Contender parts

W

William Suter

Well-known member
Other than ebay and Bellm, where or who sells hard to find Contender parts? I need a hammer with the old cross bolt safety. Bellm has a newer version but no guarantee it will fit. Tried Numerich, they have a newer style like the G2 uses. That's what Bellm sells to. I already ordered parts I thought were what I needed. Wrong! Don't feel like throwing money at maybes. I need parts that will fix my issue. Any leads in the right direction is appreciated.
 

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Also……Ssk is now building and selling the ssk-50 action, which is an exact copy of the original easy open TC contender action.

Another thing…..Thompson Center has been purchased and IS returning to build their products. It may take a while to get all the goodies available, but it is happening.
 
The SSK parts won't fit my early model. Some of the barrels also won't fit the SSK frame from what I'm reading. A friend that's a Contender guy told me he has heard that when T/C gets rolling again that they will concentrate on the Encore line to start with. No guaranties that even the G2 easy open hammer will work on my frame. At $60 its not even a good "maybe". I don't need any more parts that don't work. I have plenty already. I sent Ed's TC's an email today. He may have some parts.
 
Im a “contender guy” but im not much of a mechanic on them lol.
Id think the hammer would be the same?? Except the newer hammer would have the switch rather than the push button.

Reason i think that…..i once had an early easy open frame that still had that push button safety on the hammer.

“Easy open” frames started at serial # 195,000. Some old frames were converted to easy open by TC as a payable option. In which case you can see a pin over top the trigger, rather than out in front of the trigger guard……if that makes sense.

You would likely have better luck with ED by phone calling until you get hold of him is what Ive always heard.
 
The version with the "switch' are somewhat available. I just haven't got any positive info that they will for sure fit. Prices range from $40-$60 depending where you find it. Bellm couldn't say for sure they would fit my frame and is not taking any work for the next few months. Ed's and Numrich were both no-go's on the old style but IIRC Numrichs may have had the newer version. I've don't so much searching I forgot who had and didn't have the parts.
 
Well, I got my parts and got the hammer installed. Now what? It came with a 45 AUTO barrel and while kinda fun to shoot,( I fired 3 rounds) its really worthless to me. To small of a caliber to legally hunt deer with in Okla, pigs maybe, sure not a good choice for home protection. Part of me thinks buy or trade for a different barrel, part of me says just flip it for something I could use. I bought it knowing the hammer was broke and used that for a screamin' deal on it. I have plenty of project firearms and a little extra cash could sure help.
 
Buy or trade for a cartridge you like better!!!

Add some fun to your deer or varmint hunting. I love a contender handgun, and very few firearms are AS cool. Amazing accuracy with some practice and a good handload.
 
Have a friend that wants to swap me for a 10" blued 357 barrel but still not what I would like to have. There's a small gun show this week end, maybe there might be something there.
 
IMG_1177.jpeg

Here is a favorite of mine. A custom made barrel in 6x47 rem. Only coyote ive shot. A target of opportunity.
 
KYODE said:
What cartridges are you interested in?
Click to expand...
I guess I really don't know for sure. I'd like to have something large enough to hunt with without rattling the liquid in my eyeballs. LOL. Something that brass and dies are some what available as Its going to be something that isn't going to get shot a lot but if I decided to hunt with it I know it will get the job done. I did score a 12" blued 22 Hornet Custom Shop barrel and a set of dies at the gunshow today. It wasn't on the top of my list but just way to good a deal to pass up. One of those deals that you about tear your pocket off trying to get him paid before he changes his mind type of deals.
 
Years ago when the Encore came out I got bit by the bug. I had 5 or 6 barrels. I don't want to do that again. Setting here thinking,( I know, that's scary), but a buddy is going to trade me a 357 mag barrel for my 45 Auto barrel and I just got the Hornet. I may call that good enough. The 357 comes with a base and rings so an optic of sorts will be used. Where I usually hunt a 50-60 yard shot is a long shot so the 357 should work there. IF I want to possibly shoot a coyote, the 22 Hornet should work there as well If I keep the shots within 22 Hornet range. I'll probably scope the Hornet barrel as well. These old eyes are tired and I need all the help I can get.
 
When I called Bellm, he didn't have the correct part, didn't know if the switch type would work, and wasn't taking any new work in. Luckily I found the correct part and a local shop installed it. Its good to go now.
 
Bill,
I'm curious, Did you stay with the skeleton style hammer or did you find a twist-top selector that fit.
I'd have thought that Mike would have been the definitive answer to that combination of parts.
I've got a frame like yours and even though it's not an easy-open, it's one of my go-to's for it's sweet trigger!
I also like shaping the wood to suit the little break-actions ...
max with grip and sights.jpg

Glad that you're back in the business of shooting.
Thanks,
Jimmy
 
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I went with the skeleton style. That was all I could find. I felt extremely lucky to get that one and for $25.00 shipped. I jumped on it!! I was very disappointed is Bellm. I sent several emails and tried to call and got no response from him. When I finally did I got that reply. I hate to say it but his response even if busy kinda turned me off him. I understand busy but I understand rude also and kinda felt like he could have handled busy a little better. Maybe I'm getting a little grumpy in my old age but poor customer service will run me off quicker than high prices.
 
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