Author Topic: Bought a TC...tell me about it please (Read 607 times)

Matt in AK · « **on:** March 21, 2005, 01:27:11 PM »

Howdy Folks,

Just picked up a new, for me, Thompson Center pistol. It's chambered for 357 Herret with a 14" barrel and in near mint condition. It's got the mountain lion and, when looking at the left side, there is scroll work left/forward of the lion but not right/behind it. The serial number is 79XXX. Any idea when this pistol was manufactured?

Matt

Curtis · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2005, 02:11:44 PM »

Mid to late 70's by that serial number, I think. Maybe someone else can nail it down closer for you.

Congrats on the purchase. I recently added the 357 Herrett to my collection of calibers for the Contender. I haven't played with it much yet, but I like it so far.

Curtis

Racepres · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2005, 02:24:53 PM »

IMHO the Herrett ctg.'s are the main reason for the Contender to exist... Well the TCU ctgs and JDJ's are a close second. Out of personal preference I only use 10" BBl.s but I admittedly may be limiting myself. You will enjoy your Contender, of that I am certain.... Marty

chez48 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2005, 02:39:54 PM »

check the following website.

www.handgunhuntg.com/tech/t1/index.html

at one time they had an estimated manufacturing date for all years. by my print out that number was made between July and December of 1967. Which doen't mean a lot. I have found that a lot of early buyers didn't like the recoil from larger calibers and the guns spent a lot of time in storag with very little use. It sound like you have one of them. Good Luck

Racepres · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2005, 04:27:42 PM »

Like chez48 says!!! "I have found that a lot of early buyers didn't like the recoil from larger calibers and the guns spent a lot of time in storag with very little use" I was one of em, My first contender (way back when) had an octagon 8" 44 Mag bbl and a piece of 2x4 for a grip. Man when I touched that baby off it brought tears to my eyes and after awhile my hand and or finger(s) would bleed. Took like forever to get rid of the flinch I developed!!! Think it was my 357 and of course a 22lr bbl that finally got me back going w/ the thing ... and a set of grips from a guy named Herrett!!! Love 'er since I got "sensible".... Marty

Curtis · « **Reply #5 on:** March 22, 2005, 05:26:44 PM »

chez 48, your link didn't work. The correct one is: http://www.handgunhunt.com/tech/t1/index.html (I think yours got a spare "g" in there somehow)

Also, it's 1977, not '67.

Sorry, not trying to pick you apart just being accurate.
Curtis

Matt in AK · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2005, 11:47:05 AM »

Thanks much guys. This gone was supposedly owned by Skeeter Skelton and came with a certificate signed by Sally Skelton and matched by serial number to the gun. No real way of being 100% certain it's her signature, certificate, etc... but it feels good thinking it's true.