Thompson / Center Arms

adavis · Post by **adavis** » Thu Dec 26, 2024 7:16 am

Thompson/Center Arms (often abbreviated as T/C or TCA) is an American firearms manufacturer known for its innovative designs, particularly in single-shot pistols, rifles, and muzzleloaders. Here's an overview based on available information:

History and Ownership:

Founded in 1965 by Warren Center and K.W. Thompson in Rochester, New Hampshire. The company gained fame for the Contender pistol, a break-action, single-shot design that allowed for interchangeable barrels, making it versatile for different calibers and purposes.

Acquisition: In 2007, Thompson/Center was acquired by Smith & Wesson, which later moved production to Springfield, Massachusetts. However, in May 2024, Gregg Ritz, who previously owned the company before its sale to Smith & Wesson, re-acquired it, announcing plans to move production back to Rochester, NH.

Muzzleloaders: Thompson/Center was instrumental in the resurgence of black powder hunting with models like the Hawken-styled rifle. They introduced modern inline muzzleloaders, which combined traditional looks with modern performance, greatly popularizing the sport.

Other Firearms: Beyond single-shot designs, they've produced bolt-action rifles like the T/CR22, the Icon, and the Compass series, catering to different segments of the hunting and shooting market.

Innovation and Design:

Interchangeable Barrels: A hallmark of T/C firearms, especially the Contender and Encore, allowing for a single frame to be used with various calibers or configurations. This flexibility is highly valued by shooters for its cost-effectiveness and adaptability.

5R Rifling: They've incorporated 5R rifling in some of their barrels, which reduces bullet deformation and fouling, potentially increasing accuracy.

Legal and Regulatory: T/C had a significant legal battle with the U.S. government over the classification of their conversion kits under the National Firearms Act, which was ultimately decided in their favor by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1992, affirming that a kit does not constitute a firearm unless assembled.

Current Status:

Under the new ownership of Gregg Ritz, there's a commitment to bringing production back to New England, emphasizing American-made quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. New product lines have been promised for 2025, focusing on building upon the company's legacy while adapting to modern demands.

Thompson/Center Arms has a storied history in the firearms industry, known for its contributions to gun design, particularly in single-shot and muzzleloading firearms. Their return to independent operation under former leadership suggests a focus on recapturing their place in the market with traditional quality and innovation.