More newbe questions - Contender barrel listings and factory options

[Anonym]

So I'm still learning about my contender and was wondering if there was a good source of compiled information on them.  If not, maybe we should try to get some stuff together to "sticky" in one of the TC forums here.

I've been able to research the different versions of frames (from flatside to G2, with the different selector switches, safeties, and "easy open" arrangements), but I've seen references to "Type I" and "Type II" barrels that I haven't been able to figure out.  Can somebody clue me in on the evolution of the barrels and advantages/disadvantages of each?

I'd also love to know the factory offerings for barrels throughout the years.  Is there a good list of calibers for barrel lengths (and options) floating around anywhere?  For example, if I thought I'd like a Super 16 in SS in a 45/410 caliber, did it even exist as a factory offering?  What was available in blue that wasn't available in stainless?  Which barrels were braked and which which were offered in standard or "hot shot" versions?  Why the different types of choke tubes (internal/external)?  Which barrels are considered "Collector" barrels and why?!

With all the knowledge floating around here and some of you guys with history/long-term experience with Contenders, I think it would be fantastic to have everything in one place as a go-to source for info.  Might also keep the number of redundant questions to a minimum...

Thanks,
Justin

[DEACONLLB]

I am not real sure on this but I think the type one barrels had a solid locking lug and the type two were split lugs, any way Ladobe will know as he is a good source for this type info.

Deaconllb

[Curtis]

There used to be a web page with the barrel type info, but it got taken down a few years ago.  I think I have the info at home if I can find it.  Visual identification of the barrel types includes one line vs. two line print on the barrel and stepped vs. flat bottomed barrel lug (not locking lug) and details like periods after the N.H. and no periods, etc......

I'll post if I find it if someone doesn't beat me to it.

Curtis

[Anonym]

Sweet!  This is the type of stuff I was looking for!  I know the "charts" thread above has the current list of calibers offered, but I know this is only the current offering.  It would be great to have a list of every version of every barrel ever offered by TC (not Custom), both in pistol and carbine lengths.  That way we will know when to quit collecting barrels...   

[Curtis]

Found it...........

Barrel designations
T-1 Octagon, One line address, flat base, set screw, short site. 6 caliber's T/C Arms Rochester N.H. Caliber (There are variations also)1967

Pre Type 2, but not Type 1 has the N.H. BUT the caliber is located at the muzzle end

T-2 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw, significant
identification is a period after the N.H. This type has the largest caliber selection and dates 1967-1972

T-3 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw, now the period is only after the H. NOT THE N 1973-1975 (bull barrels also found is this vintage)

T-4 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw is replaced with a roll pin to hold in locking lug. (bull barrels and 14" found in this vintage)

T-5 Octagon or bull the significant change is the flat base that now has a step on it..if you check any of you 14" barrels it will have this step..

Now with in each of the above there are variations that mainly address sites.Sites are another classification in there own right. For those of you shooters out there T-1 - T-4 typically have the solid locking lug, which generally require changing to use on the newer frames,easy open started at serial # 195,000 .

T-6 thru T-9 are current variation that describe hunter barrels, stainless, 16", 21" scope models and so on. Unofficially I have deemed the T-9 indicating the newest rear site as used on the Encore and post-fire Contenders.once we clearly sort through the 6 thru 8s this may change again. One thing for for sure as a collector of TC's..just when you think you have it figured out....something else jumps up and changes every thing.
Good shooting and collecting,

Enjoy!
Curtis

[Anonym]

AWESOME!  Is there a listing of available calibers for each type?

[Curtis]

AWESOME!  Is there a listing of available calibers for each type?

Not that I have seen.  That could be a dangerous thing for some of us "addicts".  Still.........    The only thing I can think of are the annual catalogues.  I have No. 16 which looks like it's from 1989.

Curtis