#179 • Thompson/Center Contender Break-Action Pistol - .45-70 GOVT

Part of WINTER SPORTSMAN CONSIGNMENT AUCTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 6:30PM (live auction by Edinburg Auction Sales. Inc. )

Status: Available

Category: FIREARMS

Thompson/Center | Contender | .45-70 Government | 15" Custom Shop Barrel | Aimpoint 2000 Red Dot The Thompson/Center Contender is an American-made, single-shot, break-action pistol known for its interchangeable-barrel design and longstanding popularity among handgun hunters, silhouette shooters, and firearms collectors. Introduced in 1967, the Contender was designed by Warren Center and became one of the most recognizable specialty handguns of the late 20th century. The Contender's defining feature is its interchangeable-barrel system, allowing the same serialized frame to accommodate a wide variety of calibers and barrel configurations. Its strong break-action design, single-action trigger, and distinctive exposed hammer made it a popular platform for both precision target shooting and handgun hunting. This example features an early-production Contender frame, serial number 18338, dating to approximately 1972 based on published serial-number references. The frame is fitted with a 15" round Thompson/Center Custom Shop barrel chambered in .45-70 Government, creating a substantial big-bore handgun configuration. The Custom Shop barrel is a noteworthy feature, distinguishing this example from standard-production Contender barrel offerings. Originally developed in 1873 for the U.S. military's Springfield Trapdoor rifle, the .45-70 Government cartridge became a longstanding favorite among American hunters and sporting shooters. Its adaptation to the Contender platform helped establish the pistol's reputation as a versatile hunting handgun capable of accommodating unusually large cartridges. The pistol features a blued finish with a wood pistol grip and matching forearm, providing the classic appearance associated with early Contender firearms. The traditional wood furniture complements the blued metal surfaces and distinctive break-action design. The pistol is equipped with a vintage Aimpoint 2000 electronic red dot sight, an early-generation optic from the Swedish manufacturer known for pioneering modern electronic reflex sights. The Aimpoint 2000 was among the company's early tubular red dot designs and represents an interesting period accessory for a classic Contender hunting pistol. The optic powers on. The frame also features a hammer extension, providing additional leverage and improved access to the hammer when operating the pistol with a mounted optic. The combination of an early Contender frame, 15" T/C Custom Shop .45-70 barrel, traditional wood furniture, and vintage Aimpoint 2000 red dot makes this an interesting example of the Contender's big-bore handgun hunting heritage. Firearm Specs Manufacturer: Thompson/Center Arms Model: Contender Caliber: .45-70 Government Action: Single-Shot, Break-Action, Single-Action Barrel Length: 15" Finish: Blued Stock/Grip: Wood Pistol Grip and Forearm Capacity: 1 Round Sights: Aimpoint 2000 Electronic Red Dot Sight Year of Manufacture: Approximately 1972 (Frame); Custom Shop Barrel Production Date Unknown Barrel Manufacturer: Thompson/Center Custom Shop Barrel Profile: Round Hammer: Exposed Hammer with Extension Barrel System: Interchangeable Country of Manufacture: USA Serial Number 18338 Condition Good condition. The Contender frame exhibits scratches consistent with previous handling and use, while the wood pistol grip shows multiple scratches and dings. The 15" T/C Custom Shop barrel is also in good condition, with scratches on the right side near the muzzle. The bore is bright and shiny. The action and hammer function as reported. The mounted Aimpoint 2000 red dot sight powers on. Extras & Features 15" Thompson/Center Custom Shop .45-70 Government barrel Vintage Aimpoint 2000 red dot sight with mounting hardware — powers on Hammer extension An interesting example of the Thompson/Center Contender in .45-70 Government, combining an early-production blued frame with a desirable 15" T/C Custom Shop barrel, traditional wood furniture, and vintage Aimpoint 2000 red dot sight. Its distinctive big-bore configuration and interchangeable-barrel design make it an appealing addition to a collection of classic American specialty handguns.