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Thompson/Center Contender | |
---|---|
Type | Break-action |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designed | 1967 |
Manufacturer | Thompson/Center |
Specifications | |
Caliber | Various |
Action | Single-action |
Feed system | Single-shot |
Sights | Various |
The Thompson/Center Contender is a break-actionsingle-shotpistol or rifle that was introduced in 1967 by Thompson/Center Arms. It can be chambered in cartridges from .22 Long Rifle to .45-70 Government.
- Does anyone know if Thompson Center Contenders can be dated buy the serial number? Bought one over the weekend at a gun show serial # 150xxx. I have looked in the Blue book, searched on the net, even sent the company a email without any luck.
- The Thompson Submachine Gun ID Guide, Part II: The Auto-Ordnance, Bridgeport and Auto-Ordnance, West Hurley 1928. By Frank Iannamico During World War II the Savage Arms Company experienced difficulty in keeping up with the ever-increasing demand for more Thompsons.
History[edit]
Warren Center, working in his basement shop in the 1960s, developed a unique, break-action, single-shot pistol. In 1965, Center joined the K.W. Thompson Tool Company and they introduced this design as the Thompson-Center Contender in 1967. Although they cost more than some hunting revolvers, the flexibility of being able to shoot multiple calibers by simply changing the barrel and sights and its higher accuracy made it popular with handgun hunters.[1] As K.W. Thompson Tool began marketing Center's Contender pistol, the company name was changed to Thompson/Center Arms Company.[2]
Originally the chamberings were on the low end of the recoil spectrum such as .22 LR, .22 WMR, .22 Hornet, .38 Special, and .22 Remington Jet, but as Magnum calibers took off in the 1970s, the Contender quickly became very popular with shooting enthusiasts.[2]
Design[edit]
The most unusual feature of the Contender is how the barrel is attached to the frame. By removing the fore-end, a large hinge pin is exposed; by pushing this hinge pin out, the barrel can be removed. Since the sights and extractor remain attached to the barrel in the Contender design, the frame itself contains no cartridge-specific features. A barrel of another caliber or length can be installed and pinned in place, the fore-end replaced, and the pistol is ready to shoot with a different barrel and pre-aligned sights. This allowed easy changes of calibers, sights, and barrel lengths, with only a flat screwdriver being required for this change.[2]
The Contender frame has two firing pins, and a selector on the exposed hammer, to allow the shooter to choose between rimfire or centerfire firing pins, or to select a safety position from which neither firing pin can strike a primer. The initial baseline design of the Contender had no central safe position on the hammer, having only centerfire and rimfire firing pin positions, each being selectable through using a screwdriver.
Three variants of the original Contender design were later developed, distinguished easily by the hammer design. The first variant has a push button selector on the hammer for choosing rimfire vs. centerfire, the second variant has a left-center-right toggle switch for selecting center fire-safe-rimfire firing pins, and the third variant has a horizontal bolt selection for choosing center fire-safe-rimfire firing pin positions. All three of these Contender variants have a cougar etched on the sides of the receiver, thereby easily distinguishing them from the later G2 Contender which has a smooth-sided receiver without an etched cougar. Some of the very earliest Contenders, those requiring a screwdriver to switch the firing pin between rimfire and centerfire, had smooth sides, without the cougar etched on the sides.[3]
The original Contender designs have an adjustable trigger, allowing the shooter to change both take-up and overtravel, permitting user selection of a range of trigger pulls ranging from a fairly heavy trigger pull suitable for carrying the pistol while hunting to a 'hair trigger' suitable for long range target shooting (see accurize).[4]
Unlike the later G2 Contender, the original Contender may be safely dry-fired (provided the hammer is not drawn back from the second notch) to allow a shooter to become familiar with the trigger pull. The break-action only has to be cycled, while leaving the hammer in the second notch position, to practice dry-firing. G2's with switchable firing pins (centerfire or rimfire) can be safely dry-fired with the hammer only in the safety (center) position.[5]
Barrels[edit]
Barrels have been made in lengths of 6, 8 3/4, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 21 inches (530 mm). Heavier recoiling cartridge barrels have been made with integral muzzle brakes. Barrels for the original Contender may be used on the later-released G2 Contender and G2 barrels may be used on original Contender frames with a serial number greater than 195000.[5]
