I need to get a list together as to what I need to get a contender set up with a custom barrel. I know very little about contenders, so I could use some help. When looking for a frame, is there anything that I should avoid or look at very carefully when buying used? What seems to be the best scope and ring set-up? I am thinking a 2x scope would be best, but might consider a 4x. Like I said, I don't know a lot about them, so I thought this would be a good place to start.

Step #1 --- Choice between "old style" contender frame & G-2. Each has its advantages but they are quite different. You do not mention likely calibers, but I presume that you are considering a "rifle-type" caliber. A 2X scope would not be my choice. I do, however, have 4X Leupolds on most of my single shot handguns. If you are choosing a caliber with a lot of recoil, the TSOB set up from SSK industries is my choice.

I am considering a 41GNR 9" barrel

if buying used, imo it is best to go for the easy open frames, which started with serial # 195,000 and above. that does not mean that older models are no good necessarily. some have been converted by TC already also.
base and rings....hard to beat the weaver base with 2 or 3 leupold vertical split rings.
scope....a lot depends on what ypu are going to do with it, and how far. a 2x is good for close range(brush)situation. the 4x is a compromise, and a variable adds much versatility. mine are used for target/hunting, so a 2x7 or 3x12 burris is my chice on a 14"+ contender.

a 2x burris or leupold would be great on something like that imo. a standard dual dovetail burris or leupold base/rings would work on that also, with a nice clean look.

On a .416 GNR or similar heavy caliber, use a 6 screw base and 3 or 4 rings. Anyone is free to use what they want, but on a heavy recoiling Contender, a 4 screw base and 2 rings is just begging for trouble.
I would prefer a 4X Leupold scope, and personally would not want less than a 12" barrel.
If a blue pre-G2 frame is selected, I would absolutely want only a frame with S/N above 195,000. The stainless frames came after that, with all the improvements, and any S/N would be okay.

And if selecting SS, make sure it is indeed SS and not the older Armor Alloy. Those required converting to work with newer barrels. Not sure if the collectors have those all stashed away.

Craig

determining between AA and SS is easy. the alloy coated frames serial # start with an A and have the fully engraved leaping cougar. stainless frame #'s start with an S and only have the cougar head.
.the G2 contenders look like a mini encore imo. i have a blue and a ss G2. i like them extremely well.

I have both a 10" 44 mag 12" hunter barrel shortened to 10" with 2x Weaver scope. and a super 14 30-30 with a 3X9 Burris both are super accurate.

The 41 GNR and a 9" barrel is the perfect combination. I have a 356 GNR barrel 8" in length and it is an ideal carry rig. It is topped with a 4x Leupold.

Ooops! My eyeballs are getting old and worn out. I read Lance's post as .416 GNR, rather than .41 GNR. 9" should be good!

For heavier hitters the G2 has the advantage because the frame is stronger but the earlier models I much prefer the actions on from both a standpoint as a gunsmith and shooter. I can tune the old models really nice and alot easier than the G2 but with Mike Bellms springs I can slicken up the G2 pretty good too. For a cartridge unless your wanting to stay in the revolver cartridges the 375X444 is probably the best all around Contender cartridge out there. The 375x444 can be loaded for everything from deer and hogs to elephants. RCBS makes the dies for it so you don't have to pay extra for the JDJ name and any of the quality barrel makers can chamber it so then again your not tied into the JDJ name unless that's what you want.