How We Test our Rifles (T/C ENCORE)

This video provides an in-depth look at the manufacturing process at Thompson/Center Arms' headquarters in Farmington, New Hampshire. It details updates in their vertical integration, showcasing advanced CNC machining (Eurotech, Akari, Haas), quality control measures like 100% Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), and specific processes for barrels and receivers. The tour highlights the production of popular lines including the Encore, Contender, and Triumph, emphasizing efficiency and precision in their operations.

This video demonstrates the advanced machining process for the BFG-50A rifle receiver, specifically focusing on creating the scope base holes. Gun designer Mark Serbu details the use of CNC machinery, touch probing, and specialized tooling like carbide center drills and 5/16 inch endmills to achieve precise tolerances on the complex weldment receiver. The process highlights the importance of accurate fixturing and the capabilities of modern machining for firearm manufacturing.

This video demonstrates the complete interchangeability of Thompson/Center Encore receivers, barrels, and stocks, dating back to the original 1997 models. It showcases how new components can be fitted to older receivers and vice-versa, highlighting the modular design of the platform. The demonstration includes swapping an original muzzle-loading barrel with a screw-in breach plug onto a new receiver and fitting an original wooden stock to a new receiver.

This video details the intricate manufacturing process for the Thompson/Center Encore platform, focusing on barrel production and receiver machining. It highlights the critical steps of lug welding, chambering, and the precise machining required to maintain the interchangeable system's integrity, ensuring barrels and receivers from 1997 onwards are compatible. The process emphasizes the investment in advanced technology and skilled operators to achieve high-quality, durable firearms with improved features like nitride finishing for enhanced corrosion resistance and smoother trigger pulls.

This guide details the installation and testing of the Thompson/Center Encore Firestick System, emphasizing its compatibility with all Encore frames since the 1990s. The video highlights the benefits of the Firestick for muzzleloading and showcases performance testing with various muzzle brake designs and scope setups on an outdoor range. Instruction comes from a speaker with high authority and deep knowledge of T/C Arms products.

This expert guide details the intricate investment casting process used by Thompson Investment Casting to manufacture firearm components, specifically for the Thompson/Center Encore muzzleloader. It covers wax pattern creation, ceramic shell building, wax removal, molten metal pouring, and rigorous quality control, emphasizing precision and the 'net shape' manufacturing advantage. The process highlights the expertise involved in achieving high-quality, interchangeable firearm parts.

This video demonstrates the severe dangers of using smokeless powder in a muzzleloader designed for black powder, resulting in a catastrophic barrel explosion. The speaker, identified as a manufacturer representative, uses a remote firing rig to safely showcase the consequences of this common but deadly mistake. The footage highlights the importance of understanding powder types and pressure differences to prevent dangerous malfunctions.

This video presents an accuracy comparison between a traditional flintlock rifle and a modern sporting rifle at 100 yards. The host, demonstrating high expertise and safe firearm handling, loads and fires both rifles, utilizing Hornady Match .308 ammunition and Goex Black Powder. The comparison highlights the practical differences in loading times and aims to determine which platform achieves superior accuracy under these conditions.

This expert guide details the catastrophic failure modes of muzzleloaders, as demonstrated by Thompson/Center Arms' engineering team. It covers the dangers of double loading, double powder charges, and critically, the use of smokeless powder, which led to a barrel explosion. The video emphasizes safety and understanding pressure limits in muzzleloading firearms.

This guide, presented by an expert from Thompson/Center Arms, focuses on three critical shooting mistakes and their solutions. It covers achieving a Natural Point of Aim (NPOA) for stability, mastering trigger control to overcome target panic, and the benefits of shooting with both eyes open for improved awareness. The instruction emphasizes fundamental techniques for becoming a better marksman.