Thompson Center Contender W/ .357 Mag, .44Mag, .41 Mag Barrels 1978
SOLD FOR: $2,257
WOA#: WY240302JH001
Make: Thompson Center.
Model: Contender
Serial Number: 86866
Year of Manufacture: Jan 1978
Caliber: .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .41 Mag
Action Type: Break Action, Single Shot, Hammer Fired.
Markings: Left side of barrel is marked, “THOMPSON CENTER ARMS ROCHESTER N. H.” Each barrel is the same but the caliber marking is different. The sides of the receiver has mountain lion engravings. The bottom of the grip is marked, “Travis Denton” engraved in the wood.
Barrel Length: 10” V-ported
Sights / Optics: This Contender has raised serrated ramps on all barrels with a partridge style post. The .357 barrel has a mounted Leupold scout scope. The .44 barrel has an adjustable U-notch rear sight, and the .41 barrel has a Willams adjustable peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This pistol has a single piece capped competition style grip with finger grooves and a thumb rest. There is a small checkered forend. There are some very minor scratches and a small chip in the grip cap. The forend is unmarred. The grip rates in Excellent condition. Please see photos for more information.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Refinished, Serial range puts it as a blued model.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writes opinion, the bores all rate at a 9/10
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some odd discoloring on the receiver engravings, there are wear marks on the barrels, and there is wear marks on the action and hammer. The finish on the .44 and .41 mag front sights is worn. All barrels have V-ports The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this revolver rates in 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: Scope, .44 Mag barrel, .41 Mag barrel.
Our Assessment: The Thompson Center Contender is a highly versatile single-shot, break-action pistol or rifle platform manufactured by Thompson Center Arms. Introduced in 1967, the Contender quickly gained popularity among handgun hunters, target shooters, and enthusiasts due to its accuracy, interchangeable barrels, and customizable features.
One of the key features of the Contender is its interchangeable barrel system, which allows shooters to easily swap barrels of different calibers and lengths to suit their specific shooting needs. This modular design enables the Contender to be configured as a pistol or rifle, chambered in a wide range of calibers from rimfire to magnum cartridges.
Over the years, Thompson Center has offered a variety of barrel lengths, ranging from short pistol barrels to longer rifle barrels, catering to different shooting disciplines and preferences. The Contender’s accuracy and versatility have made it a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and even silhouette competitions.
Overall, the Thompson Center Contender has earned a reputation as a reliable and accurate firearm platform, cherished by enthusiasts for its versatility and performance in various shooting activities. -R.E.
