Make: Thompson Center Arms

Model: Contender

Serial Number: 27447

Year of Manufacture: 1974

Caliber: .25-35 Winchester

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 and has mountain lion logos on either side.

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 no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall the stock set rates in Very Good to Excellent condition. This set appears to be a newer variant than the date of the pistol.

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 97% of its metal finish. There is faint wear and from use and handling. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this Contender rates in at about Very Good to Excellent condition. The spare barrel is 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, 10” .45 ACP barrel.

Our Assessment: This 1974 Thompson Center Contender chambered in .25-35 Winchester is a classic example of the versatility, precision, and build quality that has made the Contender one of the most beloved single-shot pistol platforms in American firearms history. The .25-35 Winchester chambering is an uncommon and elegant choice—originally developed for early lever-action rifles, it offers excellent accuracy and manageable recoil, making it ideal for precision handgun shooting or small game hunting. This pistol features a 10” octagonal barrel and was produced during the prime years of Contender manufacturing, with a deep blued finish and early production mountain lion engravings on the frame. This example remains in very good to excellent condition, retaining about 97% of its original metal finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and shows no erosion, rating a 9.5/10. The checkered walnut grip set, consisting of a right-hand thumb-shelf grip and Herrett-style forend, appears to be of later manufacture than the frame itself but fits the pistol beautifully and shows only minor handling wear. Mechanically, the action locks up tight and functions correctly.

Also included is a 10” spare barrel chambered in .45 ACP, further highlighting the Contender’s modular design and broad caliber compatibility. Housed in a fitted presentation case, this pistol offers both functional versatility and collectible appeal.

For Contender enthusiasts, vintage handgun hunters, or those interested in obscure yet effective calibers like the .25-35 Winchester, this Contender presents a rare and complete package. With two excellent barrels and a timeless design, it’s ready for the range or to take its place as a standout in any single-shot handgun collection.