T/C Compass Quick Review

I recently purchased Thompson Center's Compass rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor and finally took a bit of time to get acquainted. These are initial impressions bearing in mind I've had a hectic schedule with just one short range session.

For starters the price sealed the deal, $180 for the opportunity to try out a brand new rifle and caliber? Rarely am I so lucky. The stock is standard fare black composite, ugly, flexible, but good purchase. The free floating might need a touch of help as the barrel sits just slightly to one side while still passing the dollar bill test. Pillars seemed to keep the action firmly attached without any movement and. The recoil pad was more than adequate.

To the naked eye the bore looks normal enough other than the 5R rifling. The end is threaded with a protective cap. The bolt is a bit sloppy while cycling but smooth after adding a bit of grease to the lugs with solid lock up. Feeding was hitch free and extraction positive. The 3-position safety was stiff enough that actuating it from the fire position would skip the safe/unload detent. Flushing the bolt using CLP then working the lever a few minutes sorted it out nicely.

The trigger is adjustable for pull weight and over travel but honestly I'm not loving it. Once set correctly travel is minimal but pull weight is sacrificed and a pound heavy for my Bush League taste and it fails at being crisp.

Range day: I confess I was rushed for time, four unproven rifles to test and two hours to try getting everything on paper all while giving pointers to the girlfriend on technique. Temp was mid-30s, with light rain and occasional wind gusts to 10mph.

The rifle came with pre-installed Weaver bases which I used with Vortex Viper Med. rings topped with a Minox ZV-3 3-9 x 40mm. Ammo was Hornady American Whitetail 129gr. InterLock, 2820 fps advertised.

On to the pictures, sorry they're iPhone quality.



Looking at shorter rings.


While the bolt has a tactical look it is fairly average in diameter.


Flush fit 5-round magazine.


The barrel sits slightly off center in the channel.


Kept pulling shots every time I got excited about the first two but I could see the potential accuracy in stock form.


Given the opportunity to do things over I'd buy two. With rebates available through New Years I may well pick up a second and add more magnification. For a fun to shoot well rounded rifle I think the price is hard to beat. Won't light the fires of the benchrest crowd given its limitations but I like it.

Will do. I'm already looking forward to next range day and the 200 yard line (my club's limit). I may have to buy a few handles in exchange for a few visits to a co-worker's farm range just to stretch things out. Cheaper than the other rifle club in town whose yearly membership dues surpass the Compass' price.

I know rifles like the new Bergaras represent a breakthrough as turnkey precision shooters and were hogging my attention while offerings from Savage, Ruger, and T/C flew under the radar.

Were it not for the 3 Field & Stream employees being busy when I arrived at the counter and a sales flyer laying in front of me I'd have given it zero thought and wandered out with the cleaning supplies I went in for. Under $200 after rebate, that was compelling. I don't doubt that any number of the new crop of "3rd tier" rifles will provide every bit as much enjoyment.

I know Hornady brass is a little soft but I figured I'd have a few pieces to start with once I order dies and it was the cheapest box in stock locally, just North of $1.20/round. Don't tell anyone but I forgot to buy a cleaning jag so whatever goop was in the barrel from the factory headed down range with those first few rounds.

Jackal, I'll be happy if mine shoots 1 1/2" regularly since I really don't want to throw money at it apart from the cost of ammo. I think that's a fair bit of accuracy to ask for in so inexpensive a rifle (and I too loathe "premium" ammo prices).

The Compass holds 5 rounds in short action non-magnums. Replacement mags are a hair under $34 at MidWay and will be part of the ever expanding wish list.

I meant to go the other way with that as I aged and want for less, but that's yet to work out. My initial trip to Field & Stream was a snipe hunt for .22 shorts to zero an old Mossberg. It shot pretty well that day too though I confess I was rustier than usual and too lazy to shoot 10-shot groups. My official excuse is lack of ammo.

It was only 25 yards but not bad for an 82 year old former basket case. The rifle, that is.

DannyLandrum said:

Could you please tell us how far away your target was?

Click to expand...

Just 100 yards for the 6.5, 25 yards for the .22 Daylight was running out and the girlfriend was in the car waiting patiently after a cold, wet day.

DannyLandrum said:

On paper, the Compass seems like THE budget-conscious turnbolt going, bar none.

Click to expand...

I haven't gotten into the trigger yet apart from a quick initial adjustment to minimize overtravel, but I see it as one of the tougher points to overcome. I still prefer a bit heavier to overtravel but the blunt break is not something I'm used to. I've got a few AccuTriggers which are both lighter and cleaner by comparison. Yet to try the RAR.