How to change your TC encore or Contender barrel

Make sure that you have the correct forend!
Most rifle forends will fit most rifle barrels
Shotguns are specific by Gauge
Muzzle loader forends only fit Muzzle loaders.
So now that you know that, you are ready to begin.
-Remove your forend and set it aside.
-I am not sure what others do but for removing the pin I like to not have sideways or a twisting strain on the barrel and action as much as possible, keep this in mind. 
-So, my method is to get a fired 223 case (base against the pin, yes you will ruin the case but keep it for next time) or if you have a suitable brass or plastic punch  3/8" is perfect for the Encore pin.  Since the Contender pin is 3/8" you will need a 5/16" punch or I use a fired 22 magnum case.
-Sitting down, I will open the action and place the barrel across one leg with the pin vertical and the stock supported with my other leg, I am right handed so it is natural for me to have the stock on my R leg.  barrel on the L .   I will support the hinge area with my left hand.  3 point of contact. This will balance the rifle.  In this  way I can try to push the pin out with my right hand.  Wiggle the action and placement of the barrel and stock on your knee to ensure that you have everything aligned.  If the pin is not pushing out I hold the punch between my thumb and index fingers and cradle under the action with the other three fingers.  In this way I can wield a very small hammer or pc. of hardwood to use as a hammer and gently tap the punch.  If everything is aligned you can usually  tap out the pin and catch the pin either between your fingers or place a rag or carpet below to capture the pin and prevent damage.  The punch should then act as a loose temporary pin and  stop everything from falling apart and breaking your scope if the barrel was to fall off your knee etc.  
-Put your tools aside support the barrel and action
-separate the barrel and action.....
-try the pin in the new barrel
-try the pin  in the action to see how much force is required,  
-make sure the pin is aligned with the hole in both cases, there is typically anywhere from a light tap resistance, to, it will slide in very nicely with a light bit of oil on it.  In some cases it is a loose drop through fit.  (in this case some people will buy an oversize pin from me to tighten things up a bit.)
- I suggest this pin tryout so that you will understand that if it takes more force to get the pin through the assembly than it took to fit either component, it is usually misaligned, you must check hole alignment to ensure it is concentric and in alignment with both holes in the frame.

- with the pin installed close the action and ensure that the hammer will cock.  This is actually the true test of fit , if the hammer does not cock the rifle does not work.  Does it happen often that it fails this test?  No.  But it does happen from time to time.  Whatever you do, DO NOT DISABLE THE INTERNAL SAFETY DEVICE!

That is one way to change barrels, it works for me, maybe you like to do it a different way.  There are other methods with the firearm supported on your bench, barrel in a padded vise etc.  just be careful not to damage anything.
If it passes, install the forearm.

It will take a lot less time than it took to write this and probably about the time it takes to read this.
Have fun.
Ron
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