Newbie to the Contenders...need some info

[Paints-n-cows]

I have purchased a T/C contender frame (ser#1750xx)....my intention was to put together a .223 for popping the occasional lollygagging coyote that happens to wonder into my vision.  There may be intentions of gathering another barrel for the occasional venison as well since I have now become addicted to that this year.

This frame appears to have two firing pins and on the front of the hammer is a slotted "screw" that can obviously be turned to strike either firing pin.  I researched enough to find out that this is to be able to select between rimfire and centerfire.

Now for a question.  This is receiver only.  The only way to get it to hold at full-cock is to squeeze the trigger guard upward until it clicks, releasing it, and then the hammer will lock to the rear.  If you resqueeze the trigger guard, the hammer goes home but does not go far enough to strike either firing pin (no, I do not let it freefall against the frame).  Is this normal?  It will also fall by the normal method of squeezing the trigger.

I have read that there is generational differences in this weapon.  Can anyone tell me where this one falls in that timeline?

Since this is frame only, I am going to need a barrel, grip and forearm.  Will just any rear grip do (other than the latest edition) or is there on specific to the age of this?  Are the barrels going to follow this as well?

I don't want to continue to invest money into something that may have "issues".  Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks

[Badge54]

As for the Hammer not striking the Firing pin without a barrel in place that is by Design.  Once you attach a barrel it will allow the hammer to drop all the way.

Contender Frame requires Contender grip.  Will not accept the G2 or Encore grips.

Google search for Serial numbers.

Others will chime in soon.

Badge54

[Paints-n-cows]

Thanks.

I also notice that the pin that obviously holds the barrel in place slides what I would consider way too easily through the frame.  Is this another issue or will it tighten up when the barrel is installed?

[David D.]

Thanks.

I also notice that the pin that obviously holds the barrel in place slides what I would consider way too easily through the frame.  Is this another issue or will it tighten up when the barrel is installed?

You may get mixed answers on this question. I have several Contenders, G2's, Encores. Some with the barrel open the pin will fall out on its own others need a little persuasion. The ones with loose pins shoot just as well as the tight pins.

[shot1]

The 223 in a 14" barrel will get the job done on the varmints. But for putting venison on the table if you don't hand load I would go with a 14" 30-30 Winchester barrel. Light on the recoil and it will shoot factory ammo plenty well enough to to ventilate a deer. If you hand load then the 30-30 Ackley Improved is about the best. As for new barrels Match Grade Machine (MGM) (do a Google search and you will find them) really makes some good barrels and you can get a Shilen match grade 10 through 14" SS barrel for $275.00 + shipping. That is about the same as a new T/C barrel cost and it will shoot much better.

The grip I like best is the Pachmayr Presentation. It feels good and absorbs recoil really well. There are all kinds of grips and forends but they must be for the Contender and not the G2 Contender to fit your frame.

[P.A. Myers]

With the barrel locked down [ in firing position ], you should not be able detect any movement. When fired the pin takes very little stress and tend not to wear. This is an older frame, you may want to replace the hammer spring.

The G2 grip will not fit, the forends do interchange. 

That 223 14" sounds like a good buy with scope and forend.

[Ladobe]

Your frame is near the end of its generation from early 1981 (the next generation easy open frames started near the end of 1981).

Dealing with barrel lock-up more often than not is a fact of life with Contenders when using barrels and frames of different vintages.   So that's an "issue" you might as well get used to right up front.   But it's a very easy fix, sometimes just needing a little tweek and so far if parts are needed TC will still send them to you free for the asking.   

As for the grip for your frame, you have a lot of choices as any pre G2 grip will work on it whether factory, commercial or custom.    Not at grips are equal though and usually certain styles fit some hands better than others do.   A test drive is the only way to know for sure what you'll like best in your hand.  You also want to buy your grip to fit your intended use of the frame.   For example, if you will be getting into the handcannon cartridges, some grips help a bunch with the recoil.   The Pachy Decellerator or Gripper are probably the best for recoil, but they are not really suited well to big hands.  Forends have to be bought to match a barrel's mounting configuration, 1 or 2 screw (and spacing for the 2 screw).

BTW, you're kidding yourself if you think you'll get by with two barrels.       

[Keith L]

BTW, you're kidding yourself if you think you'll get by with two barrels.       

You may be able to but why would you want to?

[P.A. Myers]

I just couldn't live without my 6 barrels. No FFL required for more!

[hunt4570]

 Whats been said above pretty much says it..try different grips..my hand likes the finger groove style..lots of different ones for sale all the time on ebay..
   That 223 bbl will work nicely on the yotes..will work fine on the deer also,I set up a little carbine in 223 for my daughter,used 64gr softpoints..she never missed a deer with it,and no long hunts after shot either...more bbls will come with time..guarenteed!!