Contender Octagon Barrels

[oliver507]

Try Ed’s Contenders. He has interesting things from time to time.

 

[eveled]

Same guy just listed these. Says part of an estate sale. He doesn't know anything about them. 6" octagon .22LR & .44MAG. Anything is possible, but without any documentation I think they were cut down.

What do you guys think? Special order? Cut down? Pretty neat looking for sure.

 

[eveled]

A few months ago, a member here who wishes to stay anonymous sent me this buckle. I'm blown away by this generous gesture from someone I've never met.

Thank you again.

 

[eveled]

Just scored a 10" Octagon.222 Remington Barell

Updated list

 

[eveled]

Same guy listed all of these 6” octagon barrels. I’m having a hard time believing they aren’t all cut down. Maybe he special ordered them? the crowns all look good.

 

[Bigbore5]

I used to have a 10" octagon 41mag barrel from the factory.

 

[eveled]

Thanks I’ll add it to my list.

 

[Guv]

Here is a little info I found on Contender barrels.



Type I
Term used to describe the very earliest of production Contender barrels (early 1967 to late 1967). These barrel are easily spotted by their "one line" company address and caliber designations. All Type I barrels are octagonal, have flat bottomed lugs, allen screw bolt retention and short style rear sights. To date, only six calibers are known to exist in this barrel type. They are 22LR, 22WRM, 22 Jet, 22 Hornet, 38 Special, and 357 Magnum. Type I barrels are known to exist in both 10 and 8 3/4 inch barrel lengths.

Type II
Designation given to the second style of octagonal Contender barrels (late 1967 to 1972). These barrels may be easily recognized by their two line address and caliber designations. Of further importance is the punctuation used between the "N" and the "H" used to abbreviate the words New Hampshire; both are followed by a period. (example - Rochester, N. H.). Type II barrels are also recognized by their flat bottomed lugs, allen screw bolt retention and short rear sights. Type II barrels exist in three lengths, 10 inch, 8 3/4 inch and 6 inch. These may also be found as "scope model" variations (w/o front sights). The largest selection of calibers exist within the Type II classification including all of the original 17 caliber offerings.

Type III
Third generation of octagon Contender barrels (1972-1973) possessing most of the same features as the Type II barrels, namely the flat bottomed lug, allen screw bolt retention and short rear sights, but differ ever so slightly having only one period following the abbreviation for New Hampshire (example N H.) Keep in mind, that due to the fact that rear sights are interchangeable, all barrel types may be found with incorrect styles of rear sights installed.

Type IV
The forth generation of octagon Contender barrels (1973 to 1977) look almost identical to Type III barrels. Address and caliber markings are identical, (N H. abbreviation) with both possessing the flat bottomed lug. Careful examination of the underside of the lug however will reveal the absence of the allen screw used to retain the bolt. All Type IV barrels utilize the new "roll pin" method of bolt retention. Long rear sights were used on all Type IV barrels.

Type V
Type V barrels represent pretty much the final stage in octagon barrel development (1977 to 1980's). The most readily noticeable change made to these barrels is the addition of material to the rear of the barrel lug just under the bolt which causes a step in the lug midway through length. Type V barrels will usually sport the second or third generation rear sights (long or improved style), but keep in mind that these sights are interchangeable and may not be original to the barrel. Writing styles may differ on Type V barrels as several different variations were used prior to the discontinuance of octagon barrels from the catalog. Later production Type V octagon barrels were perhaps some of the finest looking barrels ever made by Thompson / Center with their "super" high gloss blued finish and crisp barrel markings

Awesome info, thanks!

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Admittedly a HIJACK.....BUT...THIS IS THE AUDIENCE TO ASK: Any of you know the real history of the Contender french fit red cloth lined hinged wooden presentation TC boxes? I have a pair that came to me years ago sans Contenders. One of my old commentors said that there were only a small number made and offered...........I would appreciate more and correct info, please

 

[eveled]

Please post pictures. I've never seen one.

 

[eveled]

Just when I think I have all of them documented another pops up. 10" 17K Hornet

 

[eveled]

Check out this! Shoots arrows.

 

[eveled]

 

[contender]

Interesting.
I seem to recall that about the arrow shooting gun using the Contender set-up. And I recall thinking; "It's not a factory item,, but kinda neat!"
I can't recall if I ever saw any pictures but I do know I've never seen a set.

 

[carbonfibrebob]

Just scored a 10" Octagon.222 Remington Barell

Updated list View attachment 58773

Just scored a 10" Octagon.222 Remington Barell

Updated list View attachment 58773View attachment 58774

Eveled, would you be interested in obtaining a 10" octagon 256 Win barrel?

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Please post pictures. I've never seen one.

Wishes and horses.......I have not clue on how to post pix........can send on cell phone if I have your contact number, but I have a new email and it is not updated on my FR file..........

 

[eveled]

That’s ok. I understand.

 

[eveled]

Here is a pair of unusual ones. .17-222 & .17-223

 

[eveled]

Someone listed 7 different .17caliber 10” Octagon barrels on EBay.

He says all are from 1967, I had no idea there were so many .17 caliber cartridges. Especially back then. I thought I had them all listed and one ebay listing adds 5 to my list.

 

[eveled]

The updated list: (just the 10” ones)

 

[contender]

Wow!

 

[twerpymoon]

Eveled,
You have a message. (If I did it right.)

 

[gemihur]

This has been an interesting thread to follow for sure
eveled has been an excellent host
I commend you on your collection of barrels
Keep up the search
closing with a classic

... and a heartbreaker

 

[eveled]

Thanks for the kind words.

You have a couple of nicely set up Contenders. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

Here is a pair of unusual ones. .17-222 & .17-223View attachment 85712View attachment 85713

I never noticed / knew about the snap on forends. Pretty neat.

that looks like the stud for your snap on forearm

 

[gemihur]

Hawkeye,
"The Contender french fit red cloth lined hinged wooden presentation TC boxes" that I've seen were commemorative Herrett presentation.
Steve Herrett designed the 30 and 357 Herrett cartridges from 30-30 brass to more adequately utilize the 10" barrels of the time.
Bob Milek was also instrumental in the cartridge's development.
I cannot speak to their value as 'the market bears to the buyers pocketbook' and the cases are few and far between
Herrett also designed the furniture and provided grip designs for quite a few handgun models.