Author Topic: A Contender question-one of lifes great mystries (Read 1074 times)

Davemuzz · « **on:** March 22, 2006, 09:26:35 AM »

I was searching the Fox Ridge catalog the other day looking at the available calibers for the Contender, and was considering ordering the 45-70 Government. Now, that little shell has got some recoil to it, depending upon the load that is stuffed in the brass.

But then I got to thinking, if the Contender can handle the recoil of the 45-70 Gvt., what in the world would make the Contender frame shudder at the thought of a 50 caliber black powder front stuffer?

I was just thinking out loud. But then, I get into trouble when I do that...espically if the Mrs. is within earshot.

Dave. :eek:

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2006, 12:58:58 PM »

The Contender is limited to trap door loads. Those are pretty mild. After I bought my first Encore I got rid of my Contender barrel in 45/70 just for that reason. I didn't want to take the chance of accidently droping a full house load into my Contender by mistake. Besides the Encore handles the 45/70 much better in my opinion. KN

coopershooter · « **Reply #2 on:** March 22, 2006, 11:17:07 PM »

midway has 50 bp barrels for the contender!

Davemuzz · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2006, 02:21:43 AM »

coopershooter,

I've been down this road before. You are referring to http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=643194 this item at Midway.

Now, I know the description says it fist a Contender. But thats not true.

A few things: First, if you zoom in on the picture, you will see a small tang that hangs below the breach plate (correct reference?). This will prevent the barrel from closing on the Contender. Of course, if you dremmel this off, it will then fit the Contender, but if T\C finds out, your warranty goes down the tubes. Second, if you call T\C or Foxridge, they both will tell you that this barrel or the 45 cal barrel will not fit the Contender.

Dave

Doc T · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2006, 06:51:21 AM »

T/C's website lists a 50 cal muzzleloader barrel for the G2. It no longer lists the 45. Go to their website and click on G2 rifles and then click on caliber chart. It's there in black and white.

coopershooter · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2006, 11:26:37 AM »

the pin can be removed, and the barrel works fine. it's not a safety issue, but a patent issue with gonic i belive.if you sent the barrel to t/c with the pin removed for warranty work, i dont think they will say a thing.
good luck!

Davemuzz · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2006, 02:52:10 PM »

Doc T,

Yeah, I agree with you...for a G2, but not an orginal Contender.

Coopershooter,

I dunno about that. I don't know anyone who has ever done that. Sent the BP barrel back with the pin removed so it fits a Contender. I think T\C would give you some issues with the barrel or the frame on this one.....but I will admitt I am just guessing on this one.

Dave

stoutstuff · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2006, 02:31:01 PM »

I called TC today and asked about the 209x50 barrel listed @ Midway. They said removing the tang could void the warrantee on the barrel. I asked if they had ever seen a defective BP barrel returned with this and the answer was no. Also asked if there was a saftey issue using the barrel on a contender frame and the answer was no. Was told the reason they dont have a BP barrel for the old contender is because there are more moving parts in the old style frame that could gum up from BP use.

I ordered a barrel. I guess I'll have to keep my gun clean. Duh! Punchin Out!

Davemuzz · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2006, 02:53:18 PM »

Tadj,

Do you have to cut the tang off the BP barrel or does it screw off or pull off or do you know?

More moving parts in the Contender!!!??? Man, what kind of excuse is that! How many more parts are there? Hey, here is an idea....clean your T\C like you clean all of your other guns....I do that every time I shoot them. Man...what a concept.

More parts....yeah...right.
:-D
Dave.

stoutstuff · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2006, 06:14:01 PM »

Just ordered the barrel. Will post when it comes in and update on my proceedure. Want to use a Boyds stock & forend which may require customizing. May be a strange trip. Hopefully worth it.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2006, 03:26:20 PM »

Please do keep us posted on this. I am curious as to how this will work out.

Thanks

Dave

stoutstuff · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2006, 12:12:11 PM »

Received the BP barrel from Midway. They are fast in customer service. The barrel is marked as a G2 barrel and all literature references G2. Everything but the tang matches up to the old contender. Will be pulling out the dremel as the tang is permanent and will need to be cut off. Will keep you posted.

Jay