An Anti-Pirate Boarding Pistol?

Some guns are practical. Some are historical. And some are just too interesting not to own. This cut-down Thompson/Center Contender chambered in .45 Colt/.410 definitely falls into the third category.

Originally featured in a previous video, this five-inch-barrel Contender immediately sparked viewer comments. Some called it a pirate pistol. Others said it looked like a Howdah pistol. One person even suggested it might be a concealed-carry Contender. Frankly, it’s hard to argue with any of those descriptions.

The compact single-shot is chambered for both .45 Colt and .410 shotshells, making it about as versatile — and unusual — as handguns get. Naturally, there was only one thing left to do: take it to the range.

First up was a .45 Colt round on steel. The little Contender delivered exactly what you’d expect from a powerful single-shot handgun — plenty of authority and a satisfying clang on target.

Next came the real curiosity test: a .410 birdshot load fired at paper from about five yards. The resulting pattern was surprisingly useful and gave a good idea of what this quirky setup is capable of at close range.

Is it practical? Probably not. Is it cool? Absolutely.

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