Advice: Thompson/Center "T/C Classic" (.22LR)

[porciniman]

I have a opportuinty to purchase this 22 w/a Simmons 3x12 scope for the sum of $250 and it's brand new, never fired.
For some competition, I've been using a BUCKMARK 22 Classic Target bull barrel w/a 4x Nikon scope and have been happy with the results.
Will I be at least as happy with this Thompson CTR Classic Bull barrel??
It comes w/a 10 round mag.
Thanks for your input.
VB

 

[BozemanMT]

I have a T/C classic, and it's a great little rifle.
I use mine with the fiber optic sights and it builds great little groups if I do my part (rarely )
That's a smoking deal, I paid like $300 brand new a year ago, no scope
You can't go wrong at this price.
Great little rifle.

 

[porciniman]

Thanks for the info.
I appreciate it!
VB

 

[dm1333]

Definately buy it!

I just paid $330 for a new one, no scope, in CA. After breaking it in it is very reliable and accurate. Check out Rimfirecentral.com(one of these days I'll teach myself how to post links), the gun has quite a following. My limited experience with mine is that it can be finicky about ammo, it will shoot Federal or American Eagle all day long but as soon as I try something like Remington Viper or Winchester SuperX it will start to jam. Since both of those rounds don't seem to be accurate in my gun I just stick to Federals. Now I'm all fired up to go shoot again and I have a long day at work tomorrow

 

[porciniman]

Thanks dm1333.
I'm picking it up this afternoon.
VB

 

[dm1333]

Cool! Don't be surprised if the gun is a jamomatic at first, it has a very tight chamber. They seem to like high velocity ammo and because of the tight tolerances you may need to clean it every time you shoot. I have been using dry lube on mine, a spot of oil for the bolt hold open, and a bore snake because I'm careful of the crown. Of course since you have been shooting one in competition you already know this, I'm just rambling because I REALLY like mine.

Don

 

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

I have one of those. It's a great little rifle.

I found that mounting a scope on it made it harder to shoot. It just didn't "fit" right when I was looking through the scope. So I use the iron sights exclusively.

$250 for the rifle is a darn good deal.

 

[dm1333]

What type of scope, rings and bases did you have? I'm still looking around for a nice lower power scope for mine. I'm just curious why you didn't like it and what you had on it.

Don

 

[cookekdjr]

Hate to spoil the party.
The T/C Classic is one of the best designed .22 rifles in years, but...
T/C has had severe quality control issues lately. Most folks at rimfirecentral.com love their T/C Classics, but many were shocked at the number of lemons that went out the door on this one (and the stainless "lynx" version).
Bottom line, a wonderfully designed gun, and chances are that the one you found is excellent- just be warned they have had more issues than they should.
Good luck,

David

 

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

Hmm...

The scope was a Weaver 2-7X rimfire scope. The bases were the standard bases available from Thomson Center to fit the rifle. I forget what kind of rings I used.

The butstock seems to be perfectly shaped for using the iron sights. At least, my face fits it perfectly for use with the irons. You may find that the rifle fits you differently. Adding the scope raises the sight line, and that made a good cheek weld a little more difficult to achieve (for me).

I also found that the Weaver scope had too much eye relief. When looped up in the sling in a good prone position, I found that my face was too close to the back of the scope to get a good view. It wasn't as bad in any of the other positions, just prone. But prone is the best position to use, if circumstances allow it. It doesn't make much sense to use a scope that permanently denies you the use of the prone position.

Besides, it's a .22, it's not like your going to be making too many 300 yards shots with it. The iron sights are perfect for 50 yards and under (where most .22 shooting takes place) and they're adequate for anything out to about 100 or 150 yards. The fiber optic sights T/C included on the rifle are prety nice as iron sights go.

That Weaver scope I bought for this rifle is sitting on my shelf unused. Anyone wanna make me an offer for it?

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I had one of the first ones---and it was a POS

That said---I bought new one and all the 5-round mags Midway had---about a week ago---really really really really hoping they have all the bugs worked out now. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.

Beautifull little rifle---but I still can't help feel like I'm taking a HUGE chance buying another one-----range time will tell I guess.