Ep. 141 - Thompson/Center | Back to Prominence |

[@arthurshingler2025]

Great to have TC back! They always made a super quality product! They were instrumental in promoting Hunter Safety and Hunter Ed., and muzzleloader hunting and shooting, and finally Handgun Hunting and Target shooting. They always stood alone...with Quality firearms and our Shooting Sports.

[@ja0298]

Glad to see T/C was bought by someone who actually cares. I love my encore and contender. Really excited to see what they do with the brand. I hope to see the G2 contender come out again so I can dedicate my 14” 44 magnum barrel to it, and have my 14” 7-30 waters barrel dedicated to my vintage contender frame.

[@paulw7591]

So glad to have T/C back - best wishes on your success!

[@Bullseye45]

Glad to see Thompson Center back and definitely in good hands. Love to hear the direction there taking the company in. I'm looking forward to them coming back to market.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Glad tc is back. The Venture was the best budget rifle. Everything people rave about in the cva cascade it had. Cerakote, 60 degree bolt throw. 1” or under moa. Adjustable trigger. Last ones made were threaded. All for like 450-550.

[@cabinetmunch]

Proud NHative! Live Free or Die. So glad to have TC back in the Granite state. Sig, Ruger, Q, and now TC again. A safe haven for the 2A.

[@esawyer59]

Just ready to see some TC venture's back still to this day one of the best shooting rifles ever made.. hits way above it class...

[@JamesWilliams-sk3qj]

Can't hardly wait to see the Icon back on the market and hopefully the Encore Pro Hunter‼️ Thank you for being a great American patriot.

[@rumtumdrumr3922]

Love the wealth of knowledge Gregg is!! Loved my T/C Dimension Rifles. Thanks Hornady for featuring T/C and their tremendous impact on the gun industry and hunting .

[@garryhartzell1292]

So awesome. Love my Encore and Hawken. Can't wait for the new stuff. Old school America

[@pewspaws6795]

I absolutely love that T/C is coming back. I love the venture and compass. The Encore and contender are amazing with the interchangeable barrels. I can't wait to see them back on the shelves. And I am still wanting some T/C shirts that I see in all the videos

[@gunsnwater2668]

Im all fired up for new T/C stuff. I also think Joice Hornady would be proud of this podcast. Two great companies. 👍

[@joestickel4505]

Glad to see TC coming back.

[@georgeclarke4235]

I’ve been shooting T/C since the late 70s. I can’t count the number of Contender barrels Ive owned, especially the wilcats. Encore muzzleloader. I missed the Icon before discontinued, but will remedy that when it’s released. Glad to have you back. Gotta get the logo tshirt. Most iconic logo to me.

[@edwinmcnew4389]

Amazing history! Hats off to you! I love my bolt action compass rifle in 270! Would love to see Thompson center succeed ! ❤❤❤

[@HankTheFixerFPV]

Someone needs to publish the book: The History of Thompson Center! This is awesome!

[@jamesedwards6269]

I love to hear this history and am excited to see where one of the greats in the gun space goes. I really think that Greg can lead them across the finish line.

[@brianperiso674]

My first muzzle loader is a 50 cal T/C Renegade Hunter that my parents gifted me as a young teen. Great memories working up loads with then new pyrodex powder. I purchased a brand new Encore Endeavor 50 cal muzzle loader from Cabelas in Dundee, MI years ago and I have never pulled the stickers off! Its still new in my gun safe. I am very excited for T/C and the return of its brand as it means something to my heart. I want a hand cannon for hunting someday soon!

[@rlwet001]

Can’t wait for the new ICON back in PRC cartridges. Thanks for bringing TC back.

[@hornady]

You and me both!

[@erikredding1236]

I’m so glad Greg and the other people are bringing ack tc, as an owner of encores and omegas I can’t wait to see the next generation of products coming from them. TC is back baby!

[@Cajun-Commando]

Before this podcast I didn’t even know what Thompson Center was. After looking at the old products, this has me excited. Their platforms offer a lot of the modularity that I would have loved to have 10 years ago.

