T/C Contender Question

[cm250]

All, found a couple T/C Contenders for sale from an individual. He has 2 complete pistols. What he has is a .221 fireball, 8" octagon barrel witha fixed 4x tasco scope. He also has a T/C Contender in .22 with about a 18" barrel and another 4x fixed scope. Included is two hard cases, two leather shoulder holsters (one set up for each pistol)and about 3/4 of a box of .221 ammo. Also says he has a 30-30 barrel that goes with the 221 frame, just can't find it at the moment. He is starting out asking $750 for all, is this a pretty good price?
Thanks for any info

 

[MMCSRET]

How old are the frames, with an 8" octagon, I would suspect 1st generation. You need to know, as there are several important changes in the frames over the years, none were detrimental or even vital but they did improve ease of operation. Are the barrel locks one piece or two piece? Lots of questions before a direct answer.
Is the firing pin selector on top of the hammer or do you use a screw driver in from behind and below, there were a lot of small changes made over the years.

 

[cm250]

Thanks MMCSRET, have never owned one and was just thinking about adding a couple more toys.

 

[Coltdriver]

Figure $200 for a frame is a great price. Figure $150 for a barrel is also a great price assuming they are in good shape. So two frames and three barrels plus the other stuff is a good deal.

If you go to Graybeard Outdoors there is a very active Contender Classifieds board and you could get good idea of market value.

But be warned, once you have been bitten by the Contender bug its a lifelong affliction

 

[cm250]

Thanks Coltdriver, Both for the info and letting me in on another great web sight. I joined there forum board and posted my question there as well.

 

[NCsmitty]

If they are in good shape, that's a pretty good deal for you, regardless of what version they are. You'll have cartridges that cover plinking and varmint and larger game with the 30-30. The fireball round is a great round, even out of an 8" barrel.
I've had a Contender in a 10" 357 Maximum and a 14" 223 for 20+years and I've never had a problem. They will shoot better than I can hold. And Pachmayr grips are superb.


NCsmitty

 

[husbandofaromanian]

I have a G2 Contender Pistol with a 22lr barrel & a .223 barrel (1-9 twist for m855). I have a silencer for each barrel. After being spoiled with this setup, I don't even want to shoot anything else (accept my pocket .380).