Author Topic: w barrel old frame?  (Read 563 times)

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Offline coopershooter

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w barrel old frame?
« on: November 20, 2003, 09:24:51 AM »
i have an old style frame and just bought a used barrel (virgin valley) and the hammer wont cock? is there a diffrence in new and old barrels? is there a fix? am i stuck with a barrell i cant use?
     Bobby Olson

Offline ghostZ

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w barrel old frame?
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2003, 03:05:31 AM »
The only thing I could think is there is a block under the extractor finger that has or doesn't have a split in it.  Okay I have no idea what the real names of these parts are and I don't even know if it is what is causing it.  All I know is where I bought mine the guys told me to look to make sure there was a slit or split in the little block before buying a used barrel.  Maybe someone will chime in if they have any clue what I am talking about.

Offline Bug

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You have several choices
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2003, 03:05:57 AM »
This is simply a locking bolt/lug problem.
   The fact that you asked this question suggests that you probably shouldn't try to fix it yourself.
  You can send it to VV, or any number of after-market 'smiths, for a locking lug adjustment. Hint: send just the frame & barrel, not the grip & forend. That way, it is just gun parts, and not a firearm. You avoid UPS's ridiculous overnight charges. You can send it USPS Priority Mail, for about $5, plus insurance & tracking #. But, be sure to insure it!!!
  Or, You could order a set of minimum dimension lugs from T/C, and put them in yourself. Call T/C at: (603) 332-2333, to find out how to order. This isn't hard to do, and can be done with a minimum of tools.
  Lastly, look around and find a T/C shooter in your area. Contact him & discuss the problem. He may be willing to help you out locally. I really can't recommend using the local backyard gunsmith, unless he is VERY well-versed in the Contender, as they are a genre of their own. Hope this helps,,,,,,Bug.
It's The Little Things That Matter.

Offline Ladobe

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w barrel old frame?
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2003, 04:55:29 AM »
Good answers Bug.

The best of the best Contender mechanic's is/always will be Jim Henry in Barstow, CA.   You could send your frame/barrel direct to him (he's an FFL) for repair - he'll perfectly match the locking bolts for you, completely tune your frame and set your trigger pull for what you want it for about $20.

Just another option...

 :arrow:   Drop him an email at:   tccraft1@earthlink.net

Tell him Ladobe in Vegas said hello.
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

Offline Tacoma

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yes
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2003, 02:25:25 PM »
If you look at new vs your origional locking lugs they are different. There are some differnces in the internals and hammer too. This is a common problem with the older frames. The good news is for $55 T/C will take the frame and modify it/ bring it up to date 9 so it works with latter barrels) AND refit it to your origional . I had the same problem with mine and wrote T/C . They were very helpful.

Offline Bug

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Is it just ME?????????
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2003, 03:43:02 AM »
As in the above post, I hear a LOT of folks saying that T/C, or Fox Ridge, or VV, etc., will update an earlier Contender, to easy-open... For $XX.00
 I have returned various combinations of barrels and frames to T/C for repairs, and have yet to have it cost me ANYTHING! I don't call ahead, and ask for a "quote", I just box it up and send it to them with a short letter explaining the problem.
  The last couple of times, I sent the barrel & frame only (no grip, forend, or hinge pin), and sent it USPS Priority Mail (as gun parts, total cost w/ tracking & ins. less than $10), and avoided the riduculous $40 plus UPS wants for overnight shipping.
 They have "updated" two early frames to easy-open, and never hinted at any charges. I might add, the first one was a surprise, and I wasn't too happy. But, it WAS free. The second time it happened, I about half-way expected it. Isn't this typical T/C service, in your experience? Or, have I just been lucky?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Bug.
It's The Little Things That Matter.