contender locked up

[dan in mi]

I just got a friend into Contenders and he bought an old .22 bbl and he put it on and now he can't open the frame.It's a late model Contender frame. My guess is just before they switched to the laser engraved cat versus cast. Ideas?

I'm thinking the barrel lug(s) I remember something about single lug versus two piece, but that's about all I remember.

[260 Striker]

Dan, That 22 barrel may have a one piece lug and they don't play well with newer frames. May need to drive the hinge pin out to get the barrel off the frame. Contact Bellms and try to get the new two piece lugs. Even then you may have to hone the top surface of the lugs to make sure they make good contact with the frame where they lock. This problem happens a lot with the older barrels.

[dan in mi]

He did get it out and it is a one piece bolt. I thought I remembered that they could be stoned to fit, but couldn't find anything on line about it.

I tried to steer him to a match bbl, but the old one was $20 cheaper.

Thanks

[35isit]

Direct him to Lehigh Defense. They bought SSK and are coming out with their own Contender frame. They have parts in stock now. I've done business with them before. First rate people.

[gemihur]

Do not use a file!
Use a sharpening stone.
Take your time.
Check your progress frequently.

Salvaged from a Bellm post in the archives
I've done this on many barrels, it works.