Thompson TC Contender 6.5mm TCU Single Shot Pistol w/ Extra Barrels, Scopes
SOLD FOR: $1185
LSB#: 220204DF003
Make: Thompson/Center Arms, T/C
Model: Contender
Serial Number: 381214
Year of Manufacture: 1991
Caliber: The installed barrel is chambered for 6.5mm TCU (6.5x45mm); The additional barrels are calibered for .221 Remington and .460 S&W, respectively.
Action Type: Trigger Guard Lever Top Break Single Shot Single Action SA Pistol
Markings: The top of the frame behind the hammer is marked with the serial number “381214”. The sides of the frame are marked with scroll engraving and a circle with a cougar on a boulder. The left shoulder of the installed barrel is marked “T/C Custom Shop”, “THOMPSON : CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER, N H.” and “6.5mm TCU”. The front face of the frame is marked “TCA-C / ROCH-NH”. The left side of the 460 S&W barrel is marked “ENCORE”, “THOMPSON/CENTER / SPRINGFIELD, MA, USA”, and “460 S&W”. The left shoulder of the 221 Rem barrel is marked “THOMPSON : CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER, N H.” and “221 / REM”. The barrel lugs of the additional barrels have various factory marks.
Barrel Length: The installed barrel and 460 S&W barrel are 15”. The 221 Rem barrel is 10”.
Sights / Optics: The installed barrel has no provisions for iron sights. Attached at the rear via a one-piece rail system is a TCA optic with 2.5-7x magnification and a duplex reticle. The scope shows scattered little nicks, dings, and scratches throughout and some light thinning on certain leading edges. The lenses are slightly dirty yet retain a high level of visibility. The scope rates in about Good-Very Good condition.
The 221 Remington barrel front sight is a blade that is integral to a serrated ramped base that is fixed to the barrel. Equipped at the rear via a Leupold rail and two rings is a Leupold Vari-X scope with 2.5-8x magnification and a duplex reticle. The scope shows nicks and scratches, notably along the front and rear edges and finish loss along the front of the tube from contact with the ring. The rear ring has a scab of erosion that spills on to the tube as well. The scope rates in about Good-Very Good condition.
The 460 S&W barrel front sight is a blade that is pinned to a step serrated ramped base that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a TCA fully adjustable square notch pinned to a base that is fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The installed grip set does not match and consists of a smooth rubber forearm and a wood capped pistol grip with a rubber back strap. The forearm grip screws are missing and it is being held in place with black wire tape. The pistol grip shows scattered nicks, compressions, draglines, and scratches but no chips or cracks. The forearm shows dispersed draglines and rub wear and no rips or tears. The installed grips rate in about Fair-Good overall condition as none matching and missing the forearm screws.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: All bores are bright with sharp rifling. Each bore has some minor fouling.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning with light and light scratches on the trigger guard/lever. There is some stubborn dried grease where edges meet. The sides of the hammer have taken a slight plum hue. There is standard operational wear. The barrels show some light operational thinning and scattered minor nicks and scratches. The screw heads have strong slots, the pins are unmarred. The markings are strong. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good-Very Good condition. (See Mechanics)
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pin is a replacement and is being held in place by a piece of tape, or else it would fall out. The trigger has an adjustable CF-RF switch at the top which also acts as a safety when switched to the middle position. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this gun are all the previously described accessories.
Our Assessment: Since the first Contender pistol was made in 1967, it has been the choice of serious handgun hunters around the world. This Contender was manufactured in 1992 and comes with an assortment of options in optics & barrels. Aside from the installed 6.5mm barrel, also included is a 460 S&W barrel and a .222 Rmington. The replacement trigger pin doesn’t fit properly but finding a correct replacement shouldn’t be difficult to find. In fact, they are readily available on Numrich Gun Parts website. Don’t pass on this sweet package deal. Please see our photos and good luck!