RARE Thompson Center Contender .22 LR Break Action 10″ Pistol #3 of 10
SOLD FOR: $721
WOA#: WY240225JH007
Make: Thompson Center Arms
Model: Contender
Serial Number: TCA 93003 (Serial #3) Info from the president of the Thomson Center Association – This Contender was one of a handful of specially made guns created to commemorate the founding of the TCA (Thompson Center Assoc.). The guns were gifted by Thompson Center to the Senior Officers of the TCA in 1993. The president received #1, the VP #2, etc. This is Gun #3. Less than 10 were given to the Thompson association executives. One time run and the only time they had the TCA on the side of it. This is gun #3 of the special run.
Year of Manufacture: 1993
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Break Action Pistol.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “THOMPSON : CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER N.H. / .22LR” and “TCA”. The left side of the receiver is marked “TCA”. The bottom of the receiver under the handguard is marked “TCA – C / ROCH-NH”. The right side of the receiver is marked “TCA”. The butt of the grip has a TC logo. The rear of the receiver below the hammer is marked “TCA / 93 003”. The hammer is marked “C” for centerfire and “R” for rimfire.
Barrel Length: 10” Octagon Barrel.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black blade set atop a ramped and serrated base. The rear sight is a blacked out, square notch, fully adjustable leaf sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip and forend are made with smooth wood. The pistol grip has a rubberized backstrap. There is a small compression on the forend and a small nick on the right hand side of the pistol grip. The grip and forend are in overall Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Matte.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The recessed crown is clean with no fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. This pistol is unfired.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The screw heads are serviceable and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. There is a small mark in the finish on the left side of the chamber, and a small surface scratch on the left side of the receiver. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition. This pistol is unfired.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The trigger guard functions as the break action lever. The trigger is extremely light and crisp.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Thompson Contender holds a place of honor as one of an extremely limited collection of firearms crafted to commemorate the establishment of the Thompson Center Association (TCA) in 1993. Specifically, this firearm is Gun #3 in a series of fewer than ten, each meticulously produced and bestowed upon the senior officers of the TCA. As such, each piece in the series is sequentially numbered according to the seniority of its original recipient—this particular gun was awarded to the third-ranking officer, encapsulating its historical and organizational significance.
What sets this Thompson Contender apart is the exclusive “TCA” engraving on its side, a unique feature that marks it as part of this one-time, special production run—the only instance in which Thompson Center firearms bore the TCA inscription. Renowned for its adaptability and accuracy, the Thompson Contender is favored by enthusiasts for its interchangeable barrel system that accommodates various calibers, enhancing its utility for both hunting and target shooting. This Gun #3, with its distinguished provenance and distinctive markings, not only represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Thompson Center but also stands as a coveted collector’s item, embodying the innovative spirit and legacy of the Thompson Center community! R.L.
