Haus of Arms started taking pre-orders on a remake of the original Contender like... three years ago? It was at least before S&W ditched TC.
Still no frames. I think Marty had good intentions and meant to see this work, but it seems there were larger forces at work against him. There were numerous foibles, extending delivery dates over and over. In the meantime, S&W ditched TC and I'm not sure if there is a connection between the demise of a great product and the failed launch of its avatar, but I'm not suggesting a conspiracy either. I'd just like to know what's going on, as I've been on the list for the remake for a long time.
I've never owned an SSK or Bullberry barrel, but I own three MGM barrels; a 24", stainless 30/30 barrel which makes me look like I know what I'm doing with a rifle, a blued, 18" 357 Mag barrel, which has been a gem, and a blued, 20" 357 MAX barrel I have yet to put a round through. The overall quality on these barrels has been excellent and I don't feel badly about what they cost me.
What they cost today, only a few years later is scary though.