Thompson Center Contender Pistol 8 3/4″ .17 Hornet & 3 Extra Barrels, 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,480.00
LSB#: WY250210SM087
Make: Thompson Center
Model: Contender
Serial Number: 202652
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Caliber: .17 Hornet
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, “202652” The barrel is marked, “D A VAN HORN 17 HORNET”.
Barrel Length: 8 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has a scope base with a Leupold M8-4 Extended E.R. 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 brass capped finger groove pistol grip. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the stock set rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore 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 hammer and trigger have been jeweled. 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: Thompson Center soft case, 8 3/4″ .222 Rem Barrel in Very Good condition, 10” Ported .44 Magnum Barrel in Excellent condition, and a .17 Ackley Bee 10 3/4″ Ackley Bee Barrel in Very Good condition with a Leupold M8-4 Extended E.R. pistol scope mounted to the barrel.
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.
