tc icon precision hunter

[DIM]

Hey guys, I’m thinking of buying TC ICON Precision Hunter in .308 ( http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/icon.php ), I searched online for user reviews of it so far I had no luck, there is nice review done by RiffleShooter magazine http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/RS_iconofprecision_200905/ but I just hope if someone else had experience with TC ICON Precision Hunter.
Thanks.

 

[Olympus]

I think you'll have a hard time finding a variety of feedback on that rifle. I don't know that it's been on the market all that long yet. If their sporter version of the Icon is any way to gauge, it may take a while, if ever, for that particular gun to become popular. I've really been keeping an eye on the Icon Original and Classic and in my opinion, it they been a flop. I'm sure they're probably great guns and I'm sure they shoot good too. I shoot a Pro Hunter and love it. But the Icon just hasn't been as big of a hit as I think T/C was anticipating. I go to every gun show in my area and I only see one single Icon at each show, and the same dealer has it at every show. None of the local gun shops keep any in stock either. I think the biggest thing that has hurt the Icon is the pricepoint. I haven't seen the one you're talking about, but the sporter versions look similar to a Ruger and are priced similar to a Browning.

If you find any information, be sure and share it here...

 

[DIM]

I didn't listen

Well I got this precision hunter today, there are issues right out of the box it takes 20 -30 lbs pressure to chamber a round I guess I got it jinxed, same was with Howa, Remington, Savage... Well Savage only shot 1" groups at best nothing else was wrong with it acctually shot 1/2 out the box but then it stopped, Remington had head space issue, and Howa just walked 5 - 7 inches 5 shot group :banghead: what is going on in the rifle world this days

 

[Olympus]

Is the stiff chambering pressue the only issue that you have? You said there were "issues", plural, right out of the box. What are the others?

I'm assuming that the pressure you're seeing is when you lower the bolt. Hopefully you can slide the cartridge into the chamber without that much pressure. My first guess is that the pressure you're seeing is when you push the bolt handle down. If that's the case then I'd say the rifle cocks on closing, which could indicate a stiff spring. If that's the case, then it will likely ease up with some shooting. But elaborate a little more on the issues and this "pressure" to chamber.

If it's bad enough, call T/C and tell them that you're unhappy. If I'm not mistaken, I thought I rememberd that the Precision Hunter had some type of accuracy guarantee. If it won't group as tight as it's supposed to, send it back. Heck, send it back even if you think something might be wrong with it.

 

[DIM]

No its more like you can’t turn the bolt unless you press very hard forward then it would turn otherwise it won’t, yeah it was also minor thing the spring to hold magazine in place was out and sticking out of the stock, almost scratch palm of my hand on it.

 

[DIM]

I had a thought, maybe I got different bolt all along, and it is not for .308 but for 30 TC when measured max OAL using 165 grain nosler balstic tip it measured 2.915” max

 

[rossiscratch]

are you having issues with reloads? The 165 grain Nosler should be a OAL of ~2.80 (not exact, I didn't look this up for the Nosler, but I load 168 Amax at 2.800 and I don't think I would be able to close the bolt on a 2.915" either) Or are you shooting factory ammunition and having troubles? Regardless, If you have a problem try contacting TC's customer service, the icon has a lifetime warranty...

I recently bought a T/C Icon Field .243 win, and I have been very impressed with the rifle! Although I have only shot factory loaded rounds through it. You also know about the mail in rebate right? http://www.tcarms.com/offers/

 

[DIM]

I don't shoot anything yet, I was only measuring MAX OAL using 165 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip the ones I tried to load in the chamber were Federal factory powershock, that’s the ammo used by TC to test out the riffle at least that’s what my certificate say. 0.84 MOA

 

[DIM]

its better now ;-)

