Thompson center Contender following

[BobT]

To Pick a Nit...The original...the ones with the engraving Behind the cat... are very much Different.. evn from old non-easy open..
There is a Reason there Never was a G-1 Contender.. too many Variations..
And BTW the last, before the Easy Open, had the Best Trigger...sometimes referred to as the Triangle Trigger.. when you see it...you know why..

I’ll have to look but I think all mine are triangle trigger frames, all are non easy open frames, the only exception may be a converted frame I have, not sure if the trigger was replaced. I never paid much attention to the conversion.


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[racepres]

I’ll have to look but I think all mine are triangle trigger frames, all are non easy open frames, the only exception may be a converted frame I have, not sure if the trigger was replaced. I never paid much attention to the conversion.


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Me thinks you would Know if the Trigger group was Changed.. The Earliest were too Delicate at the adjustments..triangle Trigger...to my Mind (and Many others) the Best ans simplest adjustment, only problem, one Could go too Far!!! The Newer...the worser Trigger by my experiences..
tho One day I may Yet get an Easy Open...Heck...Maybe even a gen2

[P Flados]

Sorry, but that is not accurate. The original frames had a relief cut inside the side rails just ahead of the breech face, and that is where mine stretched. No idea why it was there, but T/C realized the weakness - the newer frames lacked that cut out and were able to take more case thrust. I turned mine in for replacement 40 years ago so I can't show you that cut, but if you look at an original frame you can plainly see the difference. Perhaps someone with an original frame can post a photo.

Edit: I did find this photo on the internet, it isn't clear but you can (barely) see the cutout just in front of the breech.

Attachment 338085
.

Here are photos of a second year Contender and an Easy Open. I had never noted the extra meat in the newer one. Thanks.

Contender Frame Strength.jpg

[BobT]

Here are photos of a second year Contender and an Easy Open. I had never noted the extra meat in the newer one. Thanks.

Contender Frame Strength.jpg

I’ve never seen that extra cut in a frame, I have more than one 5 digit frame and I don’t find it on any of them. I learned something new today!


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[725]

You know that circular faced breach plate that holds the two firing pins in an easy open? Is that supposed to move around? I had some malfunctions shooting my factory 10mm barrel. (with some cast 205 gr.er's.). Other T/C Contenders show a very slight movement, but this one was really loose.

[35isit]

You know that circular faced breach plate that holds the two firing pins in an easy open? Is that supposed to move around? I had some malfunctions shooting my factory 10mm barrel. (with some cast 205 gr.er's.). Other T/C Contenders show a very slight movement, but this one was really loose.

No. That should be tight. Easiest way to fix is to remove hammer and tighten screw. Use a little blue loctite on screw.

[P Flados]

No. That should be tight. Easiest way to fix is to remove hammer and tighten screw. Use a little blue loctite on screw.

Yep.

If you have never done it before, removing the hammer is easy. For me, getting it back in has always been a PITA.

The following should help. I try to be real careful to not cause any damage to the spring when prying it into place. I have had a few springs break in service and scratches on the spring may have contributed.

https://youtu.be/hHffpa-tybM

[725]

35isit & P Flados. -- thanks a lot. I viewed the video and it seems easy enough. I'll give it a whirl.

[scorge30]

I have quite a few Contender and Encore barrels. Lately, at the range I have shot nothing but my Contenders and Encores. The RSOs always come to see what I have brought to the range. I have a lot of wildcat barrels.

Several JDJ barrels are my favorites, particularly my 257 and 6.5mm JDJ barrels are some of my most accurate.

I have a 375 and a 309 JDJ 20" Encore carbine barrels both of which are accurate and fun to shoot.

Another favorite is a MGM 24" 223 AI 1-7 twist Encore rifle barrel. It's hell on prairie dogs and rock chucks.

My 22" full bull barrel 30-20 WCF (T/C made them 30 cal bore as 32 cal barrels were rarer and cost a bit more) Encore rifle barrel is a blast to shoot, hardly recoils, and is very accurate.

I have a 357 and two 30 Herrett (one T/C 10" and the other a MGM-made 14") Contender pistol barrels, the latter being a little more fun to shoot.

My T/C 14" 35 Rem barrel even with a good brake is a handful. I just got a 358 JDJ barrel but it is at the gunsmith getting a 6-hole TSOB scope base installed and a howitzer-style muzzle brake.

I tried to post pictures but for some reason, the board will not let me. I wonder what I am doing wrong?

