Early Contender w/2 barrels,,,,tell me about it [for sale nearby]

[alan in ga]

This is a 6 digit serial # Early handgun with 45/410 exterior choke tube/ports on top of the barrel,,,AND a 10" Octagon 22 LR blued, both with smallish looking open [factory] sights. Styrofoam box included.
What would you say is the 'going rate' for the gun. It is about 98% plus,,,appears new actually. I did not see a choke wrench but am not familiar with the old exterior tube barrels. Both are octagon 10".
THANKS for any help or insight you can offer. I've had Contender fever before but might be coming down,,,again.

[Czech_too]

I would think that $400 would be a reasonable price for what you describe.  Keep in mind that unless the frame has been converted to an easy open, there will be compatibility issues with newer barrels if you should pick up other calibers.  There's been discussion on this subject over the last couple of weeks in fact.  Before you buy, take the grip off of the frame and check for rust.  I've seen a couple with it in that area and no where else.  Once you get the fever...

Brian, in Ohio

[Keith L]

"Keep in mind that unless the frame has been converted to an easy open, there will be compatibility issues with newer barrels if you should pick up other calibers. "

I have never had that problem.  I have had old barrels that needed new bolts to lock up well with a new frame, but my G2 barrels all work just fine in my not converted old timer.

[Slowpoke Slim]

Ditto for me. My G2 barrels fit and lock up on my pre easy open frame just fine.


As to value, it really depends on what it's worth to you...

[alan in ga]

T/C sent me new 'split bolts' for free in the past when I purchased [used] an older barrel with single piece bolt. That's good factory support!

[Keith L]

Oh yea, the value issue.  An early Contender with one barrel around here sells for $325-350.  The second barrel would add at least $75-100 more.  I am not a big fan of the 45-410 barrels, never having had much luck with them either as a shotgun or a pistol. YMMV.

Good luck with your decision.  I really like my Contenders (note the plural, you can't stop at just one!!).

[Czech_too]

What I meant by compatibility was more specifically the locking lugs.  My understand now is that the factory is charging for the new lugs, don't have an exact $ amount, but the easy open conversion is now $55, it's no longer free. 

Brian, in Ohio

[RonF]

The easy open conversion hasn't been free for a LONG time, if ever.  A six digit frame isn't exactly "early" either.  They went to easy open at around 195,000.  The barrels sound to me like they are older than the frame.  Anyhow, I also think $400 is a bit low, so it represents a good deal, I think.

FWIW....

RonF

[DEACONLLB]

MOST OF THE CONTENDERS THAT I HAVE I BOUGHT FOR 300 TO 400 THE 400 CAME WITH A NEW EXTRA BARREL ALL WERE OLDER AND IN GREAT CONDITION WITH NICE WOOD. ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU CAN BUY A NEW G2 FOR 495 PLUS TAX AND THEY WILL TAKE THE OLDER BARRELS BUT NOT THE OLDER WOOD AND THEY ARE THE EASY OPEN STYLE  I HAD A 45/410 BARREL WITH CHOKE AND VENT RIB DID NOT CARE FOR  IT AT ALL. MTCW
DEACONLLB

[alan in ga]

The easy open conversion hasn't been free for a LONG time, if ever.  A six digit frame isn't exactly "early" either.  They went to easy open at around 195,000.  The barrels sound to me like they are older than the frame.  Anyhow, I also think $400 is a bit low, so it represents a good deal, I think.

FWIW....

RonF

I was wrong. It was a 4 digit number-not sure but I'll get the exact number and if I pass I'll reveal the location if it's still there. Now I have been told the reason why the BATF did not like those chokes was than in making them external,,T/C threaded the OUTside of the muzzle, right?? Too easy to have something else threaded on I guess.
If it helps,,it also had a rectangur metal piece on the bottom of the grip. Grips look as early as I can remember.
Thanks for all the info.