TC contender status

So I have one if the earlier model TC contender 14s. It appears to have never been shot. Still in original box it's original instructions and wipes. Really nice sights and engravings with a two barrel set.

My question is..
Is it worth anything because of its condition or should I just mount a scope on it and shooter up? I have been debating mounting a scope on it and shooting it but it really is a pretty gun with its engravings and great bluing work.

Just don't know if it worth more as a " collector piece" then a tool?

Thoughts

Any pics?

What serial # range is it?

What are the chamberings?

I have zero use, which equates to zero value, for a gun i cant shoot. Although new in the box is impressive!

Id scope it and shoot it if it were me.

I agree with the no use, no value but I have 44s and can buy a 3030 but will prob never get a set like this again.

I have actually already bought scopes and rings but have been mulling over whether to install since last year.

I posted pics before I got it but if you go to my pics page there are prob 6 good photos.

Shoot it! Say no to safe queens.

X2

It is worth more to collectors new in the box. Sell it to a collector and buy a used one to shoot. With that being said several of mine were bought new ,but I bought them to shoot and shoot them I have for for 40 yrs.

If it is an easy open model and depending on the barrel cal I may be interested if you sell it

You could contact the Thompson/Center Association with the info: c/o Art Lamontagne, PO Box 537, Sanford, ME, or tcaogs@metrocast.net

They publish One Good Shot, which is a very high quality magazine with superb photography.

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/data/500/IMG_2812.JPG

Well I can't seem to post the image from my IPad but that link should take you. I ended up mounting the scope. Looks pretty good I think. Not a fan of the hard to open model but well see how it shoots.
What y'all think?
Maybe someone can be so kind as to post the image for me.
Thanks

Nice contender!.....but i cant see anything of collector value....but im not really a collector either lol.

🤔 although i have collected a few here. I make no sense. 🤪

Looks great! Now go kill some paper, steel, or something wearing fur, with it!

The 30-30 barrel I bought last year had that same front sight. As it is very different from the factory sights on my .223 and .35 Remington S14 barrels, I assumed it was a rifle sight someone "made work" on the barrel.

Some older barrels ive seen had that type sight.

Both of the barrels in this set had the same sights and I can guarantee they have never been messed with. Actually the open sights that are on these barrels are really nice.

I will leave the other barrels open.

I got out to the range today with that 3030. It shot great at 100 yards and I can't wait to take it further. I liked it so much I am going to start reloading.

It went from being a gun that sat in my safe and I never bothered to shoot to probably my most enjoyable and possibly will end up being one of my most accurate handguns.

I can't wait to get back to the range with her.

30-30 is a hoot in a handgun! If you ar going to reload 30-30, I would suggest you look at the lee neck sizing collet die eventually. The only difference I noticed when switching was not having to lube the cases to neck size.

Here is something I've been wrestling with: if I start reloading 30-30 ammo, should I also have it rechambered to the AI version? It'll still fire standard round, but allow a good boost for reloads.

Here's my $0.02
Others can chime in on the value gained from the AI version, but part of the answer depends on what bullet you want to shoot. I shoot the Barnes black tipped TAC-TX bullet designed for the 300BO (110 but 120gn also available). The low suggested velocity required for 2x expansion on impact (1450fps) means that I have a much farther effective range determined by bullet function (~400 yards) with my 14" contender setup then I am comfortable shooting. The extra recoil and powder needed would not give me any added advantage on deer or moderate sized hogs. I backed off velocity to get better accuracy.

The AI would certainly give a kick in the pants over the original. Factory ammo will usually lose a wee bit of speed when shot in an AI chamber as the case has to expand to fill the void, but not enough to fuss about, IMO.

Not to derail the thread, but thanks for the info on that bullet. The 120 offers about the same BC as the Nosler 125 BT, but drops the threshold of useful velocity down about 400 FPS. Pretty nice, just a bit pricey.

Very pricey! I shoot a lot of the 110gn v-max in the off season. Almost identical MV and ballistics with different POI with the same load. I've shot enough of the Barnes that I probably only shoot 10-15 each fall to adjust the scope.

I am just getting into reloading so I am keeping it simple for now with my equipment.