[725]

Some time go there was a thread here at CastBoolits about fancy grips & forearms for the Contender. Anyone remember the manufacturer or retail place for them? I'm going to place a WTB in the Swappin & Sellin area for a forearm. Thought about those fancy ones. I'm tempted if I can find it.

[35isit]

There are several people and companies that make aftermarket grips and forearms. Check out some of the other forums or a google search you will find them.

[BobT]

Some time go there was a thread here at CastBoolits about fancy grips & forearms for the Contender. Anyone remember the manufacturer or retail place for them? I'm going to place a WTB in the Swappin & Sellin area for a forearm. Thought about those fancy ones. I'm tempted if I can find it.

I don’t know if it’s the place you have in mind but High Plains Gunstocks has some beautiful stuff.


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[ttd444]

https://www.manta.com/c/mml2jyb/dave-g-s-custom-stocks

He made some very good custom stocks, just pistol, not rifle. I think he is on facebook, but call him.

High Plains did a great job on my Encore rifles.

http://www.tonysforendsandgrips.net/

https://rockwellstocks.com/tag/contender/

https://www.hausofarms.com/

[725]

Thanks. Lots to check out.

[murf205]

I went to a small (and I mean SMALL) gun show yesterday and found a Suoer 14 35 Rem with a brake permanently attached with the forearm attached also and it is new. As in brand new never fired! The man selling it told me it came out of an estate from a man he knew who told him the history. I got it for $250 and on the next table, I ran into a gentleman who said he had a walnut rifle stock he would bring to another show near me and the pics he showed me of that stock were REALLY nice-$200. I've got a 1.5-5 Burris and dual dovetail mounts, so I am in the 35 Rem business now-or will be soon. 2 tables down, there was a guy with 3 bags of 100 each of new Remington 357 Maximum brass. My buddy with me bought a 63 Winchester that looks unfired with not a blemish to be found for $1050. There was an older gentleman with a whole table full of excellent stainless Ruger Security Sixes for $500 but no boxes , take your pick. Sometimes these small rural shows are where the treasure is.Attachment 339153Attachment 339154Attachment 339155 I just slugged the barrel and it is a .356! Surprised me but my 30-30 and 357 Max barrels are pretty snug as well.

[Rick B]

Always admired the overall function and versatility of the Contender. Bought my first one in the 70's.

The new Thompson Center Company CEO has a number of video's on You-Tube. He shoots and discusses the products they have started manufacturing. One of the latest video's cover a bolt gun, they have plans of producing. No mention of bringing back the Contender in the near future. The website has a easy contact format. If more shooters asked for Contender frames and barrels. It might help!
Rick

[BobT]

No mention of bringing back the Contender in the near future. The website has a easy contact format. If more shooters asked for Contender frames and barrels. It might help!
Rick

SSK has cloned the original Contender and the new TC is going to make the G2 so the bases are pretty well covered. The new Encore has made its appearance, I actually saw a couple in a gun shop this past weekend.

Haus of Arms has a waiting list for the new G2.


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[Delkal]

I went to a small (and I mean SMALL) gun show yesterday and found a Suoer 14 35 Rem with a brake permanently attached with the forearm attached also and it is new. As in brand new never fired! The man selling it told me it came out of an estate from a man he knew who told him the history. I got it for $250 and on the next table, I ran into a gentleman who said he had a walnut rifle stock he would bring to another show near me and the pics he showed me of that stock were REALLY nice-$200. I've got a 1.5-5 Burris and dual dovetail mounts, so I am in the 35 Rem business now-or will be soon. 2 tables down, there was a guy with 3 bags of 100 each of new Remington 357 Maximum brass. My buddy with me bought a 63 Winchester that looks unfired with not a blemish to be found for $1050. There was an older gentleman with a whole table full of excellent stainless Ruger Security Sixes for $500 but no boxes , take your pick. Sometimes these small rural shows are where the treasure is.Attachment 339153Attachment 339154Attachment 339155 I just slugged the barrel and it is a .356! Surprised me but my 30-30 and 357 Max barrels are pretty snug as well.

One problem with getting a rifle stock for your Contender pistol. You will only swap the stocks a few times till you end up getting another receiver.

[BobT]

One problem with getting a rifle stock for your Contender pistol. You will only swap the stocks a few times till you end up getting another receiver.

Me personally, I don’t consider that a problem


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[murf205]

1 screw, right?