Thompson Center Arms introduced the T/C Compass bolt-action rifle. It will be available in 10 calibers and reportedly won’t break the bank. MSRP is $399 and as of this writing, Centerfire Guns has them listed on their website for $357 (though the guns are not available at this time).
The T/C Compass is packed with high-end features including: 5R rifling, detachable 5-round rotary magazine that is flush with the rifle and provides smooth feeding, 3-position safety with bolt lock that provides a positive tactile feel and easy access, and adjustable trigger that offers a crisp release for precision shooting. The sample I handled at SHOT appeared well made though the attention to detail regarding the finish is about what you’d expect for a gun in this priced range—utilitarian.
One thing that struck me is how large a diameter the action is. It’s pretty beefy, but it contains a full-diameter bolt body with bolt head baffles to keep gas out of your face in the unlikely event of a cartridge failure. It’s threaded for a brake or suppressor and should make a fine entry level gun for those who know and like the T/C brand, or who are just looking for another option in value-priced, American made, bolt-action centerfire rifles.
Scott Mayer
www.tacticaltshirts.com
www.john1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
In 2008, Mayer returned to the editorial side of publishing, this time in the digital field, as Editorial Director for Guns & Ammo, Shooting Times, Handguns and Rifleshooter online magazines. After a brief stint in 2011 as the Digital Media Director for an ABC TV affiliate, Mayer returned to the outdoors industry and Safari Club International where he is currently Assistant Publisher and Multi-Media Communications Editor.
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