The earliest barrels, from early 1967 to late 1967, were all octagonal with a flat bottom lug, and were available in only 10 and 8 3/4 inch lengths. The next group of barrels, from late 1967 to 1972, were available in 6, 8 3/4, and 10 inch lengths. Later, round barrels were added in a wider variety of lengths, including 10', 12', and 14'. Likewise, round barrels in heavier (bull) barrel configurations, known as Super 14 pistol and Super 16 pistol barrels, respectively, were added. Carbine barrels in 16 and 21 inches were added for the Contenders.[6]
Sights on all the pistol barrels have varied, ranging from low sights, only, in the earlier years to a choice of either low or high sights, as well as no sights, for those pistol barrels intended for use with a scope. Various barrels have sometimes included ejectors as well as extractors, or extractors, only, as well as containing either a flat bottom lug, a stepped bottom lug, or split bottom lugs. Barrels have been made available in either blued or stainless configurations, to match the finish available on Contender receivers.[7]
Unlike most other firearm actions, the break-action design does not require the barrels to be specially fitted to an individual action. Any barrel, with the exception of a Herrett barrel, that is made for a Contender will fit onto any frame, allowing the shooter to purchase additional barrels in different calibers for a fraction of the cost of a complete firearm. Since the sights are mounted on the barrel, they remain sighted-in and zeroed between barrel changes.[8]
Stocks[edit]
Pistol grips, butt stocks and fore-ends have been made available in stained walnut, or in recoil reducing composite materials. Different pistol fore-ends are required for the octagonal versus the round versus the bull barrels. The fore-ends have had an assortment of either one or two screw attachment points, used for attaching the fore-ends to the barrel with its matching one or two attachment points. Universally, the fore-ends, in addition to attaching to the barrel, cover the single hinge pin that connects the barrel to the receiver.
The wood stocks and forend are made specifically for Thompson Center by a sawmill in Kansas.[2]
Calibers[edit]
Calibers available for the Contender were initially limited, stopping just short of the .308 Winchester-class rifle cartridges. However, almost any cartridge from .22 Long Rifle through .30-30 Winchester is acceptable, as long as a peak pressure of 48,000 CUP is not exceeded. This flexibility prompted a boom in the development of wildcat cartridges suitable for the Contender, such as the 7-30 Waters and .357 Herrett and the various TCU cartridges, most of which were commonly based on either the widely available .30-30 Winchester or .223 Remington cases. The largest factory caliber offered for the Contender was the .45-70, which, although a much larger case than the .308, is still feasible because of the relatively low cartridge pressures of the original black-powder round relative to the limits of the bolt face of the Contender receiver. Custom gunmakers have added to the selection, such as the J. D. Jones line of JDJ cartridges based on the .225 Winchester and .444 Marlin. Other barrel makers pushed beyond the limits the factory set, and chambered Contender barrels in lighter .308-class cartridges like the .243 Winchester. The Contender can fire .410 boreshotgun shells, either through the .45 Colt/.410 barrel or through a special 21-inch (530 mm) smoothboreshotgun barrel. A ported, rifled, .44 Magnum barrel was made available for use with shotshell cartridges in a removable-choke .44 Magnum barrel, with the choke being used to unspin the shot from the barrel rifling, or, by removing the choke, for use with standard .44 Magnum cartridges. The degree of flexibility provided by the Contender design is unique for experimenting with new cartridges, handloads, barrel lengths, and shotshells.[2]
G2[edit]
The original Contender is now known as the generation one (G1) Contender and was replaced by the G2 Contender in 1998. The new design is dimensionally the same as the original Contender, but uses an Encore-style trigger group. Due to the changes in the trigger mechanism, and to differences in the angle of the grip relative to the boreline of the gun, the buttstocks and pistol grips are different between the G1 and G2 Contenders and will not interchange. The G2 uses essentially the same barrels and fore-ends as the original Contender and barrels will interchange, with the only two exceptions being the G2 muzzleloading barrels, which will only fit the G2 frame, and the Herrett barrels/fore-ends, which are specific for use only on a G1 frame.[9]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Van Zwoll, Wayne (2006). Hunter's Guide to Long-Range Shooting. Stackpole Books. p. 332.
- ^ abcdeAyoob, Massad (29 May 2012). 'Thompson Center Single Shots'. Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World. F+W Media. pp. 241–266. ISBN978-1-4402-2877-3.
- ^Stephens, Charles (1 July 1996). The Thompson/Center Contender Pistol: How to Tune, Time, Load, and Shoot for Accuracy. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. pp. 14–18. ISBN978-0-87364-885-1.
