Since Thompson Center (Smith and Wesson) stopped making the Contender and Prohunter single shots, prices for these rifles have climbed markedly.

But first, some of you might have heard of SSK Firearms and JD Jones. He started the company and part of the business was making things for his JDJ line of cartridges. SSK is now offering single shot frames and they are in hot demand. They are satisfying the need for single shot lovers, but production is slow. SSK 50 frames are an improvement, so they say, on the original TC Contender. I decided to order an SSK frame rather than wait for TC to rise from the ashes.

A few companies have owned TC Arms and I sincerely hope that it finds a new home. Single shots aren't as popular as ARs or even bolt actions, but they have a loyal following.

S&W has Thompson Center up for sale, but after a few years there have been no buyers. It is speculation on my part, but buying this company might be a good fit for a medium sized manufacturing business.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

I really like my Contender and would like another frame for the barrels I have. I contacted Clay Smiley (Prophet River) and he has put one on order for me from SSK.

If you are interested in this frame, or perhaps have some Contender barrels in need of another frame, you should contact Prophet River.

At this time, a firm price has not been determined, but I suspect that these frames will cost about $900 to $1000, all in.

To give you an idea of what it looks like in rifle form, this is my Contender. Generally speaking, this frame handles most cartridges up to 55K PSI. A great varmint or Whitetail rig.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Safe Shooting!
Steve Redgwell
www.303british.com

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. - Mark Twain
Member - Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]