Thompson/Center Contender 1st Gen 7 mm TCU Single-Shot Pistol, 10" Barrel, Factory Engraved & Scoped
This first-generation Thompson/Center Contender pairs a factory scroll-engraved blued frame (with the classic pouncing cougar medallion) and an early 1982 serial-numbered receiver with a 10-inch round barrel chambered for the 7 mm TCU cartridge—long favored in handgun silhouette competition. A Thompson/Center 3RP 3× pistol scope is already mounted on a Weaver four-hole rail, giving the buyer a ready-to-shoot, collectible package that showcases the Contender’s versatility and craftsmanship.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – shows some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Good – intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, and small blemishes are visible on the blued metal surfaces and walnut furniture.
What’s Included
- Thompson/Center Arms 3RP 3× pistol scope with Duplex reticle (installed)
- Weaver USA scope rings and four-hole Weaver-style rail (installed)
The Contender’s break-action, single-shot design is renowned for both strength and the ability to swap barrels quickly; this frame retains the original inside-trigger-guard opening lever that preceded the later Easy-Open latch. The hammer-mounted selector offers rimfire, centerfire, and safe positions, reflecting T/C’s versatile engineering.
Chambered in 7 mm TCU, this 10-inch barrel strikes an ideal balance between velocity and compact handling, making it a respected choice in metallic silhouette shooting. The barrel is factory drilled and tapped, now topped with the included Weaver rail, yet it still carries its ramp front sight base for those who prefer iron sights.
Factory scroll engraving on both frame sides and the distinctive cougar medallion add collectible appeal, especially on an early-production, blued first-generation frame. The attractive walnut finger-groove target grip and schnabel fore-end give the pistol a secure, competition-ready feel while complementing the deep blued finish.
Overall, this setup delivers a ready-to-shoot silhouette pistol that also holds strong collector interest thanks to its early production date, factory engraving, and original configuration.