Thompson Center G1 Contender .45 / .410 10″ Break Action Pistol AA2
SOLD FOR: $855
WOA#: WY231211SJ001
Make: Thompson Center
Model: G1 Contender Second Variant, AA2 (Armor Aluminum Frame)
Serial Number: A8960
Year of Manufacture: 1982-1984
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 “A8960”. The left side of the barrel is marked “THOMPSON CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER, N.H. .45 COLT / .410”.
Barrel Length: 10”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned in the serrated top rib. The rear sight is a flip up adjustable open notch iron sight that folds into the barrel rib. The rib is drilled, tapped, and filled.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip and forend are two piece smooth walnut with a rubberized backstrap. There is light handling wear. There are nicks and compression marks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Armor Alloy, Silver
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: None.
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. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
