G2 problem

[olywa]

I've had a G2 with a 10" 44 Mag barrel for awhile now and really enjoy it. Recently I picked up a 12" 357 Max barrel and a 14" 30 Herrett barrel for it. When I first installed the 357 Max I noticed that unless I closed the action with some authority I would have trouble cocking the hammer. After breaking and closing the action a number of times this seems to have worked itself out. But the same problem is affecting my 30 Herret barrel and doesn't want to disapear. These are all step-lugged barrels and I'm guessing I need to make an adjustment somewhere. I did notice that this barrel doesn't fit as tight on the mounting pin as the other two. Any ideas on where I should look to correct this? Would an oversize pin help?

[Flash]

I don't have a G2 but have had Contenders for more years than I care to remember. It all happens on a Contender due to how the locking lugs engage. If the pin is sloppy, it could make a difference but before offering advice on the pin issue, it's important to know just how sloppy it is. Wrap the pin once with celophane or masking tape and see if it fits in the barrel lug. This could firm things up for you to troubleshoot better. again, without knowing how loose the pin is, I could be recomending things that will never work.
Second, use some crayon or lipstick and mark the lugs top, botton and face. Don't slop it on, coat the lugs as evenly as possible and attempt to close the barrel in the action. The crayon or lipstick will show areas of poor alignment with the cavity in the frame the lugs mate with.
Thirdly, what are step lugs? You mean two piece? That could be your problem too. The solid one piece locking lugs are more reliable then the split two piece lugs. Don't go grinding on your lugs before you're absolutely sure that they're the problem. I have never found a barrel that needed to have the lugs ground down. Changed to one piece, yes. Hope this helps.

[Troggy]

Now IF you own lipstick then I would work on that problem 1st!

[olywa]

Negatory on the lipstick but plenty of crayons laying around.

Flash - What I meant by "stepped" lug was that the bottom surface of the lug housing has the step in it rather than being completely flat like the older barrels.  The lugs themselves are the split types. When did TC go to this style, and why?

I did pull all the barrels and the pin actually fits equally snug in all of them, so my original assessment on the Herret was wrong. I also cleaned and lightly lubed all the lugs, then did the same to the linkage inside the grip. It seems to have helped but I still find it necessary to re-close the action occasionaly in order to be able to cock the hammer. It appears to be working itself out though.

[Keith L]

Locking bolts (lugs) were designed to be used without lube.  On some barrels I had to lightly hone (not grind) the bolts to get proper fit.  I used magic marker and honed until the lockup allowed reliable firing.  I didn't have to remove much to make them work.  Do it with a fine stone and by hand.  Polish a little then try.  Repeat as necessary.

[Flash]

Sometines T/C will send you different locking lugs if you call them about your problem.
Troggy, too bad you don't have a woman in your life and felt it necessary to let the world know.

[Troggy]

Flash, take it easy it was a friendly joke!!!!!! --------> <-------- that is called a "smiley face" with a "wink".  it's added to a post when you want someone to know your joking. The statement was not meant to offend but I would bet yours was....Thanks for that.

[olywa]

Keith,
Thanks for the tip. I re-cleaned and polished and that seems to have done the trick. I'm still curious as to why TC changed from a solid to a split design though. After looking more closely at the innards as I worked through this, it seems to me that the solid version would be less error prone simply because there's less play in the design. Or am I missing something here?

[Keith L]

I don't know what the reasoning was.  That was far before my time with Contenders.  I hope one of those more seasoned here on the board can help.  I have heard that the solid bolts won't work at all with G-2s but thats not right.  I have several barrels so equipped that work fine.

At any rate have fun with your Contenders.   I sure enjoy mine.