Before moving on to the cartridge and load development phase of this project, I wanted to cover the converted T/C Contender, a firearm I believe is optimal for the 17-357 RG. The barrel began life as a 357 Magnum chamber, a configuration which is of no practical consequence, as the barrel was drilled out and fit with a .660″ O.D. insert, or liner, with a .172″ groove diameter and 9″ twist. Outside of a slight bore chamfer, the muzzle is not crowned or recessed. The cost of the conversion was approximately $130 for both material and labor, it dropped right into the Contender frame and checked out with a headspace gauge.
The barrel currently has metallic sights, however, the rear sight will be replaced with Leupold scope mounts and rings and a Burris handgun scope borrowed from one of my other T/C barrels. The forearm carry over was also easy. The lower barrel stud slides in to the barrel’s underside dovetail, the forearm block is fastened to the dovetail, then the forearm is fastened to the block. The forearm grip sets I have are ancient, but they fit and work well, and that is good enough for me.
The work is a little rough, but OK. Above, empty chamber, headspace gauge in chamber, formed unloaded round in chamber. Headspace seems good and the action snaps shut and locks up cleaning. It is also nice to have a firearm that can be cleaned with sandpaper with no appreciable deterioration in aesthetics.
The finished product. Now, unfortunately, I now have to get on with the real work of the project, stop playing around with the firearms and get some handloads assembled and test fired. Be back soon, hopefully without the nickname “Lefty”
More “The 17-357 RG – Real Guns Project Cartridge”
The 17-357 RG – Real Guns Project Cartridge Part I
Thanks,
Joe
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