Thompson Centers new Icon????? What do you think?

Have one and love it!!! Shoots very well. Trigger is nice (fully adjustable) Wood (on mine) is gorgeous. A-little on the heavy side. Over all I give it a 9/10. Not much not to like. Look here for my pics: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=30029&Number=325922#Post325922

I just put a 30TC on order for my son, he is 11. I really like everything TC has made in the past and I wanted to get him a "lifetime" piece of hardware. Here is how I came to the decision:

Our field use will be hunting hogs and deer here in Florida and South GA but I am planning a trip to Colorado next fall for elk (if we get a tag), mulies and antelope.

There is a lot of talk about the 30TC round and it's eminent doom. It may, or may not be true. I noticed that anyone who has one or has shot one, loves it. All the negative that I found (here and elsewhere) is from folks who say they would never have an interest in it.

I called TC (or more correct, their affiliated Custom Shop) and asked them about the round and the success of it. Of course he gave it the praise that a good "company man" should. I also asked if the gun could easily be rechambered to .308 if the 30TC is not available in 5 years. He indicated that it would be very easily done. But also again assured me that this round isn't going anywhere.

I chose the 30TC because of the reduced recoil. My son is a good size for 11, 5'6", 120#. Even so, bad shooting habits are hard to break, especially if it hurts to pull the trigger. He shoots 12GA efficiently so I expect he will be fine with it.

I opted away from the 308 because I wanted the better performance. I would have went 30-06 if I felt he could handle the recoil. I began the research only looking at 06's because of its knock-down power at long range. If we are fortunate enough to get in the field this fall, I don't want to be under equiped. I spoke with a (distant) relative in Colorado that is a serious recreational hunter (27 elk to date). He said NO to a 270, maybe to a 308 and definately to the -06. I like the 30TC for the 165gr performance. Muzzel velocity is great but bullet drop over distance was a bigger factor. Placing a good shot means success with any of the rounds.

New model, first bolt action from TC, may be a desirable model one day.

I just like it. It's a really nice looking piece of hardware. Compared to some of the new composite guns; one looks like art, the other looks like the box it came in. The weight is no big deal to me, we mostly stand hunt. It's has a nice shape, great wood and is made in the USA.

Will put a Nikon Pro-Staff 3-9x40BDC on it unless I find a killer deal on something better.

Ours will be here in a few days, I hope the walnut is as good as the one I saw. As soon as we get it on the range I'll post a few pics of the groupings from my 11yo dead-eye!

Just my 2 cents.

I'm with eagle1899. Mine is in 308, but I have yet to shoot it. I have heard alot of negative about this gun from people who consider themselves authorities on rifles. The only thing negative I have to say is I wish the magazine was metal. Others will say it's ugly, it's heavy, blah, blah, blah. All these things are subjective. It now wears a Leupold VX-III 3.5-10.

1st let me say I don`t own one although I have looked at one.
The wood was very nice on the one I saw and everything appeared to be well done as to fit. The action was a bit different with the "butterknife" type bolt handle, but I kind of liked the look. The rifle is a bit heavy but depending on the way one hunts it may or may not be a problem, sitting on a stand wgt isn`t usually a factor. The scope mounting system is a slick idea IMO. I really liked it. The only question I have is how the vented bolt shroud will act in the field. Will it let in water or debris in to interfer with the striker?
The new cartridge I`ve got reservations with though. The velocity claims are based on factory ammo by Hornady useing their lite mag techniques. The velocities are the same as the 308 useing Hornady or Federal "Lite Mag", nothing more. Hornady lists both at 3000 fps on their web site with 150 gr bullets. Ammo for the 308 will be much easier to find with more bullet selections available at, I`m guessing, cheaper prices.
I`m mostly impressed with what I saw in the rifle but am waiting on the cartridge............my $.02

That's really nice walnut.

This will be my next bolt action. I'm trying to buy another AR before Hillary takes office, or I'd have an Icon now.

I think the different factor is what got my attention. Every other bolt action out there, with the exception of Blaser and early military guns, all look the same to me. This rifle is different and I think some folks just don't like different.

This difference is what I do like. I like the fact that T/C will strive to build a very accuracte hunting rifle. It looks good too.

I too have an Icon that I have not yet had the opportunity to shoot. I got mine in .308, and mounted a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 with german #4 reticle. The wood on my rifle is very nice, and is definately a cut above your average factory rifles. As far as the weight goes, I think Ol' Joe hit the nail on the head. I live in NC, and every single person I know hunts from treestands. They drive straight to the stand on their ATV, and climb the ladder. For that type of hunting, weight makes no difference at all. If I were in the market for a lightweight rifle, there are plenty of good options out there. As far as the bolt handle goes, I like it because it's different. I own Remingtons, Winchesters, Savages, and Rugers. While they are all good rifles, they mostly look the same, and I think its refreshing to see something different. Now the new X-bolt from Browning.....YUCK! But thats a different post. Ill let you guys know how she shoots when I finally get to the range. A few of my buddies bought Icons at the same time I did, and without exception, they have all shot sub-moa at 100 yards with factory ammo.

That's really nice walnut.

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It shows in price...I was considering the rifle and all but its way out of my price range. Something like $1,100-1,200.

Its a new gun, though. All the ads and stuff claim how revolutionary it is and how its the new generation of rifles...Sure it might be but its been out for like what? A year now?

Fella's;

I'm not remotely interested in it. Nor will I become interested in it until they can see fit to build one with the bolt on the proper, as opposed to right, side of the action.

900F

Something like $1,100-1,200

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$800 plus shipping. More than enough for a kid but it's a lot of rifle.

...until they can see fit to build one with the bolt on the ....right, side of the action.

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Good one! My brother can't figure out why the shell case keeps hittin' him in the arm.

Hmm. Prices on the net seem more reasonable than in person for some reason.

I still don't like it.

Tc Icon

I recently won a .243 Icon at a banquet. I am having a hard time picking a scope. Anyone have any ideas.

I am an open sight shooter. Most of my collection is military.

I love the way the ICON feels, the weight doesn't bother me.

I prefer the feel of a wood stock

Good looking gun but I will keep my Encore.

I recently won a .243 Icon at a banquet. I am having a hard time picking a scope. Anyone have any ideas.

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I am envious. This is the bolt gun I want.