Four new rifle models from Thompson/Center will revamp their bolt-action centerfire lineup.
To jumpstart the new season of firearm unveilings, Thompson/Center Arms, known for making quality muzzleloaders, has taken the early spotlight with a collection of new bolt action rifles.
The new guns serve as extensions of previous series, as the T/C Compass II, T/C Compass Compact, T/C Compass Utility, and T/C Venture II hit the market.
The T/C rifles will come in Crimson Trace-scoped versions, T/C scoped versions, or on their own, and include a glut of new features that make each of the centerfires a huge step up from the earlier versions.
Those older models are decent enough, but for so-called value guns to be as packed with extras as much as these T/C rifles are is special.
"For decades, Thompson/Center has been known for its innovative firearm designs and legendary accuracy. New for 2020, T/C builds upon that legacy with an update and expansion of its bolt action rifle product line," said Lane Tobiassen, President of Smith & Wesson, which owns T/C. "A key feature within the update is the new T/C Generation II trigger system. Taking cues from the long range shooting world, the Generation II trigger has been designed to improve in-field accuracy, building confidence to make the shots that count. These new rifle introductions usher in a new era for Thompson/Center as we offer a firearm of great value at a variety of price points to meet the demands of today's consumer."
The new T/C Compass Utility, T/C Compass II, T/C Compass II Compact, and T/C Venture II are available in multiple calibers and configurations. Each of these new bolt-action rifles have Thompson/Center's 5R rifling and are covered by the brand's M.O.A. accuracy guarantee.
Most notably, several of the unveiled guns do indeed have T/C's new Generation II Trigger System, which employs a two-part, varying weight trigger from 3 to 4 pounds. It really aids in accuracy and smoothness on each shot, and is a feature more and more gun companies are employing.
Overmolded stocks from HOGUE and alternate-colored grip panels unique to T/C Arms give the guns great looks and ergonomics, and their own Weather Shield, a layer of protection from moisture and common debris, makes the guns long-lasting and easy to maintain.
Thompson/Center Venture II, the New Flagship Bolt Action
Taking center stage is the new T/C Arms Venture II, which we got to test out as some of the first media members with an opportunity to hunt using the 6.5 Creedmoor version. I brought one out on a Wyoming antelope hunt earlier this season, and was very pleased. There will be a wider editorial review on the Venture II and a trip recap coming to Wide Open Spaces soon, but for now you can rest assured the gun did its job.
The button-rifled barrels with 5R rifling and threaded muzzles (yes, threaded muzzles!) make the Venture II a no-brainer for the type of hunting we did in Wyoming, amongst plenty of other practical uses.
The MSRP on the Venture II will be set at $525. After shooting it as much as I have, I see no reason that price should ever be considered too much. It's available in nine ammo choices, from .243 Winchester to 7mm Remington Mag.
The New Thompson/Center Compass Family
I got to shoot a few models of the Compass family on the Wyoming trip as well, and finished just as impressed. The T/C Compass II brings new meaning to budget gun, with a $405 MSRP and features not found in many rifles in its ballpark.
The Generation II Trigger and threaded muzzle are included, plus a 3-lug bolt design and 3-position safety. You can opt for a Crimson Trace 3-9x40 scope already mounted.
The Compass II lets you pick from eight calibers and has a detachable rotary magazine.
T/C shrunk things down to a more manageable size with the Compass Compact, which looks ideal for youngsters just starting out or someone with a cramped, ground blind-style of hunting. At 16.5 inches of barrel length, you'll be able to maneuver this rifle without trouble. And at the same price point as the Compass II, you aren't losing anything.
Finally, the Compass Utility rounds out the new releases as the do-it-all gun in the lineup, ready for just about anything.
The MSRP is $359, and it comes in six different calibers. We could see this becoming a typical range companion, a predator/varmint gun, or one to have close by in case that 10-point whitetail ever shows up during the season again.
All told, the four bolt actions will be the main drivers of Thompson/Center categorical series, replacing the previous versions from this point forward.
You can see more at TCArms.com.
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