Thompson Center Arms TC-Contender. Make: Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc.

Model: Contender G1

Serial#: 118339

Year of Manufacture: 1979

Caliber: .223 Remington

Action Type: Single-Shot Break-Action Pistol with Extractor

Markings:

 The left and right sides of the frame feature an engraving of a mountain lion perched on a rock.  The top of the frame features the serial number “118339”. The barrel is marked “THOMPSON : CENTER ARMS / ROCHESTER, N.H.” and “223 / REM”. The pistol grip cap is marked with a lion’s head.

Barrel Length: 10”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade atop a serrated ramped base that is fixed to the barrel. Equipped to the top of the barrel via a one-piece Burris rail and two rings is a Burrs 4x scope with a duplex reticle. The scope shows a few little nicks and scratches throughout and the lenses are clear. The scope rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: 

The stocks are two-piece checkered wood featuring a forend and capped pistol grip with a right thumb shelf. The grips have dispersed compressions, scratches, and nicks. There is a repaired chip at the front of the pistol grip. There are no cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as repaired.

There are a couple small scratches and a small nick on the edge of the thumb shelf.. Overall, the additional pistol grip rates in about Very Good condition as repaired.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and has sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a small amount of faint erosion..

Overall Condition: 

The pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrel shows some faint marks and operational wear. The guard/lever shows a distinct plum hue. There are some minor handling marks but the pistol lacks any notable defects. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel locks with no play on the frame. The lever is considerably stiff. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: The previously mentioned scope and pistol grip are included.

Our Assessment: This Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. Contender is a single-shot break-action pistol that takes .357 Max rounds. In the 1960s Warren Center designed this unique handgun and he joined the K.W. Thompson Tool Co. in order to get his design to the market. The ensuing relationship resulted in the formation of Thompson/Center Arms. The handgun has a unique design and can be equipped with a variety of barrels in different calibers. The barrel currently installed on the pistol is chambered to take .223 Remington. The popularity of 223 Remington is so great, that in the US it virtually eliminated all other similar .22 caliber center-fire varmint rifle cartridges. This is a uniquely designed handgun you do not want to miss out on. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This single-shot handgun CAN be sold as a Dealer Sale in California but CANNOT be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley location. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.