American Rifleman Television - Thompson Center Dimension Review

Published on June 16, 2015
Duration: 3:39

The Thompson Center Dimension is presented as a modular rifle system, emphasizing its interchangeable barrel design facilitated by a locking nut system. The review details how cartridge group parts simplify caliber changes, noting when bolt and magazine swaps are necessary. Key technical features like the three-lug bolt, 60-degree bolt throw, and free-floating barrel are highlighted, along with stock adjustments for length of pull.

Quick Summary

The Thompson Center Dimension is a modular rifle system featuring interchangeable barrels, enabled by a locking nut mechanism and two provided tools. It utilizes 'cartridge group parts' for caliber changes, with specific groups for .223/.204, .308 family, .30-06/.270, and 7mm Rem Mag/.300 Win Mag. Bolt and magazine changes are required when switching between different cartridge groups.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Introduction to the Dimension System
  2. 00:16Locking Optimized Components & Interchangeable Barrels
  3. 00:34Locking Nut System Explained
  4. 00:53Cartridge Group Parts (.223, .204, .308, .30-06, .270, 7mm, .300)
  5. 01:23Bolt and Magazine Changes
  6. 01:34Bolt Engagement and Receiver Design
  7. 01:45Receiver Dimensions
  8. 01:51Bolt Design and Bolt Throw
  9. 02:02Other Bolt Features
  10. 02:25Stock Design: Forend
  11. 02:46Stock Design: Buttstock Features
  12. 03:14System Confidence and Versatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary innovation of the Thompson Center Dimension rifle?

The Thompson Center Dimension is designed as a modular rifle system, with its core innovation being an interchangeable barrel system. This allows shooters to quickly swap barrels, facilitating changes in caliber or chambering using a specialized locking nut system and provided tools.

How does the Thompson Center Dimension handle different cartridge families?

The Dimension uses 'cartridge group parts' to manage caliber changes. Components are grouped (A, B, C, D) for specific cartridge families. While staying within a group may not require a bolt change, switching between different cartridge groups necessitates swapping both the bolt and the magazine.

What are the key technical specifications of the Thompson Center Dimension's bolt and receiver?

The Dimension features a three-lug bolt design with a 60-degree bolt throw for faster cycling. The bolt lugs engage shoulders in the barrel extension, making the receiver a non-stress part. The receiver itself is approximately 7 5/8 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

How is the barrel supported on the Thompson Center Dimension?

The barrel on the Thompson Center Dimension is designed to be free-floating. This means it has minimal contact with the forend of the stock, with the only significant contact point being near the receiver's front at the locking nut mechanism.

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