Older Contender frame popping open when fired!!

[wallacem]

I got a call from a good friend, he has a older, 5 digit frame, said it started popping open upon firing. thinks it is a worn frame.   Has anyone had a problem with this, and does it need to be sent back to be cured?  thanks,  Wallacem in Ga

[David D.]

There are more than one issue can cause this. I once had an Encore in 22Hornet do this. The cause in my case was the shoulders on the rounds needed bumped back just a hair, just enough to get a good lock up. For some reason he is not locking up solid.

[wallacem]

Good point, however this is a 44 mag bbl doing it.

[hawkins455054]

I had one back in the late 70's early 80's, 44mag, the barrel did the same thing, i sent it back and they sent me a form to fill out because they were sending me a new receiver, it was fast turn around but the new frame did the same thing about 6 months later, i sold the gun, never did find out what caused it, didn't buy another but about 6 yrs ago i bought a Encore and have not had a problem

[wallacem]

I don't know, I have shot Contenders since 1984, and have 6 frames, and numerous bbls, pistols and carbines, and have never had one jump open when fired.  Maybe I am just lucky, or hold my mouth just right.

[Hank08]

First thing I'd do is take out the split locking lugs and see if someone had substituted a lighter spring to make it open easier.  A stronger spring will probably cure the  problem.  The heavy recoil of the .44 and a light spring will pop them open.
H08

[Dezynco]

Sounds like the locking bolts on the bottom of the barrel are worn, dirty, or the spring is weak.  I would start by cleaning the locking bolts (or lugs as some folks call them) and the channel that they slide back and forth in.  You can drive out the pin that holds them in, be sure not to let them pop out and fly across the room.
 
If your barrel is old enough to have the 1 piece locking bolts, you might want to replace it with the newer 2-piece split lugs.  Some of the older barrels also had a set screw to hold the bolts in rather than a roll pin.
 
If the bolts are clean enough, but still having the problem, then I'd bet that the spring is weak.  This part should be available directly from TC, usually for free.
 
With the way the gun is designed, this is not supposed to happen. Theoretically, if the locking bolts do not engage the frame enough to keep the barrel closed when fired, the hammer is not supposed to cock.  However anything can wear, and the interlock inside the frame is fairly precise, subject to wear after years of use.

[Elwood]

I apologize to you who have heard my story before but, here it goes again.
I had a old frame with no safety and a 10"223 barrel that was opening at the shot. the shell would break in half, the back half of the shell would hit me in the face. I sent both back to T/C and received a spanking new frame and new locking lugs on my barrel all under warranty.
Contact T/C. This is a safety issue!
Elwood

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

I had a Contender 30/30 pistol that would fly open and check the empty casing at me in the face. After doing this a few times I contacted Thompson and they said send it back, so I did, and thats when they had there big fire. Mine was damaged in the fire so they sent me a brand new one. New has never acted up and I have 4 other barrels for it that have all been good as well.

[EMC45]

The frame Wallace is talking about is mine. I emailed TC and waiting for further instructions. This is happening with a .44 Mag barrel that is fairly new. Super accurate, but opening when shooting is a no go!

[wallacem]

Evan, you have other bbls, have you tried any other bbl on it since it started doing this with the one bbl?  It is possible it could be the bbl, not the frame? Wallacem

[EMC45]

Got my 10 inch octagon .357 Mag barrel on it right now. Will see how it does.

[EMC45]

Took .357 barrel off. Frame is enroute to TC. Found out today frame is from 68 according to the link on the sight here.

[Huntz]

Could be he needs new locking Lugs on the barrel.Tell him to try another barrel to see if it stays closed.Better yet call up TC and ask to speak to a Tech and explain the issue to him.