- ^Rees, Clair (2003). The Ultimate Guide to Handgun Hunting: Tips and Tactics for Hunting Small and Big Game. Globe Pequot Press. p. 70. ISBN978-1-58574-820-4.
- ^ abRamage, Ken; Sigler, Derrek (19 November 2008). Guns Illustrated 2009. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 178–179. ISBN0-89689-673-0.
- ^Taffin, John (13 November 2006). The Gun Digest Book of the .44. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 221. ISBN0-89689-416-9.
- ^Ramage, Ken (2 November 2006). Handguns 2007 - 19th Edition. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 201. ISBN1-4402-2676-8.
- ^Sweeney, Patrick (28 February 2011). Gunsmithing: Shotguns: Shotguns. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 463. ISBN1-4402-2448-X.
- ^Potts, Bruce (1 October 2008). 'Thompson Center G2 Contender Rifle Review'. Shooting Times. 2008 (10).
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thompson/Center_Contender&oldid=879073427'
The Hawken's are greatly undervalued now due to the new in-lineguns and slump in the mountain man and rendezvous events, They area very well made and accurate gun and USA made, depending oncondition and caliber they sell in the 100 to 350 +/- range, withkit guns (serial # preceded with a 'K') and .45 caliber in the lowend and flintlocks and .54 caliber bringing the high dollar. A .50caliber caplock in 90% condition generally sells in the 200 range.Retail on a new in the box presses the $600 mark
As for when it was built, there is no published date codes butthe number would put it in the early to mid 90's
Is this Thompson center hawken with serial number 343243 a kit gun or factory?
No way to tell from just the serial number. Read More
What year was a Thompson Center Hawken made with the number k70916?
In a TCA, if it has letter preceding the serial number, it was made after 1971. Read More
What is the age and value of a Thompson Center Hawken 50 caliber with the serial number K315736?
How do you know if you have a Thompson center arms 45 cal hawken?
On 90% of the guns it is stamped on the right side of the barrel as 'Thompson/Center Rochester New Hampshire' and 'HAWKEN 45 Cal' along with a serial number on the left side. If not the easiest way would be to go to gunbroker.com or Google and search for Thompson center hawken, compare the pictures and description to what you have. Read More
How do you tell how old a Thompson black powder gun is?
Thompson Center has no official published serial number list, but I can usually tell a general age by the model and serial number. The model is in most cases engraved on the barrel, ie Cherokee, Seneca, Hawken, New Englander, Renegade etc. and the serial number is stamped on the barrel itself or on the breech plug. You can also contact Thompson Center directly and they may be able to help. Read More
What is the age and value of a 36 caliber Thompson center hawken serial number 12901?
Being a 5 digit serial number puts it early in production , most likely early 80's. However the Hawken was not produced by Thompson Center in .36 caliber, they did make a drop in replacement barrel in .36, but they are very rare. I suspect you may have the Seneca model, this you can determine by measuring across the barrel, flat side to flat side. The Seneca will measure 13/16' across the flats. A Hawken… Read More
How much is a Thompson hawken 54 cal worth serial 326959?
What is the value of Hawken muzzle loader 87 408056?
$5.99 It's not a real Hawken with that serial number. Read More
What is the age of a Thompson center contender with serial number 205070?
Contact Thompson Center Customer Service at 1-866-730-1614 Read More
Where is the model number on a Thompson Center 50 caliber serial 93080?
TC guns don't have a model number printed on the gun per say, they have a model name (ie Hawken Renegade Triumph Tree Hawk etc.) There is a corresponding model number in the catalog 9503 is the Hawken caplock for instance, but if you need to identify your gun go to the online auctions like gunbroker or auction arms and compare your gun to the photos there. Read More
What year was Thompson center contender pistol serial number 58713 made?
You will need to contact Thompson Center Customer Service thru their website. Read More
How much is a Thompson center 45cal serial number in k75950?
When was this 50 cal hawken made this is the seirial?
What is the Thompson center serial number 108374 Hawkins date of manufacture?
Thompson Center does not publish date ranges for there guns, but from the number I would estimate the date to be mid 90's Read More
What is age and value of a Thompson Center Arms Contender serial number 128147 action?
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Where is serial number on 50cal Ithaca hawken rifle?
I bought an Ithaca hawkin kit in the 70s. I finally got around to finishing it. There is no serial number on it anywhere Read More
What is the value of a Thompson center grey hawk with walnut stock serial number S36884?
what is the value of a Thompson grey hawk 50 cal. from the custom shop with walnut stock Read More
What year was your gun made it is a Thompson center arms contender serial number 220708?
