Author Topic: Convert a berrel to easy open? (Read 628 times)

Redhawk1 · « **on:** February 18, 2005, 01:42:31 PM »

What is the cost from T/C to do the easy open conversion on a contender barrel?

Thanks in Advance.

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2005, 02:05:30 PM »

Try a little 400-600 grit sandpaper on the inside of the frame near the pin and the barrel retaining pin.

Tad Houston · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2005, 02:12:27 PM »

KN · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2005, 04:10:41 PM »

The barrel doesn't get the conversion. The frame does. KN

Tad Houston · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2005, 05:01:41 PM »

Hey- was that a trick question? Got me.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2005, 05:12:49 PM »

I guess what I am looking for is the split lugs on the barrel. I have 2 contender frames and all my barrels I have and have owned open very easy. I just picked up a 10 inch .357 MAG barrel today and it is harder to open. I have to pull down on the barrel to get it to open. It opens but like I said it is hard to open.

Tad Houston · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2005, 07:49:11 PM »

I know what you mean redhawk, i had the conversion done on my blued fram and still some of the older barrels with split lugs are very hard to open. I got a couple that would not open at all. Back when T/C would send the bolts out, i fixed those barrels with the new bolts. Now i guess you have to send them the frame and barrel to be factory fitted. You could try calling customer service and see if they will sell you some new bolts, but i have a feeling they want you to send it all in. At least yours opens. :wink:

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2005, 01:48:43 AM »

Maybe I will just leave it like that. Like you say at least it opens. :-)

Curtis · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2005, 02:20:45 AM »

You might try stoning or polishing the top of the locking lug. Many do not recommend this practice as a matter of course but it my be indicated to minimize your opening problems. The risk here is that you will cause lock up problems and hence misfires. I would talk to someone who has done it before trying it.

Curtis

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2005, 04:28:10 AM »

The bolts are very easy to switch. Often I've taken one off a barrel that locks good and opens easy and put it on a barrel that does not. It usually solves the problem. All that's needed is a punch just smaller than the roll pin retainer and a small hammer. Carefully drive the pin out, leaving the punch in place holding the bolt and spring, grasp the barrel firmly and push the breech end up against the edge of your work bench slightly compressing the bolt spring. Remove the punch and back off with the barrel and the bolt and spring will fall out in your hand. About a 30 second job. SOMETIMES you can do a thorough cleaning and replace the same bolt and spring and solve the problem, but I usually put in a bolt that I know works well with that frame. The barrel end of the equation seems to be a universal fit. I've not ever found one that any bolt and spring would not fit. Just a thought. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt :grin:

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2005, 04:54:20 AM »

Thanks Hopalong7 I will git it a try.