When you say "detach" : do you mean the hinge pin will not slip out or the hinge will not release? As noted above if the barrel breaks open, you may have to use a little judious force to tap the pin out. If the barrel will not break open, you may need to cock the hammer and hope the firing pin is broken and jamming the barrel/case and locking the barrel from opening. If that doesnt get it, you will need to see if the break open mechanisim is releasing or frozen for some reason. That could be a real pain.I have a Contender with a barrel that won't detach from the frame - and, having read about the issue on several TC Contender forums, I now have removed nearly everything that can be removed, and still can't get the barrel and frame apart.
Anyone know of a Contender-smart gunsmith?
He could have been a contender.Ask Benenglish. He loves Contenders.
I just saw your thread and I was going to bet that the frame is stretched or the locking bolt is holding it up, this happens a lot with one piece bolts. If it’s a one piece bolt change out before reassembling. If your frame is stretched you will have to send it back to s&w . Need more info to comment any further.Happy to report that I have been able to detach the barrel from the receiver on my Contender! A brass punch and a quick rap on the locking bolt and the two components came apart. Now, I just have to try and put the whole thing back together, properly!
Thanks to all who offered information and assistance.