Where is the serial no. on a Thompson Center Contender pistol?
Thompson Contender Serial Number Lookup
What do the numbers on hawken rifle 91 781178?
Without additional information, it would be impossible to give you much information. That appears to be a serial number, which would indicate a modern reproduction of a Hawken rifle. Read More
What is the age and value of a Thompson Center Arms 50 cal serial number 23940?
You will have to call the maker for the age, 100-400 usd or so Read More
Black powder rifle with the serial number 276937 made by Thompson center arms Could you tell me the age of this gun?
What is the value of a Thompson Center Arms 54 caliber muzzle loader serial number 123127?
Value would depend on the model ( Hawken, Renegade, Black Diamond, system one etc) and condition. I can help if I know the model, if you have trouble identifying the model try the on line auctions like gunbroker and auction arms, you can compare your gun to listings there to get a model and selling price information too. Read More
What is the date of manufacture of a Thompson Center Cherokee serial K3645?
What is the mfg date for serial number 1867 on Thompson center arms long gun black powder?
Contact T/C customer service through their website. Read More
What is the value of a 45 cal Thompson center cougar?
Book value is between $300 - 360 far too low for reality, the last one I sold, about 5 months ago was a .50 cal unfired without a box sold for $525. With a serial number matching box and the paperwork I have seen them sell over 700. They were a limited edition and are very collectible, and only exceeded in value by the Hawken Silver Elite. Read More
WHERE IS THE SERIAL NUMBER ON A THOMPSON CONTENDER?
Top of the frame. right behind the hammer. Read More
How much is a Thompson center arms 54 caliber worth serial 207342?
Thompson center muzzleloader serial number 17466 any knowledge on that model?
I would like to help but I need a bit more info, Most of the TC guns have a model stamped in the barrel, such as Hawken, Renegade, New Englander, Cherokee, Seneca just to name a few. If not, there were some models of the same guns produced without the TC model stamped. A detailed description and caliber would help me to identify it and give you more info on it. Read More
What is origin of hawken 50 cal number 86 405430?
With that serial number it sounds like a spanish import, CVA, Sile NY, BPI, Navy Arms, Cabela's to name a few, have all at some point imported a Hawken that would fit that description, Though it is more likely a CVA or Navy Arms with the 86 prefix. Read More
What is the vaule of a Thompson center seneca?
The 45 calibers are selling in the 325 - 400 range and the .36 calibers are selling as high as 700, all depending on condition and extras ( matching serial number box, starter kit etc) Read More
What year and model is Thompson Center Arms ID 45249?
Without a picture of your gun it is about impossible to say what model it is. I am assuming the number you posted is the serial number on the barrel. You might try calling Thompson Center Arms in New Hampshire. They probably answer questions like this for free. Before calling suggest you look at their website for names of various models to help them help you. Robert with over 36 years black powder experience and… Read More
Where to find an instruction manual for 50 cal hawken black powder rifle serial?
Go to the website of the MAKER of your rifle (Hawken is a style, not a brand). You should find an owner's manual you can download, or request a paper copy for free. Read More
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Would like to know if anyone could tell me how i could find a site that had the date a 1911a1 Thompson pistol was manufactured by serial number?
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There is always one on the back of the cover or in the inside the case there is a instruction manual and there is a serial number in that or on the back of it Read More
What is your 1986 Thompson 50 cal Hawkins style black powder rifle worth?
The T/C Hawken is one of the more under valued production guns out there currently, though they are a finely made and accurate gun, the value as for selling is in the 150 to 200 range. Mostly due to the new in-line guns and the vast numbers produced. The kit guns (serial number preceded with a K) tend to sell in the 100 to 150 range, and flintlock models of factory manufacture or kit form… Read More
What is a hawken with double set triggers with serial number 86382045 50 caliber made in Spain at Connecticut valley arms in good condition worth?
I just bought a used one in excellent condition for $100. I haven't fired blackpowder before, and I'm looking forward to using it. Read More
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What is the age and worth of a Thompson Center 50 cal muzzle loader serial number 57648?
Value is about $200, more or less, depending on exact model and condition. For date of manufacture, contact T/C customer service- Phone: 1-866-730-1614 Email: [email protected] Read More
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According to your serial number ..Your lever action was Manufactured in 1930. The letters wcf: Winchester Center Fire Read More