Author Topic: Contender Questions (Read 591 times)

Lucky Joe · « **on:** September 23, 2005, 03:06:18 PM »

I am new to the T/C Contender - Encore field. I've always had revolvers and autos. The T/C firearms have interested me for a long time but something has always come along to steal the field. Now I have found a couple of older Contender frames, I've only gotten a peak at them but think I will try to pick them up. Both have grips and one seemed to have a silver medallion on the bottom of the grip, one had a sleleton type hammer and one I remember was a 4 digit serial number. Also the firing pin was changed via a screw under the hammer.

Along with the two frames is an octagon .357 barrel with the shot tube on the end. There is not hinge pin nor a forearm. I think the hinge pin would be rather east to get but I'm not sure about the forearm.

Those of you in the know, could you give me an idea as to the value of the fames and the barrel. And do these sound like older frames, the .357 has never been fired.

Thanks in advance for your help.

RonF · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2005, 02:28:01 AM »

The four digit frame is obviously an older one. The skeleton hammer doesn't ring any bells for me. There is a site (someone here can help) that gives information about what years correspond to what serial numbers. If the forend is the "snap on" variety, in which case the bottom of the barrel will have a round headed stud, it will be pretty hard to find, but you can remove the round headed stud and just use a regular octagon forearm, which shouldn't be too hard to find. T/C can provide a hinge pin and forearm screws if you need them. The barrel you describe is a .357 mag designed for "hot shot" cartridges, no longer available. Remove the choke before firing regular ammo!

Good luck with your toys!

RonF

armory414 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2005, 09:57:02 AM »

Used frames run about $200 a piece. Ed's TC's out of Oklahoma usually asks about $90 for that barrel, though you can get more than that from gun shows or EBay.

Steve P · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2005, 03:37:30 PM »

I have a 357 hotshot barrel. Purchased for $75 several years ago. Used frames of that era are purchased/sold in my area for $100-150, pending on the condition. Both frames are outdated and if sent to TC will be rebuilt and parts changed. I would not put a high price on a package deal unless looking for something for a collection. $250-350 is not unreasonable. If more than $400, i would pass, unless using for collection and all unfired.

Just my nickles worth.

Steve