T/C Contender 14” Ported 7-30 Waters/.44 Mag/30-30 Single Shot Pistol, 1999
SOLD FOR: $1,177.00
LSB#: LSB260215CB003
Make: Thompson Center
Model: Contender Easy Open
Serial Number: 453370
Year of Manufacture: 1999 / Modern
Caliber: 7-30 Waters
Action Type: Break Action, Single Shot, Hammer Fired Pistol.
Markings: The barrel is marked with the Thompson Center address and its respective caliber. The frame is marked with the serial number and a mountain lion on either side.
Barrel Length: 14” Ported
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel has a scope base with a Weaver pistol scope. The scope is in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This contender has a two piece checkered rubber pachmayr furniture set with a Schnabel tipped forend and finger groove rubber backstrap. There are light handling marks throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no rips or chunks missing. 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 visible erosion in the bore but there is moderate lead fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is faint handling wear and drag lines from use. The action has light wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this Contender rates in at about 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 soft case, 1x 10” .44 Mag. barrel, 1x Stainless 12” ported .30-30 barrel.
Our Assessment: The Thompson Center Contender Easy Open is one of the most versatile single shot handgun systems ever produced, known for its modular design and ability to chamber a wide range of rifle and handgun cartridges. By 1999, the platform had matured into a favored choice among handgun hunters, particularly with longer barrels and specialized chamberings that pushed handgun performance closer to that of rifles. This configuration highlights that versatility, with the primary 14 inch ported barrel in .44 Magnum and additional barrels in 7-30 Waters and .30-30 Winchester, both rifle cartridges adapted for handgun use. The 7-30 Waters, introduced in the 1980s, is known for its flat trajectory and efficiency, while the .30-30 Winchester, introduced in 1895, remains one of the most iconic American hunting cartridges. This example retains approximately 99 percent of its original blued finish, with only faint handling wear and light drag lines visible. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9 out of 10, showing moderate fouling. The Pachmayr rubber furniture set remains in Very Good Plus condition, with light wear and intact checkering, providing a secure grip under recoil. The pistol is equipped with a Weaver pistol scope mounted to the barrel, which remains in Excellent condition and enhances its precision capability. Markings are clear and well defined, with sharp screw heads and clean pins, and the action functions correctly. The package includes a T/C soft case along with additional barrels, including a 10 inch .44 Magnum and a stainless 12 inch ported .30-30, significantly expanding its versatility.
The Contender’s break action design and rigid lockup contribute to excellent accuracy, especially when paired with scoped optics and longer barrels. The ability to switch between calibers allows the platform to adapt to a wide range of uses, from target shooting to hunting applications. This example stands as a well equipped and well preserved representation of Thompson Center’s innovative handgun system, combining multiple calibers, strong condition, and practical enhancements in a highly adaptable platform. -R.E.
