The Contender is a single-shot, single-action handgun with an exposed hammer. That hammer shows off a unique mechanism. It contains not one but two firing pins for use with both rimfire and centerfire barrels. Shooters can easily switch between the two. The action is actuated by pressing forward on the curved trigger-guard flare. A beefy hinge pin mates the barrel to the frame, with the only other attachment being the forend bolt, allowing for simple barrel – and caliber – swaps.
Thompson/Center’s Contender traces its roots back to Warren Center’s original design. When gun builder and designer Center joined forces with machinist Kenneth Thompson, history was set in motion. The versatile platform initially allowed users a choice of calibers and barrels, from .22 Rimfire to .357 Magnum.
Through the years, the listing of chamberings and barrel options grew exponentially, but one thing remained constant. Hunters gravitated to Warren Center’s brainchild, giving vibrant life to the single-shot handgunning world. Though the earlier Contenders were built more for casual target shooting, the addition of longer range and heavier knockdown chamberings quickly opened up silhouette shooting, distance competitions, and the hunting market.