Vintage Thompson Center G1 Contender .45/.410 8″ Break Action Pistol 1969
SOLD FOR: $930
WOA#: WY230403TB002
Make: Thompson Center
Model: G1 Contender
Serial Number: 6811
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Caliber: .45 / .410
Action Type: Break Open / Break Action Single-Shot
Markings: The right and left sides of the receiver are engraved with a mountain lion standing on a rock with scrollwork. Back top of the receiver is marked “6811”. The left side of the barrel is marked “THOMPSON CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER, N.H. .45 COLT / .410”.
Barrel Length: 8” ported. 10” with barrel extension/choke.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is fixed blade on a serrated ramp. The rear sight is an adjustable open notch iron sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip and forend are two piece checkered walnut. There is no handling wear. The checkering is crisp. The grips rate in about Excellent overall 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.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The engravings are deep and unmarred. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The choke tube needs to be removed before firing .45 Colt. 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: This pistol comes with its original choke tube tool and choke tube/barrel extension as well as its original velvet lined display case marked “TC” for Thompson Contender. The box and accessories are in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The interchangeable barrel system of the Contender gun series means this gun offers multiple uses to its owner. It’s known as an accurate long-distance pistol for range shooting and a suitable hunting arm in either rifle or pistol configuration. The single-barrel lockup and single-action trigger make these little guns accurate and very reliable as well as easily portable. Some users might say that the rifling on this pistol doesn’t help the .410 shot pattern while the 3-inch chamber for the shotgun shell means the .45 Colt bullet has a not insignificant jump in the chamber before it hits the barrel grooves. As a result, the accuracy of the .45 Colt can suffer in the Contender, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it upon yourself to tame this compact and powerful pistol. With the factory choke and the right ammunition, the .410 shell in a Contender can easily take rabbit, grouse, quail, pheasant, and dove within 50 yards. Whether you’re a competitive shooter looking to get the edge on your opponents or a plinking fiend who wants more control than your average factory firearms offer, add this to your lineup and kill two birds with one gun and dozens of barrel options.