Thompson/ Center Arms continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in modern hunting rifles with the introduction of the company’s latest muzzleloader, the T/C Strike. The T/C Strike brings a fresh concept to the venerable world of black powder rifles, offering today’s hunter the most advanced features available,
while continuing to deliver the performance, accuracy and ease of maintenance that has become the hallmark of Thompson/Center Arms firearms.
“Thompson/Center pioneered innovative designs in the sport of muzzleloading in the early 1970’s with new technologies such as the interchangeable Encore® platform, Speed Breech XT®, Flex-Tech® and Power Rod®,” said Danielle Sanville, Brand Manager for Thompson/Center Arms. “Today we raised the bar again with the launch of our hammerless T/C Strike, which delivers the ultimate in muzzleloading performance, along with T/C’s legendary accuracy.” 
At the core of this high-tech .50 caliber muzzleloading rifle resides the T/C Strike’s advanced Adapt™ Breech system. Featuring an external-threaded breech, the Adapt Breech system effectively seals off the blowback from burnt powders inside the barrel. This proven design helps to eliminate seized threads and simplifies cleanup. A threadless primer adapter takes the place of the breech plug and together with a retaining collar, effectively holds a 209 primer securely in place for a fast, reliable ignition. The new T/C Strike muzzleloader is packaged with two primer adapters to accommodate the most common types of propellants (loose and pellets) available in the market. To open the action of the muzzleloader, the user merely pushes the release lever positioned at the rear of the receiver to the right and the barrel drops, exposing the breech.
Adding to the simplicity of the new Thompson/Center muzzleloader is the integration of the advanced Stealth Striker™ system. Taking the place of a traditional hammer, the modern Stealth Striker is positioned below the action release lever and is easily activated by both left and right-handed users. To fire the muzzleloader, the user slides the Stealth Striker forward until it locks. Once on target, the trigger is then pulled. A de-cocking button on top of the slide lets hunters quickly put the rifle back in the safe position by simply pushing the button down and sliding the striker back. The unique design of the Stealth Striker allows for quick and quiet access once in the field and also provides clearance from mounted optics.
Hunters will also appreciate the T/C Strike’s match grade-trigger, allowing for a crisp, consistent trigger pull shot after shot. With its light pull and zero overtravel, the new trigger design brings added confidence to shooters of all skill levels. The wide-blade trigger and oversized trigger guard enable hunters to have easy access, even with gloves on. On top of the receiver, the T/C Strike is also fitted with a Weaver-style scope base, which allows hunters to easily install the optic of his or her choice.
The new T/C Strike is well balanced and quick to the shoulder with an unloaded weight of 7.5 pounds and an overall length of 41 inches. The muzzleloader is standard with a 24-inch precision rifle barrel with a 1:28 twist. To help aid accuracy, the muzzleloader is also fitted with Thompson/Center’s patented Quick Load Accurizor® (QLA) muzzle system. The QLA system allows shooters to quickly and easily load the T/C Strike muzzleloader by incorporating a false muzzle design into the end of the barrel, allowing for consistent loading every time.
To help extend the lifetime of the muzzleloader, the T/C Strike is treated with Armornite™ coating. This corrosion protectant finish is applied on both the outside and inside of the barrel along with other critical components. The corrosion protection allows the rifle to be used in any weather condition and extends the lifetime of the barrel over years of continuous shooting.
The T/C Strike muzzleloader has been further enhanced with its simple takedown design. To detach the barrel from the action, simply remove the sling swivel stud located on the forend of the muzzleloader and pull the forend down. The T/C Strike can be easily disassembled in the field and allows for convenient transport of the muzzleloader when not in use.
The new T/C Strike muzzleloader will be available in three models with an option for walnut, black composite, or composite/Next G2™ camouflage stock. Included with every gun is a wrench/palm saver/range-rod handle multi-tool. The T/C Strike is manufactured in the United States and includes a limited lifetime warranty.
T/C Strike Specifications:
Caliber: .50
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 41 inches
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Length of Pull: 13.5 inches
Rate of Twist: 1:28
Trigger: Match-Grade
Finish/Stock: Walnut, Black Composite, or Composite/Next G2 Camo
MSRP: Starting at $499
For more information on the Thompson/Center G2 Contender or to locate the nearest Thompson/Center authorized dealer, call (800) 331-0852 or go online to www.tcarms.com.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company’s firearm division brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Thompson/Center Arms™. As an industry leading provider of shooting, reloading, gunsmithing and gun cleaning supplies, the company’s accessories division produces innovative, top quality products under Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., including Caldwell® Shooting Supplies, Wheeler® Engineering, Tipton® Gun Cleaning Supplies, Frankford Arsenal® Reloading Tools, Lockdown® Vault Accessories, and Hooyman™ Premium Tree Saws. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Missouri. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.