Question regarding USED Contenders

[Dogmann]

I'm looking at a used contender set up right now , are there any years to avoid concerning contenders? Any serial number prefances I should look out for?

[RonF]

I have a wide range of frames and like them all, but most folks will probably say to get an "easy open" frame.  These are the ones where the trigger guard pivots near the center for opening the action.  I don't recall for sure, but I think this is above serial number 200,000 or so.  The earlier ones had the pivit near the front of the frame hidden by the forearm and are a little harder to open.

RonF

[jcunclejoe]

I would have to agree with Ron. I prefer the easy-open frame and I always look for the selector switch on the top of the hammer. Other things to look for are wear marks on the lower portion of the breechface from the locking lugs on the barrel(s). That is the part of the frame below the firing pin bushing. If those marks are more than about .005 deep the frame is probably tired and would also show wear on the underside of the breechface, where the lugs actually lock under the frame.

Good luck and welcome to contenders. I just love them.
Joe