Contender questions

[Dogmann]

My friends father passed away and he was a HUGE TC collector. I thought I knew a little about contenders but not NOW!...

He has a bunch of high gloss blue 10inch octagon barrels , 6(?) inch octagon barrel, hunter barrels , and frames!

Some of these frames have the hammer pin switch not on top of the hammer but you push it from side to side to
Go from Rimfire to CF.

I don't know what I have here. Are Contenders still being made? Do these octagon barrels fit all
Contenders?

Hoping you can help me
Out. Thanks

[Ken ONeill]

No, they aren't being made. Yes, the octagon barrels will usually fit all frames, but the locking bolt may need to be changed. With Armour Alloy frames, the hinge pin will usually also need to be changed.

[Ranger99]

i couldn't say for sure on what you
have there. on the ones i have here
the one with the selector on the top
of the hammer does indeed switch
from centerfire to rimfire, and i'm
thinking there's an in between detent
for a "safe" position. the other has
the little square button pushing
left-right  right-left etc.
on mine, that's kind of a hammer
safety that makes a tiny pin protrude
from the hammer against the frame
preventing the hammer from dropping
all the way. firing pin selection on
that one is made by screwing a
projection in the hammer face
180 degrees while fully cocked back.

[Ken ONeill]

That is correct, and the square delicate push-through "safety" pre-dates the model with the lever on top of the hammer.

[Dogmann]

That is correct, and the square delicate push-through "safety" pre-dates the model with the lever on top of the hammer.

Any idea what year TC switched from that push through type?

[Dogmann]

Also one frame has only 4 digit serial
Number and has no switch at all for rimfire. It's only a CF.

[Richard P]

I'll guess if you examine the hammer nose you will find a peculiar insert that can be rotated via screwdriver. As you rotate the insert the raised portion will either impact the rimfire pin or the centerfire pin.  I have never heard tell of a centerfire only frame.   rp

[Hopalong7]

Yup, Agree with Richard, never a centerfire only made that I'm aware of.  Look right under the rear of the Hammer spur.  There should be a flat tip screw slot to rotate the selector.
Walt

[Dogmann]

Found it. Yes.

[Dogmann]

All his barrels re octagon high gloss blue

45acp
45colt
44mag
357
30-30
And more

[Ken ONeill]

That is correct, and the square delicate push-through "safety" pre-dates the model with the lever on top of the hammer.

Any idea what year TC switched from that push through type?

I think it was about 1982, but I could be off a bit.

[Graybeard]

btt