Thompson Center G1 Contender Rifle .223 Rem. 21” Single Shot Rifle, Extras
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB260119KW041
Make: Thompson Center Arms
Model: Contender Easy Open G1
Serial Number: 203245
Year of Manufacture: 1982 / Modern
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Single Shot, Break Action
Markings: The rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The left side of the barrel is marked “THOMPSON CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER, N.H. / .223 REM”.
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: There is a pinned blade atop a ramped base fixed to the barrel. The top of the barrel has a Leupold Vari-X III 6.5-20x scope mounted to it. There is a sun shroud over the objective lens. The scope is in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece stock set with a polymer finger shelf handguard & sling loop, single piece Choate checkered pistol grip and straight comb stock with a vented rubber buttpad. There are faint handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures about 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The frame and trigger guard have turned to a deep plum patina. There are light handling marks throughout. The action has light wear from use. The screw heads are serviceable and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 2x pistol grips, spare wood handguard & spare Pachmayr rubber handguard, 10” .45 Colt barrel, barrel extension, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Thompson Center G1 Contender is one of the most versatile single shot platforms ever produced, originally introduced in the late 1960s and refined through subsequent generations. The Easy Open G1 variant improved the break action system, making barrel changes and operation smoother while retaining the strength and simplicity that made the Contender a favorite among hunters and target shooters. Chambered here in .223 Remington, a cartridge introduced in the 1960s and widely known for its flat trajectory, light recoil, and excellent accuracy, this configuration highlights the Contender’s ability to deliver rifle performance in a compact and adaptable format. This example retains approximately 99 percent of its original finish, with light handling marks and a distinctive plum patina developing on the frame and trigger guard. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.75 out of 10, indicating minimal use. The Choate stock set with polymer forend and checkered pistol grip remains in Excellent condition, showing only faint wear and no structural issues, with a length of pull measuring approximately 13 3/4 inches. The rifle is equipped with a Leupold Vari-X III 6.5-20x scope in Excellent condition, complete with a sunshade, enhancing its precision capabilities. Markings are clear, and the pins and screws remain in good condition, with proper mechanical function.
The Contender’s interchangeable system is further emphasized by the included accessories, which significantly expand its versatility. In addition to the .223 rifle barrel, this package includes a 10 inch .45 Colt barrel, additional pistol grips, spare forends, and a barrel extension, allowing the platform to transition between rifle and handgun configurations with ease. This example stands as a well equipped and well preserved representation of Thompson Center’s innovative design, offering exceptional flexibility, strong condition, and excellent accuracy potential in a single platform. -R.E.