Thompson Center
Thompson Center Arms is one of America’s most innovative firearm manufacturers — best known for creating the modular single-shot pistol and rifle market with the original Contender and Encore platforms, and for producing some of the most accurate muzzleloaders ever built. Now part of Smith & Wesson’s American Outdoor Brands, Thompson Center continues to produce muzzleloaders, bolt-action rifles, and accessories that appeal to hunters who value precision, versatility, and American craftsmanship.
Read our full Thompson Center Buying Guide ↓
Thompson Center Muzzleloaders: Encore and Impact Lineup
Thompson Center’s muzzleloaders are widely regarded as the most accurate and reliable inline muzzleloaders available. The Encore 209x50 and Impact series use a 209 shotgun primer ignition system for consistent ignition in any weather — a significant reliability advantage over traditional percussion caps in cold or wet conditions. Thompson Center muzzleloaders are a top choice for hunters in states with muzzleloader-only seasons, offering the ability to use modern propellants like Blackhorn 209 and high-BC saboted bullets for accuracy rivaling centerfire rifles at moderate ranges.
Thompson Center Contender & Encore: The Modular Single-Shot Platform
The Contender and Encore are interchangeable-barrel single-shot platforms that defined a category. A single frame can accept dozens of barrel options in calibers from .22 LR to .45-70, as pistols or rifles, by simply swapping the barrel. This modularity appeals to hunters who want one quality action capable of serving as a rimfire plinker, centerfire deer rifle, or muzzleloader depending on the barrel installed. Original Contender and Encore frames hold their value well and have a deep aftermarket ecosystem from barrels to stocks to accessories.
TC ICON Bolt-Action Rifle: Precision Hunting Performance
The Thompson Center ICON is a premium bolt-action hunting rifle built around a pillar-bedded, floated barrel system and a crisp, adjustable trigger. Available in popular hunting calibers including .308 Win, .30-06, and 6.5 Creedmoor, the ICON delivers sub-MOA accuracy out of the box at a competitive price for the precision hunting segment. It competes directly with the Tikka T3x and Savage 110 in the serious hunter market and is a natural choice for Thompson Center loyalists looking for a bolt-action to complement their existing TC collection.
Thompson Center Accessories: Bullets, Propellants & Cleaning
Thompson Center produces a full line of muzzleloader accessories including Bore Driver saboted bullets optimized for their barrels, cleaning kits, breech plugs, and 209 primer adapters. For propellants, TC muzzleloaders are compatible with both traditional black powder substitutes (Pyrodex, Triple Seven) and modern propellants like Blackhorn 209 — the highest-performance option for TC inline systems. Proper cleaning after every muzzleloader shooting session is essential for reliability and bore longevity; TC’s dedicated cleaning products are formulated for their specific barrel coatings.
Thompson Center Muzzleloader Seasons & Hunting Applications
Most states offer dedicated muzzleloader-only deer seasons that typically fall between archery and general firearm seasons — providing an additional hunting opportunity for those who invest in a quality inline. Thompson Center muzzleloaders are legal in all muzzleloader seasons, and their accuracy and reliability make them the choice of serious muzzleloader hunters who want to maximize their chances in the field. For hunters who also want a centerfire bolt-action, see our hunting rifles page and bolt-action rifles section for the full lineup.