlier?

I haven't 'yet' had a problem switching barrels between original frames but these have all been barrels with split locking lugs and stepped bases.  There's no difference, other than cosmetic in a manner of speaking, between the originals and the G2 so that shouldn't be a factor.
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Offline 7-30 Waters

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Re: G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2008, 02:51:18 PM »
Czech_too

The factory barrel has split lugs.  The frame is stainless and the serial number is (S34XXX).  I am not sure what you mean by a stepped or flat base.  Are you referring to the barrel or the lugs when you ask this question?

Thanks,

Offline Czech_too

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Re: G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2008, 12:44:31 AM »
Well, you've got an easy open frame and with split locking lugs.  I don't see where there should be a problem but obviously there is.  If the frame was stretched then you'd have the gap regardless of barrel.  Take a mic and check the distance from the pivot pin to the front of the frame on both for comparison.  There are others out there more knowledgeable regarding Contenders than me, Ladobe is the first that comes to mind.  Maybe drop him a pm, see what he has to say.
As to the flat/stepped base, the metal piece that's welded under the barrel that the barrel pivot pin goes in, the earliest ones were flat where it would meet the frame.  Later ones have a slight step milled in. 
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Offline Hopalong7

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Re: G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2008, 07:32:07 AM »
A small gap of up to .003" is fairly common and is not a problem.  This size gap at the right angle and light is quite visible.  Try closing your action with a feeler gauge in the gap, increasing the thickness until the barrel won't lock-up fairly easy.  Then you know the size of gap.  On bottle neck cartridges, I try to size my brass to protrude out the rear of the chamber the same amount of this gap.  GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt

Offline 7-30 Waters

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Re: G-2 frame vs old style frame barrel lock up problems
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2008, 11:50:16 AM »
Well, you've got an easy open frame and with split locking lugs.  I don't see where there should be a problem but obviously there is.  If the frame was stretched then you'd have the gap regardless of barrel.  Take a mic and check the distance from the pivot pin to the front of the frame on both for comparison.  There are others out there more knowledgeable regarding Contenders than me, Ladobe is the first that comes to mind.  Maybe drop him a pm, see what he has to say.
As to the flat/stepped base, the metal piece that's welded under the barrel that the barrel pivot pin goes in, the earliest ones were flat where it would meet the frame.  Later ones have a slight step milled in. 

The G-2 frame to which I would like to shoot my factory T/C barrel on is brand new and hasn't had a round fired on it yet.  My old style frame has been the current home for my factory T/C barrel.  There is no gap between the barrel and the frame on this set up.  Now that I understand what you mean by stepped or flat base, all my barrels are stepped like you described.  Finally, all my Bullberry barrels fit both frames just fine except one.  I see a little daylight with my 30-30 AI barrel on the G-2 frame and no daylight when it is on my old style frame.  I guess what it comes down to is every barrel is a thousanth or so different.  I think my T/C factory barrel will reside on my old frame along with my Bullberry 30-30 AI and my new 357 Herrett barrel will be shot from my new G-2.  Not sure what else I can do.

I'll drop Ladobe a line and see if he has any thoughts.

Thanks,