Thompson/Center IS BACK!

Published on August 28, 2025
Duration: 14:39

Thompson Center (TC) has been reborn under new private ownership, repurchased from Smith & Wesson in April 2024. Greg Ritz, President of TC, discusses the company's return to Rochester, New Hampshire, and its focus on innovation, particularly with the Gen Two Encore platform. The new Encore emphasizes modularity, compatibility with older parts, and modern features like Cerakote finishes and new caliber options, supported by the acquisition of Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company. TC aims to recapture its former market share in muzzleloading and expand its offerings to a new generation of hunters and gun owners.

Quick Summary

Thompson Center (TC) has been reborn as a privately owned company in Rochester, New Hampshire, after being repurchased from Smith & Wesson in April 2024. The company is reintroducing its innovative product lines, including the Gen Two Encore receiver with enhanced nitride components and modularity, and is focused on developing new calibers through its acquisition of Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction with Kevin Wilson & Greg Ritz
  2. 00:11Thompson Center Rebirth & Ownership Change
  3. 00:55TC's Past Market Dominance in Muzzleloading
  4. 01:36Muzzleloading DNA Lost Under Smith & Wesson
  5. 01:43Return to Rochester, NH & Lifetime Warranty
  6. 02:07Focus on the Encore Receiver (Gen Two)
  7. 02:25Gen Two Encore: Nitride Components
  8. 02:37Modularity & Compatibility: Old vs. New
  9. 02:44Modern Encore Configurations (Turkey Gun, Calibers)
  10. 02:58Short Barrels & the Kataden
  11. 03:15Dealer Opportunity & Customer Personalization
  12. 03:33Interchangeability with Older TC Gear
  13. 03:44New Barrels: Threaded Muzzles & Suppressors
  14. 03:51New Calibers & Ammunition Partnerships
  15. 04:01Acquisition of Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Co.
  16. 04:12Prototyping New Calibers (e.g., 25 Creedmoor)
  17. 04:38The Importance of Thompson Center Employees
  18. 05:07Returning Employees to Rochester, NH
  19. 05:25Metal Finishing Employee Returns
  20. 06:05Original TC DNA & Barrel Room Expertise
  21. 06:40Starting from Scratch: Building Back TC
  22. 07:07Consumer Demand & Production Ramp-Up
  23. 07:38Encore Assembly: 143 Parts
  24. 08:02Upcoming Product Releases (Triumph, Contender, Icon)
  25. 08:14Apology for Delivery Delays, Not Quality
  26. 08:41Addressing Demand for Hunting Seasons
  27. 09:00Retailer Opportunity: Servicing a Market Gap
  28. 09:14Accessory Sales Driven by Modularity
  29. 09:36New Generation of Gun Owners Unfamiliar with TC
  30. 09:55COVID-Era Gun Buyers & TC's Void
  31. 10:09Focus on the 20-35 Year Old Demographic
  32. 10:20Cool Colors & Personalization for Younger Shooters
  33. 10:32Supporting Traditional Buyers & Engaging Younger Ones
  34. 10:50Exciting New Products Coming
  35. 11:05Goals: Support Community, Raise Tide, Bring Back Muzzleloading
  36. 11:11Making Firearms Fun & Customizable
  37. 11:19Integrity in Distribution & Retail Systems
  38. 11:32The 'Two Feet Across the Gun Counter' Challenge
  39. 11:49Manufacturer-Distributor-Retailer-Customer Relationship
  40. 12:03Supply Chain Issues & Consumer Understanding
  41. 12:20Educating Retailers: 40 Sales Reps on the Road
  42. 12:45The Necessity of Davidson's Role
  43. 13:03Educating Consumers via Gallery Guns Live
  44. 13:16Davidson's Live Streams & Collaboration
  45. 13:27Dealer Reliance on Davidson's Information
  46. 13:38Empowering Dealers with TC's Story
  47. 13:54USA Made & Lifetime Warranty Confidence
  48. 14:04Authoritative Source of Information
  49. 14:12Internet Forums vs. Expert Information
  50. 14:29Conclusion & Future Excitement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Thompson Center firearms?

Thompson Center (TC) has been reborn as a privately owned, family-owned company based in Rochester, New Hampshire. They were repurchased from Smith & Wesson in April 2024 and are now focused on reintroducing innovative products and recapturing their market share, particularly in muzzleloading.

What are the key features of the new Thompson Center Encore Gen Two?

The Gen Two Encore receiver, an evolution of the 1997 model, features enhanced durability with nitride-treated components like the hammer, sear, and firing pin bushing. It maintains modularity and compatibility with older parts while offering modern finishes and new caliber options.

How does Thompson Center plan to innovate with new calibers?

By acquiring Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company, Thompson Center can now rapidly develop and produce new calibers for their firearms, such as the Encore. This allows them to work with ammunition companies to prototype and launch new offerings within weeks.

What is Thompson Center's approach to engaging younger gun owners?

Thompson Center aims to attract the 20-35 year old demographic by offering firearms in cool colors and configurations that allow for personal expression. They want to make firearms fun and customizable for this generation, while still supporting their traditional customer base.

What is the significance of Thompson Center's return to Rochester, New Hampshire?

The return to Rochester, New Hampshire, signifies a homecoming for many original Thompson Center employees, including gun designers, builders, and customer service personnel. This brings back the company's core 'DNA' and expertise, crucial for rebuilding the brand and its product lines.

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