Author Topic: Contender bargain?  (Read 694 times)

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Offline Quadzillabill

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Contender bargain?
« on: September 30, 2003, 06:53:11 AM »
Looking for an Encore barrel today, and found a used blued contender in nice shape, with a stainless 30-30 barrel on it for $275.  Seems like a good deal, but I have no use for the 30-30.

Never really handled a contender - WOW is this thing light compared to my Encore.  Maybe it would be fun to shoot some lighter loads.

Is worth that price?

Offline IronMonkey

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Yes!!
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2003, 06:55:55 AM »
Buy it quick.  If you don't like the 30-30 rechamber to 30-30AI.  Or go JDJ or Bellm.  You can always sell the barrel or trade it.  Then buy a different barrel, rimfires are fun and cheap to shoot.  Dan
Gun control is shooting 40x40!

Offline KYODE

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Contender bargain?
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2003, 08:55:36 AM »
that is a heck of a deal :eek:

Offline Quadzillabill

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Ok...
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2003, 12:25:18 PM »
Quote from: KYODE
that is a heck of a deal :eek:


Thanks for the enthusiasm.  You guys are a bad influence on me. :roll:

I went and put some cash down on it, since I'm also in the middle of a rifle deal.  The forend does have a scratch in it - just on the surface, and some good care will make it look minor.

So the frame is serial number 3971xx...

How old is it?

Offline KYODE

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Contender bargain?
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2003, 01:14:49 PM »
not too old, as they stopped somewhere in the mid 400's. there is a chart at www.handgunhunt.com that gives serial numbers and dates. i forget exactly what section there, but surf around to find it in the articles or tech section.  :D

Offline Quadzillabill

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Thanks!
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2003, 01:49:29 PM »
Quote from: KYODE
not too old, as they stopped somewhere in the mid 400's. there is a chart at www.handgunhunt.com that gives serial numbers and dates. i forget exactly what section there, but surf around to find it in the articles or tech section.  :D


Another great site - oh, boy am I gonna be in trouble.

Looks like its a 1992.  :-)

Offline Ladobe

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Contender bargain?
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2003, 03:44:19 PM »
That serial number makes it a post-fire easy-open frame I think... the next to the best Contender frame TC ever made (best was the pre-fire EO).   Check the breech block to see if it has the locking lug modification - not one of TC's better ideas due to their quality control at the end... and if it does, make sure it is in fact welded and welded square and plumb and you'll be fine.   As all the others have said, that is a great bargain and your money is being well spent getting it.   Best,
Ladobe  :bye:
Evolution at work. Over two million years ago the genus Homo had small cranial capacity and thick skin to protect them from their environment. One species has evolved into obese cranial fatheads with thin skin in comparison that whines about anything and everything as their shield against their environment. Meus