EAA/Tanfoglio Thor Raptor single-shot break-open

The Thor is a single-action, single-shot “buffalo” pistol made by the Italian manufacturer Tanfoglio [now imported by European American Armory (Sharpes, FL) for a SRP of $1100].  It is available in .223 Rem., .270 Win., .30-06, .308 Win., .375 Win., .44 Mag., .45-70, .500 S&W, 7mm 08 and 7mm Rem.

It has a 14 inch barrel, measures 16 inches overall, weighs 5 pounds, and probably will not win any beauty contests.

To open the action, the hammer is half-cocked and what looks like a magazine release button is depressed as the front of the barrel is pushed down.

For a review (not on-line) in the March American Handgunner, John Taffin fired a Thor chambered for .45-70.  He ran into some minor problems, including some misfires (which he felt could be fixed with a stronger mainspring and/or a longer firing pin) and difficulty in chambering some rounds due to tight tolerances and powder buildup (which was easily resolved by blowing out the powder as the shell was extracted).  But, in general, he liked it.

The block might be even stronger than the Encore, which would make it a good platform for developing unique .500 S&W loads (balls, shotshells, and what not).

The Thor disassembles into three major parts. The EAA site does not list the cost of additional barrels chambered for other calibers. Since the Thor doesn't enjoy a cottage industry in the US, like the T/C Contender/Encore, one would be limited to buying other barrels from Tanfoglio via EAA.

If you're really interested in the Thor, downloaded the manual.

This brawny break-open is probably best fired on Thursday, which was named for Thor. This post was started late Thursday night.