2344 RARE CASED T/C CONTENDER 3 BARREL PISTOL SET.

CURRENT BID
375.00USDby b*********K (50083)
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
400.00USD
USD
400.00 x 1 unit = 400.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 May 28 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 375.00 USD
Estimated at 750.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Cal. 22 LR. S# 3165. Bbl. rare 8 3/4" octagon having early short rear sight, "ROCHESTER N. H." address, permanently attached Patridge blade front sight and Bonanza gold filled markings. Mfg. second half of 1968 (1967-2000) with photo engraved Puma on each side of the receiver. Unusual in that the nicely figured checkered grip has a slight thumb rest for left handed use; rectangular pewter grip cap with engraved initials of "W" over "H". Hammer of first style with firing pin selector activated via screwdriver at face of hammer; later models had a hand selection lever on top of the hammer. First Contender was numbered 1001. Forend is checkered with schnable tip that snap installs over stud on bottom of barrel. Most barrels were 10" octagons during initial production with this length being uncommon; most of the early Contenders were shipped with rimfire barrels. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 1). Very early 45 Colt 8" barrel with sights and markings like the main 22 LR barrel. Muzzle end is round with brake having 8 holes (some made with 4) and factory screw in choke designed for T/C's proprietary Hot Shot cartridges. This barrel appears to have its chamber reamed for 410 shotshells (3") as well, which was a common alteration; also done by the factory (not 410 marked). Flats of choke have marks from use of its included wrench; balance of barrel is near excellent. 2). 22 Hornet 10" barrel configured like main 22 LR barrel but without rear sight. Fitted with Lobo 1.3 power rail mounted scope and matching base. Matte finished scope exterior of multi flat design plus standard crosshair reticle. Very slight thinning of finish at muzzle with balance near excellent including scope set. 3). Later production checkered walnut grip for right handed use; missing its oval grip cap. 4). Factory walnut presentation case with shadow line interior for pistol and spare barrel. Most cases were for the 10" barrel, yet this case configured for either 8 3/4" or 10" barrel. Barrel outline is precise for its 45 Hot Shot barrel. Satin on underside of lid along with gold T/C logo plus red velvet on shadow lined base. Very faint handling marks on exterior. Near excellent interior. LH gripped pistol sits in shadow line, but would lay flat if it were the RH (or ambidextrous) variation. Missing latch key. CONDITION: grip and forend have very faint handling marks. Triggerguard has slight thinning on high edges plus normal function wear between barrel and frame. Balance of pistol is near excellent to include its 22 LR bore. (26-1752/NW). CURIO. $750-1,000.