Make: Thompson Center Arms

Model: Contender

Serial Number: 7200

Year of Manufacture: 1969

Caliber: .256 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Break Action, Single Shot, Hammer Fired Pistol.

Markings: The barrel is marked with the Thompson Center address and its respective caliber. The frame is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 10” Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set atop a ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch screwed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This contender has a two piece checkered wood furniture set with a Herrett style forend and capped right hand thumb shelf pistol grip. There are light handling marks throughout. There are small chips at the edges and a crack forming at the forend. The checkering is sharp. Overall the stock set rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.5/10

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is faint wear and from use and handling. The markings are clear. The screw heads are lightly tooled with strong slots. Overall, this Contender rates in at about Excellent condition. The spare barrels are in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Presentation case, 6” .22 LR barrel.

Our Assessment: The Thompson Center Contender is one of the most iconic and versatile single-shot pistols ever produced, prized for its modular design, accuracy, and rugged build quality. This early example, serial number 7200, was manufactured in 1969 and comes fitted with a 10” octagonal barrel chambered in the uncommon and high-velocity .256 Winchester Magnum. Originally developed in the 1960s for use in lever-action rifles, the .256 Win. Mag. offers flat-shooting performance in a small case—making it an excellent choice for varmint hunting or metallic silhouette shooting, particularly when paired with the Contender's crisp trigger and strong lock-up. This pistol is in excellent condition, retaining about 98% of its original blued finish with only faint signs of handling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a 9.5/10. The checkered walnut grip and Herrett-style forend with right-handed thumb rest show light handling wear with a small crack forming at the forend and minor edge chipping, but they remain structurally sound and visually sharp. The action functions properly and has that smooth, clean break for which the Contender is renowned.

Included in this presentation set is a 6” .22 LR barrel, providing additional utility for target shooting or small game hunting. The barrels can be swapped in seconds without tools—one of the Contender’s most enduring innovations. All components are housed in a fitted presentation case, making this a complete and collectible early Contender setup.

For collectors, silhouette shooters, or handgun hunters, this early-production Contender in .256 Win. Mag. offers both historical significance and practical shooting appeal. The rare caliber, early serial number, and condition make this an especially desirable package for fans of classic American single-shot handguns.