However I contacted TC Customer support, and I was offered to send riffle back since it is covered by life time warranty and they recommend me to play with action more, so I just got back from work and after about 100 tries it seemed to improve wooow or maybe I worked that muscle up so I think I will take it down the range this weekends, as far of OAL I will start with .030" less then max and will try 155 gr Nosler Competition, 168 gr SMK, and 165 gr Nosler's Ballistic Tip, my powder of choice 42 gr IMR 4064 and 42 gr RL 15 also RL 17 its new and I thought to try it, I will post how did it go

 

[rossiscratch]

DIM, that's strange, but now that I think about it my bolt was a little stiff (not 20-30lbs though, wow) when I first chambered a round in my .243. I was also using the fed 80 gr soft points that the target sheet says were used for the test. (0.79 MOA) However, I lubed the bolt with a "little" pro gold lubricant, and I have noticed a major improvement. I also use that lubricant on my Rem 700 SPS tactical .308, and I think it really smooths up the action.

I spent the afternoon loading up some 75 gr vmaxs, so we'll see how my rifle does with some handloads. I loaded right at the recommended OAL, and the dummy round chambered with no problems.

I'd like to hear how it goes. I wish I had the precision hunter myself. In fact, if you decide you don't like it....

 

[DIM]

it was more like the extractor ejector type issue, for some reason the extractions grooves of the head just wouldn't lock by the extractor because it was stiff at the same time ejector wouldn't allow it either, when applying enough force to lock brass in place brass would fly out of he chamber just like it would from semi auto on the eject, whne a load a dummy round to play with action to loosen up, jerking bolt with life ammo is very bad idea, even with safety on
As far as MAX OAL for 165 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip I mistype it is not 2.915” but 2.935”, I was going to load to 2.910 or 2.915, on the contrary Savage I have the same bullet has 2.938” they are close, but looks like TC got specs a bit tighter, after all NBT has 1.295” bullet length in comparison to 168 gr SMK which is 1.20” or Hornady 150 gr BTSP with 1.0”

 

[Horsemany]

I've really been keeping an eye on the Icon Original and Classic and in my opinion, it they been a flop.

I'm gonna agree with Olympus on this one. The Icon has not done well in the gun market. My local Scheels hasn't done well with them. This year T/C is offering huge rebates on them. A couple of my dislikes would be weight, space age bolt handles and oddly machined rear of receiver, ICON stamping on receiver is large enough to be the opposite of tasteful.

On the plus side they shoot very well, have decent triggers, and the integral weaver rail is top notch. Fit and finish is excellent.

 

[Olympus]

I kind of like the bolt handle design. It can't be any worse than a Ruger bolt handle. The round knob handle is fairly normal. Now the butterknife handle is kind of a throwback to the old days instead of futuristic. The rifle is definitely heavy though. My main problem is that it costs more than it looks like it should cost. I'd like to see some gloss finish on the stock or maybe some higher polished bluing, maybe a gold inlay in the letters, something like that.

I think after the success of the Encore and all it's variants, T/C got a little ahead of itself and thought they could carry some of that momentum into a new bolt action rifle. But if you notice, they're not pumping near as much money into marketing the Icon as they have the Encore. You used to not be able to watch any hunting show without seeing the host carrying an Encore muzzleloader or rifle. They had write up regularly in the gun rags too. I don't see half as much publicity for the Icon than I did for the Encore.

 

[Horsemany]

You used to not be able to watch any hunting show without seeing the host carrying an Encore muzzleloader or rifle. They had write up regularly in the gun rags too. I don't see half as much publicity for the Icon than I did for the Encore.

Ain't that the truth. I've never seen anyone at my range shooting an Encore but according to the Outdoor Channel I live in a black hole cause everyone's using them. T/C's marketing is second to none IMO.

THe bolt handle of the Icon looks weird to me because it's square off the receiver. Every other bolt I can think of is swept back. Small gripe but I think I'd like it better swept.

