Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots Type I and Type II Contender barrels?

Figure I'll double post, 'cause it's an odd question.

Anyone know what the difference is (and how to spot it - other than price) between Type I and Type II Contender barrels?

Thanks,

For those who are interested, this is the answer that I got from Ed Kirkpatrick of Ed's T/Cs (http:www.edstc.com).

"Type I barrels are engraved like a jewelry store and have caliber and address on the same line (called one liners). Type II barrels have a period after the N as in Rochester N. H."

VAnimrod,

I knew about the N.H. but I didn't know what Type it was. I have a couple of Type II barrels. One of which is a .45 ACP oct. (Unfired) ...the9.3Guy

I believe there is also a difference in the shape of the lug welded on the barrel. The oldest ones I have had were flat on the bottom and the more later ones were stepped. the first type had a one piece locking bolt and with the coming of the "easy open frame" the newer ones had a split bolt (two piece locking bolt).

Re: the lugs and locking bolt, that's kinda what I originally thought, too. I passed along what I've gotten as far as a response thus far. Seems like there's probably more to it that just the lettering and/or lugs/bolts.

Considering the value differential between the two Types for certain barrel configurations and calibers, it might be very worthwhile to sort out the differences so that those of us who have, or will acquire, Contender barrels can figure out what we've got, what we're looking at, and what we want/need.

Found some new info on "Type" Contender barrels - WAY more complex than originally imagined.

I found the info over on Bellm T/C's forum ( here ) - which seems like a really good site for T/C addicts...

Heres what I found:

Barrel designations -

T-1 Octagon, One line address, flat base, set screw, short sight. 6 caliber's T/C Arms Rochester N.H. Caliber (There are variations also) 1967.

Pre Type 2, but not Type 1 has the N.H. BUT the caliber is located at the muzzle end.

T-2 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw, significant identification is a period after the N.H. This type has the largest caliber selection and dates 1967-1972.

T-3 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw, now the period is only after the H. NOT THE N 1973-1975 (bull barrels also found is this vintage)

T-4 Octagon, 2 line address, flat base, set screw is replaced with a roll pin to hold in locking lug. (bull barrels and 14" found in this vintage).

T-5 Octagon or bull the significant change is the flat base that now has a step on it. If you check any of you 14" barrels it will have this step.

Now with in each of the above there are variations that mainly address sights. Sights are another classification in there own right. [ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ] For those of you shooters out there T-1 - T-4 typically have the solid locking lug, which generally require changing to use on the newer frames, easy open started at serial #195,000.

T-6 thru T-9 are current variation that describe hunter barrels, stainless, 16", 21" scope models and so on.

Unofficially I have deemed the T-9 indicating the newest rear sight as used on the Encore and post-fire Contenders. Once we clearly sort through the 6 thru 8s this may change again. One thing for for sure as a collector of TC's..just when you think you have it figured out ... something else jumps up and changes every thing.


(Link to exact thread: here )