[@DeepOwl1073]

This is so exciting to see. I'm a self admitted TC fan boy. I have 5 side lock muzzleloaders, a G2, and an Encore. Yesterday, I went to the range to test loads for a Kentucky whitetail hunt. I'll be taking the Encore wearing a 22" MGM .300 Savage barrel, and the G2 with a 10" .44. I'd love an Ultra Lite Encore with a .260 Remington carbon fiber barrel for the high mountain hunts out here in the West.

[@richardfitzsimmons5244]

I own 2 T.C. rifles from the Smith & Wesson era. And both are good shooters. I'm looking forward to the future of this company. Great pod-cast.

[@seantakumi1]

The Thompson Center Dimension Is still to this day my most accurate, smoothest functioning and most ergonomic rifle I have ever owned. My favorite rifle by far !! Please start making barrels for it once again.

[@northmantru6236]

Really excited to see TC coming back! My first muzzle loader was a TC Hawken. I was a teenage mountain man in the wilds of Michigan thanks to that gun😂. I bought my son in law a Compass about five years ago for $329, shoots .5 MOA. I have rifles that cost five times as much that can’t do that.

[@Cynicalthrust]

When Remington went under I really really was hoping someone like this would buy them and rebuild the company. Looking forward to see how TC moves forward

[@DoobTube71]

One of the coolest guns I have ever owned was a TC Encore single shot rifle in .375 Winchester. Great for hunting in WV & VA. The walnut on the buttstock and forearm was gorgeous. Simple. Effective. Gorgeous. Cool! Of course, I should have never let it go…🤦🏻‍♂️

[@davidlukeman1546]

Definitely gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. I’ve been a T/C fan for a lot of years. Thank you Greg Ritz !

[@hornady]

Thanks for listening

[@GShileikis]

I bought my 1st T/C Contender in June of 1978 . It was a 30-30 with the fluted barrel. I loved it for silhouette shooting which was kinda new then, but it really beat up my hand (I wonder why). I eventually went to a set of Pachmayr grips and a .44 Magnum Bull Barrel and shot better and pain free 🙂 Regardless, I still love this one and bought another and an Encore in 45-70 and .308 respectively. Fantastic firearms and built well and look amazing. Thanks for bringing T/C back to the shooting world!

[@antpassalacqua]

Gonna be happy as a clam to see production encores and g2's back

[@sweetteaoutdoors]

Can’t wait for icon and venture!!!

[@johnkennedy2060]

Really glad to here to hear T / C is back I can't wait to see what caliber barrels come out. One would be the 375 winchester, it is and older caliber. But would work great for handgun hunting as well as target shooting.😎

[@sean7.399]

Can't wait for the Icon rifle 😮

[@stevecarpenter98]

Wonderful podcast. Sounds like a good time to dust off my T/C put on a new barrel an have some group therapy.

[@donlovell6708]

IHMSA Silhouette matches at local gun clubs was such a great intro to TC Contenders. TC should sponsor silhouette matches nationwide. Great for young people and women to participate in a very safe and fun shooting sport

[@ronflore8202]

Have owned several of TC firearms over the years. Excited to see a new falling block rifle available.

[@cfoutdoors0624]

Will we see the return of the 30TC? I have been enamored by this cartridge since it was released with TC Icon. I was too young to purchase one. I’m not actually sure if I’ve ever seen one. I’ve actually been considering rebarreling a rifle in 30TC.

[@HideawayHotrods]

There is a few on gun broker for sale...

[@balbinooller2119]

Inspiring guns ❤👍🏻, I love the sentence 👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@waynepike7074]

Can’t wait to see the sub 6lb Icon!😳🦌

[@MrPromod1963]

Glad to have them back I own both encore and a contender with several different barrels when u could buy them for under $100 each or less

[@frederickemmerick7730]

I have a 4 digit ENCORE frame... love it

[@butchmurray90]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3424">57:04</a> did he let it slip 6 prc? 😊😊

[@jfess1911]

How will TC rifle their barrels? Button rifling, hammer forge, broach? Thanks

[@josephvalo]

I have a T/C compass utility 30-06. People give it crap, but for me it shoots sub quarter moa at 100yrds... I like it and it shoots great especially with my precision hand loads.

[@yukon4545]

Minnesota allows handguns in our shotgun zone. 26" overall length. 21" barrel with a pistol grip would work. 🤷🤔 Falling block...👍

[@chuckbrubaker-go9yg]

Great to have TC back. I'd love to see the Hawken and Renegade muzzleloaders come back!

