Set me straight: Contender pistol types

[Shooter6br]

i beleive Contender pistols were made in three types of variations. Each model is the 'improved: version of the one before. The orginal( 1976 ) second was the "Easy open" type( had adjustable sear) third model was the "Flat side" I would like to know what type frame /pistol i am buying used Also which is the most favored. thanks Rick

[quilbilly]

Your types seem about right. The originals were made before 1976 as my dad got me one with 2 barrels for a welcome home present when I came back from Vietnam in about 1973. Been hooked on T/C's ever since. My original still shoots fine with all the more modern barrels but I did send it back to T/C for modernizing back in the mid 80's. Given my experiences over the last few months, I would consider replacing some of the springs on T/C's that have been fired a lot. Those would be the hammer spring and triggerguard return spring. T/C did make one model in a partially stainless alloy called "alloy 2" if my meager memory serves that was a disaster and can only be used with similar alloy barrels. I now have multiple frames of various ages and all work just fine except one that needs a new hammer spring.

[Haggway]

This is a start. There are many many many variations, from the early years. Special orders and such. Did I mention there are many variations?
http://www.tcarms.com/about/

[stubshaft]

T/C did make one model in a partially stainless alloy called "alloy 2" if my meager memory serves that was a disaster and can only be used with similar alloy barrels.

It was called the "Armor Alloy" and it is the only barrel that will not fit the other receivers.

[Slam'n Salmon]

They fit fine if you ream out the hole for the pin.

[uscra112]

I "favor" the Gen 1 Contender, because it has a genuine set trigger mechanism. This was dropped for the Gen 2 and later. If high-powered cartridges float your boat, go for an Encore, it's considerably beefier. I seriously doubt that Warren Center ever considered any cartridge more powerful than the .357 Magnum for the original design. My Gen 1 is deliriously happy with the K-Hornet barrel mounted, and OK with the .30 Herrett, but the .357 Max barrel I made up seems to me to be more horsepower than the frame can stand for long, if it gets loaded like the enthusiast web sites are constantly touting. I will keep that one anyway, because of restrictions on tools for deer in Ohio, but I'll stick to 35,000 psi loads. Mine is NOT an "easy-open", but even with my arthuritis I don't have any trouble opening it.