 

[DIM]

Personally I didn’t know TC product line until I saw weird looking guns on Outdoor Channel, and yes no one at my gun range seemed to carry one, maybe I’m there on the wrong day but any time I’m there I see guys shooting ar 15 svd, most of the brass left are .223 or 7.62 x 54R, I guess I’m the only one left who is shooting bolt action :-D any way why I choose TC, well I was looking for a riffle would have factory guaranty to shoot sub moa and the price range, so I had to choose between Weatherby, Tikka T3 and TC, the first two I didn’t like synthetic stock but TC looked amazingly on the picture, so I ordered one. My second choice would be Tikka T3 Tactical, but 20” barrel put some doubts on how far will it shoot, I think .308 requires 24” to get best speed possible, however 24” barrels are offered with Weatherby Vanguard

 

[rbernie]

I looked at an Icon the other day. It was not as heavy as I recall from a year ago (dunno if they're making a lighter variant these days?) but the bluing finish was poor and the fit of the stock onto the receiver was sloppy.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Like everyone's saying, they're so new that you're probably not gonna find actual hands on testing results yet.

But, *IF* they do what they're supposed to do, they are incredible rifles and a very good value. For the standard Icons, I'd say they are incredible rifles and incredible values.

Everything about the Icons exude quality, and the features can not be beat. You're basically getting a Sako/Steyr/Kimber/Mark V for not much more than half the price.

Ain't that the truth. I've never seen anyone at my range shooting an Encore but according to the Outdoor Channel I live in a black hole cause everyone's using them. T/C's marketing is second to none IMO.

If it was second to none, then wouldn't a lot of people where you live be using them? The Icon *deserves* 3 times the marketing effort ever put forth for the Encore, but I don't know if it will get it.

rbernie:

but the bluing finish was poor

Was it "poor" or was it just "not high gloss like I like and like I expected"? Because they intentionally make them about half "matte-ish" for durability

and the fit of the stock onto the receiver was sloppy.

Wow, now that is truly shocking, not at all like the ones I've handled which were tighter than a [supply your own metaphor here].

As for weight, the Originals and Classics use a proprietary stock design that sandwiches 2 layers of carbon fiber between 3 layers of walnut to obtain (what I think is) the ultimate balance of beauty, stiffness/performance, and light weight.

 

[Olympus]

Well Encores are definitely popular in my area. I bought the Pro Hunter version a few years ago when it was first introduced and I'm in love with the thing. T/C, in my opinion, makes the absolute best muzzleloaders. About a year after buying the Pro Hunter, I bought a .300 Mag barrel for it and I'm absolutely impressed with it as well. I bragged on it enough that my dad bought the Endeavor version last Christmas. Now with so many companies making aftermarket barrells, you can get the Encore in some really wicked chamberings.

As for the Icon, I wonder why T/C hasn't thrown the marketing dollars at it? If I'm remembering right, they came out with the .30 T/C cartridge at the same time as the Icon. I don't know how it is in other areas of the country, but if you ask about .30 T/C you get weird looks like you just made up something. I've had people ask me if that's some kind of wildcat cartridge even. For a gun with a matte bluing and satin-ish finished stock, the general price range is $650-$750. The prices that I'm seeing the Icon are between $850-$950. For me personally, that kind of money should at least buy you a higher polished bluing and a glossier stock. And I understand the argument that you're paying for all the innovations that increase accuracy. But look at everything that Savage is doing in the realm of increasing accuracy. I can't believe I'm bragging on Savage. But they're making great steps in the accuracy department and they're not pricing their guns at that kind of pricepoint.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Man, these are *hunting* rifles, not gunsafe queen rifles - they are not supposed to have high gloss finish or stocks - they're for using, not looking at. They're made to SHOOT, and for actual performance. You don't WANT high gloss for something you're gonna take into the field and get scratched up. This is a NASCAR racing gun, not a museum Bentley.

You're not paying for the gloss (or lack of it). You're paying for 5R button rifling, match grade barrel, incredible QC, CNC machined receiver, massive heavy 3-lug bolt with T-slot extractor, 60 degr bolt throw, lockable bolt with auto-off lock when safety is released, impressive bedding block, 3 points of interlock between bedding block and receiver lugs, externally-adjustable trigger (very nice one too), incredibly-innovative lightweight performance stock (kevlar/walnut layers), very nice checkering, super-solid integral weaver base, accuracy *certification*, not just a guarantee, jeweled bolt, switch bolt, outstanding recoil pad, on and on.

