
Thompson Center Contender .45-70/.45 Colt & .410 Bore Set & Box, Extras
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: WY241006CC017
Make: Thompson Center
Model: Contender
Serial Number: 114485
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .45-70 / .45 Colt / .410 Bore
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, “114485” The barrels are marked with the Thompson Center address and their respective barrel length and caliber.
Barrel Length: 14”
Sights / Optics: The top of the .45-70 barrel has a scope base with a Tasco 2×22 pistol scope mounted to it. The .410 barrel has a ramped partridge front sight fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch leaf fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This contender has a two piece walnut set with a shelved forend and a checkered pistol grip with a left handed thumb shelf. There are only minor handling marks present. There are no chips or cracks. The stock set rates in Excellent condition. The two spare grips (Right hand thumb shelf & no thumb shelf) are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate at a 9.5/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are faint scratches and light wear marks throughout. There is light rust and thinning on the receiver. The markings are clear. The screw heads are 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: Scope, spare barrel, original barrel box, two boxes, two spare grips, clamp on bipod, spare parts, tools and manual.
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. This particular barrel was awarded at the 1995 International Schuetzenfest
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.
