I've been getting out of the Contender business for the past few years. Sold off all my barrels, scopes, etc. and still have my original Contender frame left. Thinking about selling it on consignment at the LGS, but have no idea of what to ask for it.
Any advice or experience?
thanks.
Check on line. I found this link.
http://www.edstc.com/I've dealt with Bullberry barrels in the past. They may have an idea.
Some folks, including me, like the older Contenders. They may not be as safe as the new G2, but the trigger is great, better than the new ones.
DF
I am curious as well what they are worth as a bare frame. My guess is you'd have been better off selling with a barrel attached, as a complete firearm. There is supposedly an increasing interest in these fine pieces of equipment though. I'd think that since you can get a barrel for around 350 average that a frame in good shape should go 250-300.
Depends on whether the frame is a later "easy opening" frame or one of the earlier frames that are much stiffer. The easy open frames are worth slightly more, and sell faster. In general, a stripped old Contender frame (no grips, etc.) is worth about $250-300.
I have one of each.
I see that the G2 frames with forearm and stock are listed around $400 or so. So, minus the stock and forearm, maybe $300 or a bit less.
The older ones, once cocked, if the hammer is let down, it's right on the primer, the hammer block is no longer engaged. So, unless the action is opened and closed to reposition the hammer block, it's very unsafe. I think the G2 addresses this problem, but I don't think the G2 trigger is as good as the older ones. They're safe as long as people understand how to operate them.
DF
I have 3 frames. The first was a late model Easy Open. Then came a G2. Last was an early non-Easy Open that I got complete with grip, for-end, and ten inch .22 rf barrel for $300 out of a pawn shop. I would expect an early frame to go for $200-$250.
I would say in the $250-$275 for an easy open, a little more if S/S.
I bought a "hard" open for $200 and sent it to S&W to have it made to easy open. I don't think they offer this service any more.