Here's the deal, I went to my local gunshop today and he had a used Stainless Contender, 95%+. New style (notG2) with a 14" 30-30 barrel, and a 16" 223 barrel, no scopes or mounts. The price is $475, this seems fairly good, but I'm not familliar enough with the TC products to be sure any other questions needed to be answered or what's the opinions on the board about this deal.

Dave

Bring a feeler gauge to see what the gap is between the barrel and the frame on both barrels. Frames and barrels vary, but there shouldn't be more then .001-002" gap. If there is a larger gap, it is a sign that the frame is stretched.

Make sure the barrels fit on the frame and don't have excessive slop in the hinge pin.

That sounds like a decent deal, used barrels usually go for ~$150, so figure that as $300 for the barrels and $175 for the frame. He hasn't priced it to move it right now, which would happen at $400, and he hasn't jacked it up to rediculous levels.

Hey Dave, you wouldn't be talking about a Gun Shop in a Mobile Gas Station in west central Minnesota would you? If so he has had that Contender there for a while. I looked at it before Christmas. I never took it out of the glass case and looked at it, but from what Gary said, it hasn't been shot much if I remember right. Maybe he is ready to deal a little on it.

Larry

That be the one Larry. I'll have to check it out some more tomorrow. I've been in there several times in the last month or so but hadn't seen it. I mostly have been looking at the long guns and reloading stuff though.

Dave

You can go to a couple different sites on the net that traffic in used Barrels to check out their prices. (if you need their address, e-mail me at lgsand@sbtc.net) The dealer I generally buy most of my stuff from has went kind of nuts on Contender Frames. Currently he is getting between $265.00 to $275.00 for used frames that look like new.

Are you going to the Gun Show up there in Feb.? I don't remember for sure, but I think it is the weekend of the 15th & 16th. If so, maybe we can arrange to meet there. Kind of nice to put a face with a name, and meet some of the guys from the net in person.

Larry

Sounds like a plan Larry. I'll double check on the dates tomorrow. There is a High School Hockey playoff game that Saturday, but my sons team should be the #1 Seed and would have a bye that day. Really wouldn't matter much to me when. Sunday AM is generally the quietest. I get kinda claustrophobic in that place when you are elbow to elbow, but I can do whatever you'd want. My brother in law usually goes also if he's in town. He lives about 8 miles straight west of town just off #210. Coyote and jack rabbit country. He works for a big farmer out that way with almost endless acres available to me.

Later
Dave

I'm going to see if Gary will deal some on that Contender, also might take it out and shoot it some. I'm sure he would let me bring it back Monday. While I mainly want it to deer hunt with, actually the 223 barrel is what I'd use the lions share of the time. I've got two 223 rifles and just love that caliber.

The .223 is also one of my favorite cartridges, however I do not have a .223 Contender Barrel at this time. I do have a 6mm T/CU though, and it too is fast becoming a favorite. That Contender caught my eye largely for the frame and .223 barrel, but I am not in a position to buy it, bought way too many toys recently.

I am a little familiar with that town, that is where my wife was from, and my Brother in Law and his wife still live there as does my Mother in Law. I have never done any hunting around there, but my Brother in Law used to do a lot of Fox Trapping north of town.

I'll have to see what happens that weekend, if I can get away I'll be there.

Larry