wtb contender barrel locking lug/bolt BOUGHT ONE!

[sabbathman]

i need a two piece with the lug/bolt pin. anyone have an extra they don't need?

thanks

[westonz28]

Why not send it back to TC it has a life time warranty. Just call them and get the address to send it to.

[260 Striker]

Years ago I called the old TC customer service and asked for four sets of lugs to convert older barrels and they just sent them to me at no charge. Now you have to send your barrels back for a service that doesn't take two minutes to perform. Also, years ago I sent in my first TC Contender frame to be converted to the easy open style and TC told me it was stretched and they would have to destroy it. They gave me a new easy open frame at no charge. When the new G2s came out I called TC to ask what they would do if an older Contender frame came in that couldn't be repaired. The rep told me that TC had held several hundred Contender frames in reserve in case of warranty work. I haven't bought a new TC frame since ownership changed hands and I'm not sure if a lifetime warranty is even offered now or whether older TCs lifetime warranties would be honored. I'm almost certain that getting lugs changed now will involve some cost for parts, labor and shipping.

[sabbathman]

i called Thompson recently and since they are now owned by Smith and Wesson they no longer do any work on contenders, especially old ones like mine. gone are the days that Thompson would convert a frame like mine to the new, easier open frames. i was told to find a gunsmith that worked on contenders and good luck.

I recently purchased a one piece lug, the contender now opens easier than it did. the lug is shaped differently than the newer design that came with my newly acquired 7x30 waters barrel. The upper area of contact where the flat top of the lug and frame come together, is shaped differently. This difference makes releasing the barrel easier. it's not nearly as easy as my contender from the days i used to shoot steel back in the 80's, but it is definitely easier than before. my contender from the 80's was of the easier open frame.

unfortunately, i will have to find an easy open frame at some point. the wife is unable to open the contender frame as it now sits even with the addition of the old one piece bolt. i was hoping to have her shoot .22lr .

Oh well, gotta start saving more money.

[260 Striker]

Some TC collectors are actually looking for the older frames and might just trade your for one of the newer easy open frames. Ask to join the email group TCBunch (Have to Google it). Some have special interests in certain years of Contenders, barrels and accessories.

[sabbathman]

ok striker, thanks for that bit of info. i'll do just that.