Thompson/Center Contender
Thompson/Center Arms · Pistol · Discontinued · 1967
Also known as: T/C Contender, Thompson Center Contender, G1 Contender
Overview
The Thompson/Center Contender is a single-shot, break-action pistol introduced in 1967 and designed by Warren Center. It uses an exposed hammer with two frame-mounted firing pins (selected by a hammer-mounted switch) so the same frame can fire both rimfire and centerfire barrels. Its defining feature is a modular interchangeable-barrel system: barrels ranging from roughly 8.5 to 16 inches in dozens of chamberings, from .22 Long Rifle and .223 Remington to .45 Colt/.410, drop onto a single frame, making it one of the most versatile target and handgun-hunting pistols ever produced.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1450 g (51.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 375 mm (14.76") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 21 N (4.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 870 m/s (2854 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1350 J (996 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .223 Remington · primary — also known as .223 Rem, 223 Remington, .223 Wylde (chamber), 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block, Firing Pin Selector
- Features: Interchangeable Barrels, Top Break Action, Dual Firing Pins, Adjustable Trigger, Adjustable Sights, Exposed Hammer
Variants
- Thompson/Center G2 Contender - Second Generation
- Thompson/Center Super 14 - Long Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters and handgun hunters · adopted 1967
Production
Production years: 1967-2000
Original G1 frame; succeeded by the G2 Contender in 1998
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Warren Center
Discontinued: 2000
Notes
More than 60 production chamberings were offered over the Contender's life. The original (G1) Contender was replaced by the redesigned G2 Contender in 1998; G1 production ceased around 2000. A .223 Remington barrel makes it a capable varmint and small-game hunting handgun.
Background
Warren Center developed the action in his basement before partnering with the K.W. Thompson Tool Company, giving rise to Thompson/Center Arms. The Contender became a favorite of metallic silhouette competitors and handgun hunters thanks to its rifle-like accuracy and the ability to swap calibers in seconds with a single takedown pin.