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Thompson/Center Contender
Model: Thompson/Center ContenderThe Contender is an oddity among pistols, almost seeming like a miniature rifle; this description is not far off. The Thompson/Center Contender is a single-shot pistol chambered for a massive variety of cartridges, all the way up to magnum rifle rounds, meant for target shooting and hunting. The Contender is also unique in that it can be fitted with a large variety of barrels for different lengths and calibers by the owner, not requiring any gunsmithing training or re-zeroing of the sights after every caliber change. Even the trigger pull can be adjusted, allowing the single-shot pistol to be customized to any shooter with ease.
The Contender has been the source of major controversy by gun control proponents, and has been declared a short-barreled rifle (SBR) and banned in a number of states. It is highly advised that any potential owners research their state's gun laws heavily to avoid making an illegal combination of calibers and barrels; gun laws in the United States can be very confusing and sound absolutely ridiculous both on paper and in practice, so make sure you're not going to get arrested and have your weapons seized.
| Specifications: | |
| Weight: | Varies |
| Length: | Varies |
| Barrel Length: | 8 - 16 in (203 - 406 mm). |
| Cartridge: | .22LR .30-30 Winchester 7-30 Waters .357 Herrett .45-70 Government .243 Winchester .44 Magnum .357 Magnum .45 Long Colt/.410 bore Virtually any caliber from .22LR to .30-30 Winchester is available. This is only a sample. |
| Action: | Single-shot |
| Muzzle Velocity: | Varies |
| Effective Range: | Up to 150 yd (140 m) |
| Feed System: | Single-shot |
| Sights: | Adjustable rear notch, fixed front blade. Can accept optical sights. |
Where to find
The Contender is a popular target shooting and hunting pistol, making it a good seller in stores and on websites that cater to this. Price varies but usually hovers around $500-600. Individual barrels for different calibers cost about $275-300 each.
Complexity
Like any single-shot design, the Contender is an almost foolproof firearm. The design and bulk make it impractical for combat even as a backup, but it's a fine pistol for shooting targets at long range. Even better, the barrels can be changed with only the skill required to read the manual, making it possible to be prepared to fire a large variety of cartridges without excessive time or skill needed.
Controls
- Trigger guard: Tilted back to open the breech.
- Hammer: Located on the rear of the frame.
Loading
Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
- Cannot be done due to lack of safety.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Pull the lower part of the trigger guard back and tilt the barrel down.
- Insert a single cartridge into the chamber.
- Close the barrel.
Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
- Cannot be done.
Unloading
How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Pull the lower part of the trigger guard back and tilt the barrel down.
- Pull the empty casing or cartridge from the chamber.
- Close the barrel.
- Pull the trigger if necessary to drop the hammer.
Field Stripping
How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Unload the weapon as described above.
- Unscrew the forearm screw and remove the wooden forearm.
- Pull the lower part of the trigger guard back to unlock the barrel.
- Push the barrel retention pin on the right side of the receiver all the way out from right to left.
- Remove the barrel.
chitoryu12 |
Latest page update: made by chitoryu12
, Apr 27 2011, 9:38 PM EDT
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About This Update
Edited by chitoryu12
535 words added 233 words deleted 2 images added 1 image deleted view changes - complete history) |
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Keyword tags:
Center
Contender
firearm
gun
handgun
hunting
pistol
single shot
target
Thompson
Thompson/Center
weapon
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