Gregg Ritz Acquires Thompson/Center Arms
Gregg Ritz announced the acquisition of Thompson/Center Arms, a move poised to reinvigorate the brand and its legacy in the firearms market.
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News Wire
April 30, 2024 · 3 minutes reading time
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Thompson/Center Arms (T/C) is an American firearms manufacturer with a legacy built on precision, versatility, and innovation. T/C is best known for its iconic Contender and Encore platforms, break-action single-shot pistols and rifles admired for their interchangeable barrel systems, allowing shooters to switch calibers with ease. The company is also credited with sparking the modern muzzleloading revival, introducing its Hawken-styled black powder rifle in 1970. A design that became one of the most-copied in firearms history.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Thompson/Center Arms still in business?
Yes. After Smith & Wesson phased out the T/C subsidiary in 2021, original owner Gregg Ritz reacquired the company in May 2024. Thompson/Center Arms is independently owned again, with production returning to Rochester, New Hampshire.
What is the T/C Encore system?
The Encore is T/C's flagship interchangeable-barrel platform. A single receiver accepts rifle, pistol, and muzzleloader barrels across dozens of calibers, letting shooters reconfigure one firearm for different hunting applications without buying a new gun.
Are Thompson/Center barrels interchangeable between the Contender and Encore?
No. Contender and Encore barrels use different frame sizes and trigger groups and are not cross-compatible. G2 Contender barrels are generally compatible with original (G1) Contender frames, with a few model-specific exceptions.
Does Thompson/Center offer a warranty?
Yes. T/C offers a limited lifetime warranty on their firearms. Warranty service and product registration are handled directly through tcarms.com.
What Thompson/Center firearms are currently in production?
T/C currently produces the Encore PRO Hunter system, including the FireStick muzzleloader configuration, along with the Triumph muzzleloader. The company continues to expand its lineup under new independent ownership.
What makes the Thompson/Center Encore system unique?
The Encore platform is built around a single serialized receiver that accepts interchangeable barrels in over 80 centerfire calibers, plus muzzleloader and shotgun configurations. This means one firearm can be reconfigured for deer season, predator hunting, or the range simply by swapping barrels, making the Encore one of the most adaptable and cost-effective hunting platforms available.
About
Thompson/Center Arms is an American firearms manufacturer based in Rochester, New Hampshire, built on a legacy of precision engineering and versatile single-shot platform design. T/C produces rifles, pistols, and muzzleloaders trusted by hunters, competitive shooters, and collectors across the country. Known for their interchangeable barrel systems and commitment to accuracy, Thompson/Center Arms continues to set the standard for single-shot firearm performance under newly independent ownership since 2024.
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