[@hornady]

That would be cool!

[@jeremyortman9202]

Don't forget about faster barrel twists...

[@Mr.Run-n-Gun]

Like to see the 375 Ruger and 416 Ruger chamberings!👍🏼

[@blane1964]

I’ll take a threaded Encore (SBR??) in 8.6 Blackout please!

[@andrewmcmullen1388]

PA flintlock season is still going strong. Everyone at camp has a TC (or wants one) the carbine flintlock version is my favorite. I'd buy one for my boy if offered in wood stock.

[@jamespugh]

Definitely agree 👍 in-line in fall in October for doe is crazy how guys switched over for week from archery or carry both. I got two cva muzzloader. One in-line iv showed yt and one percussion rifle I like add a custom flintlock some point

[@FranklinFuller-uo6ue]

Yes, I have a icon and have always thought that TC should continue making that action in new types of variants aka chassis rifles and the warlord In some up graded version, as well as more of the pro hunter line. the action really does check all of the boxes it was really so far ahead of it’s time in my opinion and in anyone else’s opinion that really knows bolt guns

[@MelMacfarlane-zi5ph]

Looking forward to seeing what items will be coming out first.

[@BornAgain2019]

If memory serves me correctly TC was the first American Firearm Manufacturer to use 5r rifling in their centerfire rifle barrels.

[@thevoyageur2152]

Go Thompson! Lookin to add to my Encore barrel collection, can’t wait😊. I have a Rifle and muzzle loader barrel, think I need a shotgun and another rifle barrel.

[@tripplebeards3427]

OMEGA!!!!…and original TC 300 grain Shok Waves… Come back!!!!

[@jamespugh]

Awesome to see you back for all of us hunters . As a muzzloader and rifle hunter grew hunting early 2000s the t/c rifle always market as the holy grail if you get one. Held few but never bought one. I got a old H&R with switch barrels gun love concept. As muzzloader got few old cva. Looking forward to see whats new. Can we see 400 Ledgen only few companies making rifle and we need more ammo companies behind it other than Winchester. 360buckhammer from Remington is another great straight wall not getting lot of push where more punch than the 30-30 or the 350.

[@ronws2007]

Two things. Go to the website and click on anything and it says unsecured protocol. Second, I know TC makes 7-08 and 7 Rem Mag. I have Compass II in .308 W. First two shots out of the box not even the ammo it likes best, shot .54 inches for two shots. My question will the new line include a 7 PRC? The other thing I liked about the Compass and Venture series is the Mauser style 3 position bolt safety and the 3 lug bolt with a 60 degree throw.

[@sweetteaoutdoors]

The venture had a two position safety, only compass had Mauser style safety.

[@ronws2007]

@@sweetteaoutdoors I stand corrected. I have only had the Compass II and not the Venture or Venture II.

[@sweetteaoutdoors]

@@ronws2007 both great, but the venture was far superior to the Compass. I hated the Venture 2 only coming in the one color weathershield.

[@ronws2007]

@@sweetteaoutdoors The advantage, as I could see, of the Venture was the weather resistant capabilities. But my Compass II was just great and for a deer hunting rifle, it is not going to get any better. Especially at the price. I paid $404 + tax + shipping + transfer fee. Still less than 500 dollars.

[@sweetteaoutdoors]

@@ronws2007 yeah I have couple Compasses, got both less than $400 piece. My Venture and 6.5 Creedmoor both Weathershield and are great in weather, but my 308 blued is much better looking if one wants a traditional looking. Just didn’t like not having a traditional look for putting in wood or laminate stock. Hopefully the new ones will have some options. At the very least I’ll will be picking up an Icon and other ventures if available. TC and Winchester are my favorite brands.

[@thevoyageur2152]

Could the TCR 83/87 comeback?? Don’t see the advantage of carbon barrels.

[@ewetho]

How about a switch barrel falling block? I have 5 Encores and now an SSK50 309 JDJ hand cannon! Even my first T/C a 54 renegade. 2 I bought was a gift to my Father a 44 mag Super14. But so stupid happy to see T/C come back! My gun company is back!!! Get Hornady to make a T/C reloading book including lots of “common and maybe not so common” wildcats!

