T/C Contender 14” .44 mag/.45-70 Single Shot Pistol & 3 Barrels, Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,070.00
LSB#: LSB260408DC019
Make: Thompson Center
Model: Contender Easy Open
Serial Number: 415097
Year of Manufacture: 1993 Modern
Caliber: .44 Mag. / .45-70 Govt.
Action Type: Break Action, Single Shot, Hammer Fired Pistol.
Markings: The barrel is marked with the Thompson Center address and its respective caliber. The bottom of the frame is marked with the T/C rollmark.
Barrel Length: 14”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set atop a ramped base screwed to the barrel. The rear of the barrel has a Burris scope base with a Leupold M8-2X Extended ER scope. The optic is in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This contender has a two piece smooth walnut furniture set with a tapered forend and smooth grip with a rubber backing. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The stock set rates in Very Good to Excellent 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 the bore but there is some light lead fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this Contender rates in at about Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. 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: 2x .44 Mag Super 14 barrels, 1x 12” ported .45-70 barrel.
Our Assessment: The Thompson/Center Contender Easy Open is one of the most influential specialty handgun platforms ever produced, earning a reputation for exceptional accuracy, strength, and versatility. Built around an interchangeable barrel system, the Contender allowed shooters to change chamberings in a matter of moments while retaining the same serialized frame. This innovative design made the platform especially popular among handgun hunters, metallic silhouette competitors, and enthusiasts seeking rifle-like performance from a handgun. Chambered here through interchangeable barrels in both .44 Magnum and .45-70 Government, this package demonstrates the remarkable flexibility that made the Contender famous. This example remains in very good to excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original finish with only light handling wear visible throughout. The bore remains excellent, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only minor lead fouling present, supporting its 9.5 out of 10 rating. The walnut grip and forend set remains in very good to excellent condition with only minor handling wear and no structural damage. Particularly noteworthy is the included Leupold M8 2X Extended Eye Relief scope mounted on a Burris base, a highly respected hunting optic frequently found on serious Contender hunting pistols.
Altogether, this package represents an exceptionally versatile Contender setup. Included are two .44 Magnum Super 14 barrels along with a 12-inch ported .45-70 Government barrel, providing multiple hunting and shooting configurations from a single frame. Combined with the Leupold optic and the proven Easy Open Contender action, this collection reflects the adaptability and performance that made Thompson/Center specialty pistols legendary among handgun hunters. -R.E.