Make: Thomson/Center

Model: Contender, Easy Open

Serial Number: 320517

Year of Manufacture: 1988 / ATF Classification: Modern

Caliber/Gauge: .222 JDJ Magnum

Action Type: Break action, single shot, hammer fired

Barrel Length: 14" SSK barrel with fishnet pattern

Sights/Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. There is a Simmons 2.5-7x28mm long eye relief scope mounted to the barrel. The duplex reticle is clear and the scope rates in Very Good condition.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece wood with finger grooves and a thumb shelf for a right handed shooter. The forend is one piece wood with contours for bracing against a bag or other object. The furniture has some minor scratches and pressure dings. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued frame, stainless barrel

Finish Originality: Original frame

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This firearm retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish shows pluming of the trigger guard, a couple light scratches, and general light handling marks. The markings are clear and complete. The screw heads have little to no tooling and retain turnable slots. Overall, this firearm rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope, Uncle Mike's Sidekick holster, COA from the John Taffin Collection

Our Assessment: This Thompson/Center Contender, from John Taffin’s personal collection, is a single-shot break-action pistol fitted with a 14 inch SSK Industries barrel chambered in .222 JDJ Magnum. Produced by Thompson/Center Arms, the Contender became one of the most versatile handgun platforms ever developed thanks to its interchangeable barrel system and exceptional accuracy. The .222 JDJ Magnum cartridge was designed by renowned handgun hunter J.D. Jones of SSK Industries to maximize the Contender's long-range performance, offering substantially greater velocity than the .222 Remington while maintaining excellent accuracy. This combination became a favorite among serious handgun hunters and metallic silhouette competitors.

Chambered in .222 JDJ Magnum with a 14 inch SSK barrel, this pistol is optimized for precision shooting and varmint or predator hunting at extended ranges. It is equipped with a Simmons 2.5-7x28mm long eye relief scope, allowing the shooter to take full advantage of the cartridge's impressive ballistic performance. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition with strong rifling. The action functions correctly.

The furniture rates in Very Good condition with light handling wear. This firearm retains approximately 95% of its metal finish, exhibiting only minor cosmetic wear while maintaining an attractive overall appearance. Included is an Uncle Mike's Sidekick holster, making this an excellent field package. Overall, this firearm rates in Very Good condition and represents a desirable Thompson/Center Contender configured with an SSK .222 JDJ Magnum barrel, offering exceptional versatility and accuracy for the handgun hunting enthusiast. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!