Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this popular break-action single-shot pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Thompson Center Contender.
Please Note: We recommend that this pistol be thoroughly inspected by a qualified gunsmith, as the action does not function properly, before any attempt at firing or use. A professional inspection will help determine its functionality.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Thompson Center
Model: Contender
Serial: 9918
Caliber: .222 Remington
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 10" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Leupold M8-4X Extended E.R. Scope
Stock/Grips: Walnut Pistol Grip and Forend with Checkering
Action: Break-Action / Single-Shot
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Thompson/Center Contender, introduced in 1967 by Thompson/Center Arms, is a break-action, single-shot firearm designed to function as either a pistol or a rifle. Known for its exceptional versatility, it can be chambered in cartridges ranging from the small .22 Long Rifle to the powerful .45-70 Government. One of the Contender’s most innovative features is its interchangeable barrel system. By removing the forend, the hinge pin securing the barrel to the frame is exposed; once pushed out, the barrel can be detached. Because the sights and extractor remain mounted to the barrel itself, the frame carries no cartridge-specific components. This allows shooters to install a barrel of another caliber or length, reattach the forend, and have a firearm ready to fire—with properly aligned sights—using nothing more than a flat screwdriver. The frame also houses two firing pins with a hammer-mounted selector, enabling the shooter to choose between rimfire and centerfire operation, or to set the hammer in a safe position where neither firing pin can strike a primer. The earliest Contender design lacked this safety option, requiring a screwdriver to switch between rimfire and centerfire. Over time, three distinct variants of the original Contender were developed, each identifiable by the hammer design.
Model: Contender
Serial: 9918
Caliber: .222 Remington
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 10" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Leupold M8-4X Extended E.R. Scope
Stock/Grips: Walnut Pistol Grip and Forend with Checkering
Action: Break-Action / Single-Shot
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Thompson/Center Contender, introduced in 1967 by Thompson/Center Arms, is a break-action, single-shot firearm designed to function as either a pistol or a rifle. Known for its exceptional versatility, it can be chambered in cartridges ranging from the small .22 Long Rifle to the powerful .45-70 Government. One of the Contender’s most innovative features is its interchangeable barrel system. By removing the forend, the hinge pin securing the barrel to the frame is exposed; once pushed out, the barrel can be detached. Because the sights and extractor remain mounted to the barrel itself, the frame carries no cartridge-specific components. This allows shooters to install a barrel of another caliber or length, reattach the forend, and have a firearm ready to fire—with properly aligned sights—using nothing more than a flat screwdriver. The frame also houses two firing pins with a hammer-mounted selector, enabling the shooter to choose between rimfire and centerfire operation, or to set the hammer in a safe position where neither firing pin can strike a primer. The earliest Contender design lacked this safety option, requiring a screwdriver to switch between rimfire and centerfire. Over time, three distinct variants of the original Contender were developed, each identifiable by the hammer design.
The first used a push-button selector for rimfire or centerfire; the second featured a left-center-right toggle switch for centerfire, safe, or rimfire; and the third employed a horizontal bolt selector for the same functions. All three variants were engraved with a cougar on the sides of the receiver—a hallmark distinguishing them from the later G2 Contender, which has smooth receiver sides. A handful of the earliest screwdriver-selectable models also had smooth-sided receivers with no engraved artwork. The original Contender further distinguished itself with an adjustable trigger system. Shooters could fine-tune both take-up and over-travel, allowing adjustment across a wide spectrum of trigger pulls—from a firm pull suitable for hunting conditions to a near “hair trigger” ideal for precision target shooting.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.




