Checking in to see if there are any Contender folks that can help me with distinguishing a Type I vs Type II Contender barrel. Found a little info here and over on Graybeard, and best I can figure is the barrel engraving is on one line (Type II) vs two (Type I) - any help is appreciated on how to best determine between these two barrel types.

Thanks in advance.

I'm not familiar with type 1 or type 2. Do you mean G1 or G2?

There are at least 2 different lettering lines on the original contender barrels (maybe more).
IIRC there also is a difference in lugs, one has a step, the other doesn't. Am talking the flat on bottom of lug, not the difference between single and two pc locking bolts.

So there may be two types of barrels having at least 2 different types of lettering.

Thanks hookeye, following up on your description on difference in lugs - you mean the following flat versus step in the lug photos below and if so do you recall which would be the Type I and Type II:

Sorry Lucas1, I’m familiar with a G1 vs G2 Contender and how to tell the difference, I’m really trying to understand the difference between a type I vs Type II Contender barrel. I noticed there is a premium price difference in collectible octagon barrels between the two types, just trying to determine how to tell the difference between the two.

My NIB .223 stainless bbl has a stepped lug

I have forgotten the label differences on barrels. Looked into it way back when I had some octagon stuff.

Cant remember.

I wonder if the boys at Match Grade Machine might know. Could be worth a phone call to ask.

Good point on MGM, May do that tomorrow to see what I can find out. I did reach out to Ed’s Contenders as well to see if he could help. Appreciate y’all chiming and helping here.

Ed Kirkpatrick at Ed’s Contenders was kind enough to share the following info:

Type 1 barrels have the writing engraved on a single line - Type 2 barrels have the writing on 2 lines and a period after the n and h- both have a non-step flat lug.

Thanks to those of you who helped out earlier on the week..

That's good information. Is there a collectible preference for one over the other?

I’m still trying to determine that and if I can get more info will certainly share.

By the price.


I've always noticed a difference far more in the eyes of the sellers, than in the eyes of the buyers.

Good info. Thanks