[@kbowen2251]

So now... Is TC gonna bring back the falling block to compete with the No. 1 since it is so expensive and built in such limited quantities? I'm from KY and i would be glad to have an American made single shot for nighttime coyote hunting!

[@FranklinFuller-uo6ue]

Yes, I have a icon and have always thought that TC should continue making that action in new types of variants aka chassis rifles and the warlord In some up graded version, as well as more of the pro hunter line

[@mkshffr4936]

When I hear TC I think Contender.

[@leskrug9266]

Hi, the Thompson center Hawkins plintlock 50 caliber, 54 caliber, and I have the TC venture in the 708 compact, and I have several several. I have 20 some guns and for deer hunting my go-to gun is always at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="428">7:08</a> Thompson center venture Compact

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

I hope they can get it back to the small friendly staff company that TC once was. Making a great simple interchangable system that they used to. TC being gobbled up by S&W for their casting and then shuttered was heartbreaking.

[@mirta19422]

I want another Encore frame but I am waiting to buy a new one. Are they out there yet??

[@cheyenneschoff1949]

Awesome ! Just Awesome

[@wayne19563]

I love my Compass in 308 ... please make a Compass 6.5 cm ... Glad you guys a back !

[@thestrawberrypatch5644]

Put a premium stock on a TC bolt action with the Venture style fat bolt, drop bottom mag and some Cerakote and I'm sold.

[@kevinsancho9881]

TC needs to revisit making the TCR 83 and 87 people that have them love them and crave the barrels, and Make them In Newer calibers. Might be the best looking single shot rifle ever made

[@I_ESREVER_I]

With a nice working relationship with T/C, would be cool to see a bullet that is both loaded in 400 Legend but you can also throw in a sabot and use it in a muzzleloader.

[@I_ESREVER_I]

I don’t know what their cost is on an icon action up to their standards but I hope for a nice tier of options based all on that action. Tier 1 - blued barrel, composite stock Tier 2 - stainless barrel, composite bedded stock Tier 3 - threaded barrel, potentially better stock Tier 4 - cerakote barrel, muzzle break, stock with a more precision feel but still handles for hunting Something along those lines where the stocks all interchange in case people want to mix it up later. There might not be a lot of aftermarket support in the beginning so you essentially spearhead that as well

[@Bob-w4u6k]

Oh yeah. You gotta name it unstoppable!

[@homeinthewhiteoaks]

I certainly don’t want to take anything away from Tony Knight or Greg Ritz they are experts in the field and legends. But H&R had inline removable breach plug break action muzzleloaders first. It was called the Huntsman I believe it may have been introduced as early as 1972.

[@BrettBaker-uk4te]

Icon Left Hand Please!

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

T/C are quality rifles, i still have a old Thunderhawk, also 2 Impacts. Love T/C !!

[@edwardlayton6835]

I hope they make the Cherokee .32 cal again for the small game traditional hunters and target shooters.

[@brazzy1467]

Have a barrel for the 360 buckhamer. I live in Arkansas and they just made it legal to hunt with a center-fire straight wall cartridge and everyone is grabbing up anything in the 360 BHMR. A pistol barrel in 300 blackout in a 1/5 twist please.

[@jamespugh]

Good choice also here, Pa. For those shotguns only areas or 400 ledgen. Love see the 300blk pistol few out by other companies.

[@Learning_2_shoot]

This is great! Gregg said TC are positioned to respond quickly to customer feedback. How can you contact TC to give some feedback??

[@NateTrump2010]

Let me ask a naive Q here…Is the Thompson submachine gun not from the same Thompson as Thompson/ Center? Thanks.

[@Eye_Guard]

Thank you all for this video! I hope that Thompson Center is going to keep their Hawken Muzzleloader alive!?

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Thirty years ago the traditional TC Hunter Match Grade rifle was perfection and still is. The great plains buffalo bullet with 120 FFF averages near 1/2 moa at 200 yards. The double flip up sights are great. Switching to a patched round ball and 60 FFF the short range sight is ideal for small game our to 50 yards and the long range sight can stretch plinking round neat to one hundred. Elk. Deer, Antelope, Grouse, and Rabbits using the one rifle is easily accomplished. Not so sure technology can keep up imho

[@michaelthompson7570]

My kit hawken still hangs over my dining room table,,,,,looking forward to buying new tc stuff,encore,tc83,contender,,,,,all of it,,,bring it where can I preorder???

