Contender Opens Prematurely

straightShot · August 21, 2000, 03:05 PM

I have a single shot, 10" barrel AA-II Thompson Center Contender that opens at the breech when firing factory .44 mag ammo such as UMC. With factory .44 mag loads that seem a little hotter, it happens all the time. With factory ammo that doesn't have quite as much punch, it doesn't happen. I've had the gun 15 years and have only fired a few hundred rounds through it.

I've never been hurt, and accuracy appears ok, but it seems a little odd that the gun opens up upon firing. Any thoughts as to why this might be happening?

Thanks.

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NRA Life Member
Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners(MCRGO)

George Stringer · August 22, 2000, 06:46 AM

Straightshot, whatever TC calls their barrel catch needs to be deepened or replaced. This shouldn't be happening. Sounds like time for a visit to your local smith. If you don't have anyone near you feel free to e-mail me. George

straightShot · August 22, 2000, 08:51 AM

George,

Thanks. I needed to know if it wasn't right, and I now know that it should be fixed. I'll send it to the manufacturer and let them fix it for me. I don't shoot it that often, so I won't miss it at the range.

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NRA Life Member
Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners(MCRGO)

JoeHatley · August 22, 2000, 09:01 AM

straightShot,

The older Contenders (pre easy opening modification) could be a real bear to open.

A couple of kitchen table gunsmith fixes were to shorten the bolt spring a couple of coils, and/or to file a slight bevel on the edge of the locking bolt.

T/C later came out with a free upgrade that corrected the hard opening models.

I'd make sure yours hasn't been worked over by someone who went a little too far.

Give T/C a call...

Joe

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Go NRA

straightShot · August 22, 2000, 12:23 PM

Thanks, Joe.

I'll be calling them.

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NRA Life Member
Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners(MCRGO)

August 21, 2000, 03:05 PM	#1
straightShot Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2000 Location: MI, USA Posts: 668	I have a single shot, 10" barrel AA-II Thompson Center Contender that opens at the breech when firing factory .44 mag ammo such as UMC. With factory .44 mag loads that seem a little hotter, it happens all the time. With factory ammo that doesn't have quite as much punch, it doesn't happen. I've had the gun 15 years and have only fired a few hundred rounds through it. I've never been hurt, and accuracy appears ok, but it seems a little odd that the gun opens up upon firing. Any thoughts as to why this might be happening? Thanks. ------------------ NRA Life Member Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners(MCRGO)

August 22, 2000, 06:46 AM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Straightshot, whatever TC calls their barrel catch needs to be deepened or replaced. This shouldn't be happening. Sounds like time for a visit to your local smith. If you don't have anyone near you feel free to e-mail me. George

August 22, 2000, 08:51 AM	#3
straightShot Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2000 Location: MI, USA Posts: 668	George, Thanks. I needed to know if it wasn't right, and I now know that it should be fixed. I'll send it to the manufacturer and let them fix it for me. I don't shoot it that often, so I won't miss it at the range. ------------------ NRA Life Member Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners(MCRGO)

August 22, 2000, 09:01 AM	#4
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	straightShot, The older Contenders (pre easy opening modification) could be a real bear to open. A couple of kitchen table gunsmith fixes were to shorten the bolt spring a couple of coils, and/or to file a slight bevel on the edge of the locking bolt. T/C later came out with a free upgrade that corrected the hard opening models. I'd make sure yours hasn't been worked over by someone who went a little too far. Give T/C a call... Joe ------------------ Go NRA

August 22, 2000, 12:23 PM	#5
straightShot Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2000 Location: MI, USA Posts: 668	Thanks, Joe. I'll be calling them. ------------------ NRA Life Member Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners(MCRGO)