Armor Alloy Thompson Center Contender .223 Rem Single Shot Pistol, 1984

SOLD FOR: $1,294.00

LSB#: WY250210SM086

Make: Thompson Center

Model: Contender

Serial Number: A6270

Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1984

Caliber: .223 Remington

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, “A6270” The barrel is marked with the Thompson Center address and its respective caliber.

 Barrel Length: 10”

Sights / Optics: The front of the barrel is tapped for sights. The rear has a Leupold STD mount with a MicroTrac pistol sight. The scope is in Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This contender has a two piece walnut set with a tapered forend and brass caped rubber backed pistol grip. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips but there is a small crack at the bottom of the grip. Overall the stock set rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Armor Alloy

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. There are some rub marks on the barrel and frame. 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: T/C padded soft case, 10” .357 Herrett barrel with Leupold M8-4x Extended E.R. Scope in Very Good condition, 10” .30-30 Win barrel in Very Good condition, 10” .22 Hornet barrel in Excellent condition.

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.