I recently purchased an older but seemingly NIB G2 Contender Rifle (model 1239 marked on box) that was supposed to have a 23 inch, .22LR, Match barrel with no sights that actually has a Thompson, 21 inch, .22LR, Match barrel with both front and rear Thompson sights. The barrel also appears to have their high luster blue finish. If not high luster then certainly standard blue but not the mat finish.
I cannot find any listings of a 21 inch barrel being provided from Thompson for a G2 rifle. The rifle had been on the shelf since early 2006 and possibly longer. Everything I can find indicates that a 21 inch barrel was provided for the original Contender rather than the G2.
Is anyone aware of the G2 having been provided with a 21 inch barrel other than through the custom shop. The box does not have any "Custom Shop" markings that I can find and the pre-printed label clearly states that it was supposed to be a model 1239. The serial number field is blank on that label but the correct serial number is on another Thompson label that was partially covered by the previously mentioned model identifier label. Peelng back the corner of the top label you can see the words "Muzzleloader Frame" underneath.
The rifle looks very good and shoots quite well so I am not chasing a problem. Just trying to determine its probable origin. There was no indication that the rifle had ever been fired and only a very small amount of wear where the wood forearm rubs the receiver. No more wear than you would expect from people having looked at it on the rack over the last 3 years.
For $499 it seemed to be a good buy. Any information or even guesses will be appreciated.
- Mike
