Thompson Center Contender Question

[Smith& W]

I sure could use some help here. I acquired a Contender today and need help with the serial number date lookup. I don't see any online sites showing numbers with an A pre-fix ( A9570 )like my 35 Rem has. Can anyone help. Thanks very much.

 

[Mgderf]

Not sure how to date these, but I can tell you that what you have is a generation 1 frame.
The 2nd generation (G2) do not have the side plate engraving.

Yours will only accept generation 1 barrels if I'm not mistaken.
The G2's will accept G1 or G2 barrels.

Nice looking pistol.

 

[Smith& W]

Thanks for the info. I just read that there was a two year period that Thompson actually put out Armaloy guns. I am thinking that just maybe that's what the A stands for.????

 

[diver dan]

To make sure, just contact SMITH/WESSON , they bought out T/C they will tell you all info.

 

[patience0830]

To make sure, just contact SMITH/WESSON , they bought out T/C they will tell you all info.

I hated it when they sold out. T/C used to be great to talk to. Very helpful. Plus their custom shop was excellent.

 

[Hookeye]

Some G2s have engraving (diff pattern- was an option).
Contender bbls G1 and G2 should interchange.
The armor Alloy stuff might not, or require additional fitting.
IIRC the first G1s had no safety, then there was the slider, last version was top of hammer.

 

[gemihur]

TC manufacture dates for AA contender

just my opinion... The Armor Alloy Contender...
T'C's own literature mentions that Blued and AA2 frames and barrels are NOT interchangeable. AA2 frames are preceded with "A" on their serial numbers, the right side of their barrel lugs are stamped "AA" as well.
Armor Alloy manufacture dates (only two years) were prior to April 1984
No number/date tables available

I have a 35 Rem barrel that is stamped AA on the lug but has been modified to fit blued and stainless pin. Shoots great!

 

[Hookeye]

How to tell if your TC frame is stainless?
If the cat is on the rock, and the frame is silver........it's an Armor Alloy.
The "angry cat" (snarling face close up) was done on the stainless ones.
Personally, I think the angry cat frames look ugly.
I turned down a free one.

Have not seen an eagle frame in person. Have seen old and custom shop "flat sides" (no engraving/etching).

There seems to be some renewed interest in the G1 frames.
Non easy open are getting decent prices.
I would not buy one.
G1 and G2 barrels should interchange, ya just never know. Most likely problems will happen with old frames and newer bbls, or old bbls on newer frames.
Usually the locking bolts can be changed/worked to solve the problem.
Did read where some combos required TC to actually modify the locking table in the frame.

Easy open frames have the trigger pin visible right above the trigger (in the frame).
However, TC used to mod old frames to easy open. If so it should have hole for the old pin at front of frame (covered by forend).
Don't think they filled em in.

Buy an easy open or don't buy IMHO.
Yes, the G2 is stronger and if you let the hammer down you don't have to squeeze the trigger guard to reset.
G2 can just cock the hammer back again.

Looks are important to me, to some degree...........and I don't shoot massive cartridges in a TC.........so the old G1 easy open is my choice.

 

[bstewrat3]

The Armor Alloy Contenders were made from early 1985 to early 1989. Your frame was one of the last, made in early 1989. As has been stated previously, they have a slightly smaller hinge pin hole due to the coating used. T/C Custom Shop (Fox Ridge Outfitters) used to modify the frames to be compatible with blued barrels, but they were shut down with the purchase by S&W. The lack of cross compatibility and T/C getting stainless steel frames figured out killed AA.

The stainless frames were for the most part the "angry cat", but there are some Cougar on the Rock stainless frames out there.

 

[patience0830]

The Armor Alloy Contenders were made from early 1985 to early 1989. Your frame was one of the last, made in early 1989. As has been stated previously, they have a slightly smaller hinge pin hole due to the coating used. T/C Custom Shop (Fox Ridge Outfitters) shop used to modify the frames to be compatible with blued barrels, but they were shut down with the purchase by S&W. The lack of cross compatibility and T/C getting stainless steel frames figured out killed AA.

The stainless frames were for the most part the "angry cat", but there are some Cougar on the Rock stainless frames out there.

Good info. Was unaware they had some with the cat on the rock.

 

[Sheriff Dave]

bstewrat3 Please contact me thank you.

 

[Sheriff Dave]

Bill I got your message, but I am unable to return it. I am looking for a Marlin 55. Thanks Dave

 

[Hookeye]

Well it looks like I'm back in the .35 rem Contender game.
Got a Super 14 bbl coming (blued).
Have a Bushnell 2X Trophy waiting to be slapped on it.
Not a fan of much mag on EER.
Will try this out and if still annoyed, go 30mm reddot.

 

[gemihur]

What to do when you need 16" of barrel to use a buttstock

Manufacture dates by serial number, but doesn't include ArmorAloy #'s
Handgun Hunter Magazine
Send your super 14 to David White with $150... make a rifle Bbl outta it, slap on a buttstock and your favorite rifle scope
https://dandtcustomgunworks.websitetoolbox.com/post/tc-contenders-encores-7271180?pid=1285971895