#181 • Thompson/Center Contender Break-Action Pistol - .22 Hornet

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 | .22 Hornet | 10" Barrel | Leupold M8-2x Scope The Thompson/Center Contender is an American-made, single-shot, break-action pistol recognized for its interchangeable-barrel design and longstanding popularity among handgun hunters, target shooters, and firearms collectors. Introduced in 1967 and designed by Warren Center, the Contender became one of the most successful specialty handgun platforms of the late 20th century. The Contender's interchangeable-barrel system allows owners to use a variety of chamberings and barrel configurations on a single serialized frame. This versatility helped establish the Contender as a favorite among shooters seeking precision and the ability to switch between different cartridges without purchasing an entirely separate firearm. This example is chambered in .22 Hornet and features a 10" round barrel with a blued finish. Introduced commercially in the early 1930s, the .22 Hornet is a classic small-caliber centerfire cartridge that became popular for varmint hunting and precision shooting. Its relatively mild recoil and flat trajectory at moderate distances made it a natural choice for the Contender platform. The pistol features a blued Contender frame with a wood pistol grip and matching forearm, providing the traditional appearance associated with early Contender firearms. The pistol is equipped with a Leupold M8-2x Extended Eye Relief scope, a fixed 2-power handgun optic designed to provide the extended eye relief required for pistol shooting. The M8 series is well regarded for its durable construction, optical quality, and traditional styling, making it a desirable addition to a classic Contender pistol. With its 10" .22 Hornet barrel, traditional wood furniture, blued finish, and Leupold handgun scope, this pistol represents a classic configuration from the Contender's extensive history. Firearm Specs Manufacturer: Thompson/Center Arms Model: Contender Caliber: .22 Hornet Action: Single-Shot, Break-Action, Single-Action Barrel Length: 10" Finish: Blued Frame and Barrel Stock/Grip: Wood Pistol Grip and Forearm Capacity: 1 Round Sights: Leupold M8-2x Extended Eye Relief Scope Year of Manufacture: Approximately Mid-1970s (Frame); Exact Year Not Confirmed Barrel Profile: Round Barrel System: Interchangeable Scope Magnification: Fixed 2x Country of Manufacture: USA Serial Number 86668 Condition Excellent condition. The Contender frame and wood pistol grip exhibit a few minor scratches consistent with previous handling and use. The 10" blued .22 Hornet barrel is in excellent condition, with a bright, shiny bore. The pistol presents well overall and is fitted with a Leupold M8-2x Extended Eye Relief scope. The scope's optical and mechanical function have not been independently confirmed. Extras & Features Leupold M8-2x Extended Eye Relief handgun scope Scope mounting hardware An attractive example of the Thompson/Center Contender in .22 Hornet, combining a classic 10" blued barrel, traditional wood furniture, and a desirable Leupold M8-2x handgun scope. Its excellent overall condition and traditional configuration make it an appealing addition to a collection of American specialty handguns.