Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this single-shot, break-action pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Thompson Center Contender!
SSK Industries (now operating as SSK Firearms) and J. D. Jones are foundational names in the world of custom firearms and wildcat cartridge development. Founded in 1977 by Jones in Wintersville, Ohio, SSK began by offering premium barrels and custom conversions for the Thompson Center Contender and, later, the Encore platforms, especially in calibers and chamberings that the original manufacturers did not support. Jones himself, a gunsmith, ballistician, and pistol hunter since his teens, had already made waves in the 1960s with the Super Vel line of handgun ammunition and by the early ’70s was actively designing novel cartridges and demanding higher performance from handguns. What makes SSK and Jones particularly important is their role in pushing the boundaries of handgun and rifle cartridge performance, bringing “big bore” and high-velocity thinking into handguns (and multi-purpose platforms) through barrel and cartridge design. Their custom work translates into parts made to tighter tolerances, designed for specialized hunting, silhouette competition, and high-accuracy uses. The “JDJ” line of cartridges (created by Jones) and the custom barrels from SSK became a benchmark for serious handgun hunters and wild-catters, and that reputation for excellence carries over into the collector and custom-gun market as a mark of craftsmanship, originality, and ballistic innovation.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Thompson Center
Model: Contender - SSK / JDJ Custom Shop
Serial: 369852
Caliber: 6.5 JDJ
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 16 ¼" Custom Ported Barrel
Optics/Sights: No Sights, Installed Scope Rail and Leupold M8-4X Extended ER Scope
Stock/Grips: Black Synthetic Pachmayr Forearm and Presentation Grip by Pachmayr Pistol Grip
Action: Single-Shot, Break-Action Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is marked “S S K 6.5 JDJ.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Thompson/Center Contender, introduced in 1967, is one of the most influential single-shot firearms ever produced, known for its modular design, superb accuracy, and adaptability across a wide range of shooting disciplines. Manufactured by Thompson/Center Arms in New Hampshire, the Contender was built around a break-action design that allowed shooters to interchange barrels with ease—enabling a single frame to accommodate dozens of calibers, from small rimfire rounds to powerful centerfire hunting cartridges. This groundbreaking versatility made the Contender a favorite among handgun hunters, silhouette shooters, and reloaders who appreciated its ability to be tailored to highly specific ballistic needs. Production continued in various forms through the early 2000s, with the original "G1" models manufactured until 2000 before being succeeded by the redesigned "G2" Contender.
Model: Contender - SSK / JDJ Custom Shop
Serial: 369852
Caliber: 6.5 JDJ
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 16 ¼" Custom Ported Barrel
Optics/Sights: No Sights, Installed Scope Rail and Leupold M8-4X Extended ER Scope
Stock/Grips: Black Synthetic Pachmayr Forearm and Presentation Grip by Pachmayr Pistol Grip
Action: Single-Shot, Break-Action Pistol
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is marked “S S K 6.5 JDJ.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Thompson/Center Contender, introduced in 1967, is one of the most influential single-shot firearms ever produced, known for its modular design, superb accuracy, and adaptability across a wide range of shooting disciplines. Manufactured by Thompson/Center Arms in New Hampshire, the Contender was built around a break-action design that allowed shooters to interchange barrels with ease—enabling a single frame to accommodate dozens of calibers, from small rimfire rounds to powerful centerfire hunting cartridges. This groundbreaking versatility made the Contender a favorite among handgun hunters, silhouette shooters, and reloaders who appreciated its ability to be tailored to highly specific ballistic needs. Production continued in various forms through the early 2000s, with the original "G1" models manufactured until 2000 before being succeeded by the redesigned "G2" Contender.
The Contender earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy, thanks in part to its inherently rigid action, quality barrels, and crisp, adjustable trigger. Its break-action configuration also made it notably safe and easy to operate, while the ability to swap not only barrels but also stocks and forends meant it could function as either a precision handgun or a lightweight carbine. Over the decades, the platform became widely respected among outdoorsmen for its reliability and adaptability in field conditions, and among target shooters for its consistent performance. Today, both G1 and G2 Contenders remain highly collectible and continue to see active use, supported by a thriving aftermarket of custom barrels and accessories. The Contender’s blend of innovation, practicality, and modularity has secured its status as one of the most iconic single-shot platforms of the 20th century.
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.
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.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
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.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