[@brodiewright7962]

Hey Seth! Any chance you can drop some coupon codes here in the podcast for those of us not on the rest of social media? I have a cart full of swag I’d love to get a discount on as I am loving the retro styles Hornady is putting on their shirts. Thanks for helping me love what I wear. Love the podcast and even more so the bullets!( I’m a 212 grain 300WM guy myself) thanks for helping me trust my load. Have a great one my friend!

[@alanwhite4456]

Would love to see the TC Maxi-ball 300 grain come back!

[@jeremyschmidt4449]

Hey TC... Give us a 22creedmoor!

[@dougkahler7152]

I’m going way off base here but I’d like to make a suggestion if I may. Please branch out into shotgun shell manufacturing Hornady! We need you guys leading the industry in all aspects of hunting and home defense that includes shotgun! Who better to lead shotgun technology than you guys?

[@rosskruse2643]

I own a large number of guns. I have contenders, hawkens, compass and 1 pro hunter. I have many many hunting bolt actions but THE rifle I hunt with is my pro hunter encore with a 300WM barrel. I am a huge fan of the brand. I need new barrels with threads and CF is exciting.

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

How about a bolt pistol like the HD100 but with interchangeable barrels?

[@robertbroxson4582]

Please bring back the Encore!!

[@ewetho]

Already being made… he has a video showing start of production

[@lanceschul]

I have a White Mountain Carbine and love it. Also, a Compass. I shot my mountain goat with it. I will say the muzzle threads are somewhat worthless. Once I put my suppressor in there the accuracy tanked and I heard a metallic sound every time I shot. I had a gunsmith redo the threads to 1/2 x 28 with a shoulder. Accuracy is back and the suppressor seats nicely.

[@wwilliam51]

I just stumbled on your pod cast, I am 80 yeears old and have never seen A muzzle loader until I ask A man at A yard sale do you have any fire arms, He seemed annoyed then said wait A minute, A came out with this stick covered with cob webs and bugs in the barrel, yes I gave him $50. took it home cleaned it up and had A muzzle loader.I checked out you tube to learn about it found something that sparked an interest. found A few supplies but every time I order Precision Caps I get the wrong thing, I need #11 caps but they are not to be found in central Ohio.I had 9 fired 2 that leaves me with 7 Please tell me where I can find them,

[@andrewpatton6194]

T/C Dimension Barrels in .360 Buckhammer please!

[@jamespugh]

Be nice see some else vs just Henry. Like see the 400 ledgen also

[@ScottHillbillyStackerRhoton]

Let's get to making them PRO HUNTER barrels Gregg. OK just hurry-up!

[@markhalverson6747]

Any plans on a return of the dimensions?

[@Bob-w4u6k]

Here's the deal. Tell him to make an action short bolt lift and Tikka smooth. Prefit barrel compatible with impact. Put it in a magnesium chassis or carbon stock. Aics mag compatible. Adjustable cheek piece. Arca rail on the bottom. Chambered in 6gt and 22 creedmoor and 6prc. Carbon barrel and a tooless serviceable bolt. Call it a hybrid match/hunting rifle. Oh and 6br/bra as well. They'll be sold before you can finish them.

[@El-Diablo-Blanco]

I want a pro-hunter in .308 w/ Threaded barrel w/muzzle break and a Pic-rail on top for scope mounting. Same in 300win mag or 338lapua. Please not just straightwall.

[@El-Diablo-Blanco]

Yeah if they could hurry up and move the release date forward for this, that would be great.

[@speedway440]

I’m in line for an Encore 6.5 PRC barrel and fore end in nutmeg laminate.

[@GaryKluender]

Love my Contender !!! But could you "Gregg" revise the trigger spur, just have it slightly angled toward the muzzle a bit. I have a 14 in hunter barrel in 45/70 Govt and that spur likes to bite me. My contender is a G1. BTW I'm 80 years young and still shoot this along with my grandchildren.

[@crstudios1898]

Love to see a pistol-braced contender in 300blk or 8.6blk!