Thompson Center Contender Double Barrel .17 M2/HMR Pistol & Scope, 1994

SOLD FOR: $2,500.00

LSB#: WY250210SM053

Make: Thompson Center

Model: Contender

Serial Number: S1593

Year of Manufacture: 1994

Caliber: .17 Mach 2 (.17 HM2) / .17 HMR

Action Type: Break Action, Single Shot, Hammer Fired Pistol.

Markings: The receiver has the Thompson Center mountain lion logo on either side. The back of the frame is marked, “S1593” The barrel is marked, “JKL 17 M2 – 17 HMR OTT LLC”.

 Barrel Length: 16.25”

Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has a scope base with a Redfield 2.5x pistol scope mounted to the barrel. The scope is in Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut with a tapered forend and pistol grip with right handed thumb shelf. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the stock set rates in Very Good condition. There is a .45-70 case head in the bottom of the grip.

Type of Finish: Original

Finish Originality: Stainless Steel

Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores but there is some light fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. The markings are clear. The screw heads are mostly sharp. Overall, this Contender rates in at about Very Good 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: None.

Our Assessment: The Thompson Center Contender is a highly versatile and renowned single-shot firearm known for its unique design and modularity. Introduced in 1967 by Thompson/Center Arms, the Contender has become a favorite among hunters, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts for its ability to quickly and easily switch barrels, calibers, and even grip styles. One of the defining features of the Contender is its interchangeable barrel system. Users can switch between a wide variety of barrels with different calibers, lengths, and profiles without the need for specialized tools. This versatility allows the Contender to be configured as a handgun or a rifle, depending on the user’s preference and the specific application. The ease of barrel changes is facilitated by a simple hinge pin mechanism that connects the barrel to the receiver. The Contender is available in a wide range of calibers, from small rimfire rounds like .22 LR to powerful centerfire cartridges like .45-70 Government. This adaptability makes it suitable for different types of shooting, including small game hunting, big game hunting, and target shooting. The ability to change calibers and barrels also allows shooters to use the same platform for various hunting and shooting activities without needing multiple firearms.

Overall, the Thompson Center Contender stands out as a unique and highly adaptable firearm. Its modular design, ease of barrel changes, and wide range of caliber options make it a practical choice for a variety of shooting disciplines. The Contender’s enduring popularity is a testament to its innovative design and the value it provides to shooters who demand versatility and precision in their firearms. -R.E.