I submit that any other rifle that may have 3/4ths or more of these features will run you about twice as much, and no one even has all of these features. You're looking at it the wrong way. Compare it to a Sako 85 including the prices. I guess the proof is in the pudding, so as people's accuracy proof starts getting around, their reputation will be raised, such as Tikka's has been over the last 8-10 years.

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/icon.php

http://www.sako.fi/sako85models.php?classic


In fact, if anything is overpriced, it's those danged Encores. Great guns, but very inflated prices if you ask me. And yes, they make the best MLs - EXCEPT for Savage (since you're now a Savage fan ).

But they made a huge mistake with the .30 T/C cartridge - they should have seen all along that that would flop like so many pancakes onto your plate. If they pursue a lot of marketing, they need to emphasize the rifle, and de-emphasize their whiz-bang new .30 round (is that the 408th or 409th new .30 cal round in the last 10 years?).

 

[rossiscratch]

I was wondering when you would chime in Dr. Winslow. You're the reason I bought my .243 from CDNN. I shot my first handloads (new hobby ) yesterday, and said .243 with 75 gr vmax was shooting between .38 moa and .76 moa during the load development and barrel break in. I have absolutely no complaints especially considering the price I paid for this rifle (not to mention when I receive the rebate).

 

[Horsemany]

You don't WANT high gloss for something you're gonna take into the field and get scratched up. This is a NASCAR racing gun, not a museum Bentley.

With all due respect....don't tell me what I want. I've already got a safe full of boring, straight grained, flat finished stocks. Flat finishes dull wood grain. The flatteners added to topcoats to make them dull do NOT enhance durability. Same goes for paints. My zest for lackluster wood and beadblasted blue has just about run it's course and I think I'm not the only one who'd like to see more effort put into finishes on rifles.

 

[Olympus]

I'll have to agree with Horsemany, the matte finish and satin stock just isn't my taste. Just because a gun has a high polish bluing and gloss stock doesn't mean it can't be a "hunting" rifle. It all depends on the type of hunting you do. I stand and blind hunt in terrain I know like the back of my hand. I have no qualms about taking a polished and gloss rifle with me. I do it every year. But I like to take care of my stuff. I don't treat a rifle like a walking stick or something to push the limbs away from my face. I've got a nice little A-bolt Medallion that I bought about 5 years ago and I carry it in the woods. I'd still call it 98% condition and really the only scratch on it came when it was being sited in. So not all hunting conditions are the same. My dad has a huge boxed in blind that he uses and his rifle is 20 years old and looks just as good as mine. Depends on the type of hunting you do and how careful you are with your stuff.

You're not paying for the gloss (or lack of it). You're paying for 5R button rifling, match grade barrel, incredible QC, CNC machined receiver, massive heavy 3-lug bolt with T-slot extractor, 60 degr bolt throw, lockable bolt with auto-off lock when safety is released, impressive bedding block, 3 points of interlock between bedding block and receiver lugs, externally-adjustable trigger (very nice one too), incredibly-innovative lightweight performance stock (kevlar/walnut layers), very nice checkering, super-solid integral weaver base, accuracy *certification*, not just a guarantee, jeweled bolt, switch bolt, outstanding recoil pad, on and on.

I thought I was reading another "praise-all" article in a gun rag there for minute...

As for the Encore, I agree. They are overpriced. Where they shine with their pricing is when you buy 3 or more barrels. Buy a barrel for $350 and a mid-grade scope for $400 and you've got a new rifle WITH scope for $750. Now buy a normal rifle for $600-$800 and put the same $400 scope on it and you've got a complete rig for $1000-$1200. Now you need to buy at least 2 Encore barrels to cover the initial cost. Once you do that, any other barrels you buy will be a money saver.

 

[rossiscratch]

Regardless of your own personal opinions on whether you like high gloss/high luster finishes the Icon Precision Hunter has a laminate stock (which is what the OP has). The barrel may still have the bead blasted bluing, but in comparison to similar offerings in the same genre of rifles (varminter/stand hunting) at the same price point (I'm thinking Rem LTR, XCR, 700p, 700 5r mil spec, Tikka Varminter, Savage 12 series, to name a few) the T/C precision hunter offers you as much, if not a better option than many of the rifles I just listed. Weight is not significantly different (well at 8 pounds, it is on the light side for this class of rifle), fit and finish is similar (if not slightly better), you get a lifetime warranty with the Icon, and sub-moa guarantee. Also, the price is no more and sometimes less than the rifles I listed. At this time, you also get $150 off your Icon, so makes it even more competitive...

I guess if you want a lightweight (better be more than a few ounces lighter than 7.5 lbs, or moot point), high gloss finish and high luster bluing by all means buy a different rifle, but you guys are not even discussing the same rifle the OP was asking about. Also, if you don't like the bolt handle, change it. It can be done by the average person who knows how to take the bolt out of the rifle. Although I would agree the big ICON on the receiver is not the most attractive, but I doubt your game will know it was there. Therefore, this bickering about who thinks they know what is best in a $800-1000 rifle based on it's wood finish (not applicable to the OP) is ridiculous and ruins what could have been an otherwise informative conversation.

That said, DIM, I'd really like to hear how your experience with the Precision Hunter progresses. Perhaps you could give us a range report, comment on the fit/finish/balance, post some pics, etc.

 

[Horsemany]

this bickering about who thinks they know what is best in a $800-1000 rifle based on it's wood finish (not applicable to the OP) is ridiculous and ruins what could have been an otherwise informative conversation.

The OP asked for opinions on the precision hunter. One opinion was there were some things that could be done better aesthetically. If that is not at all important to you that's fine but mentioning it does NOT "ruin what could have been an otherwise informative conversation" for all of us. If you read through all the posts there were several opinions given on most other aspects of the rifle.

Changing the bolt doesn't make it swept back either. They're both 90degrees.

 

[rossiscratch]

The OP asked for opinions on the precision hunter. One opinion was there were some things that could be done better aesthetically. If that is not at all important to you that's fine but mentioning it does NOT "ruin what could have been an otherwise informative conversation" for all of us. If you read through all the posts there were several opinions given on most other aspects of the rifle.

Changing the bolt doesn't make it swept back either. They're both 90degrees.

The OP asked for opinions on the precision hunter. One opinion was there were some things that could be done better aesthetically. If that is not at all important to you that's fine but mentioning it does NOT "ruin what could have been an otherwise informative conversation" for all of us. If you read through all the posts there were several opinions given on most other aspects of the rifle.

It's not applicable because you're talking about an Icon with a different stock than the one the OP asked about. I never said looks weren't important. I said it has a laminate stock not the walnut. Sure, you could argue that the laminate should be glossy, but I can't think of many factory laminates that come with a glossy finish on them.

Does the 90 degree bolt operation cause a significant change in function? Nope, didn't even notice it when I was shooting my icon yesterday. I also shoot and hunt with a Rem 700, Savage 17 HMR for smaller stuff, and have spent some range time with Tikkas. It might seem weird at first, but really, you can't adapt to that slight change? BTW, the precision hunter's knob IS swept back... It's the other Icons that are not...

Perhaps, it doesn't RUIN the conversation, but it certainly didn't add to it in this instance. Also, from the looks of "I guess I got it jinxed, same was with Howa, Remington, Savage... Well Savage only shot 1" groups at best nothing else was wrong with it acctually shot 1/2 out the box but then it stopped, Remington had head space issue, and Howa just walked 5 - 7 inches 5 shot group what is going on in the rifle world this days." I would be willing to guess at this point the OP is more interested in function rather than it's looks. Not to mention the fact that he already owns the rifle....