Thompson/Center Is Back + New Barrel Tech Explained

Published on May 7, 2026
Duration: 12:20

This video details the reintroduction of Thompson Center Arms and their innovative new barrel technology developed with Avient. Greg Ritz explains the history of the versatile Encore platform and highlights the new barrels featuring a steel core, ceramic injection, and carbon fiber shell. This design significantly improves heat dissipation, maintaining accuracy and point of impact during sustained firing, while also reducing barrel weight. The discussion also touches on the broad applicability of Avient's materials science across the firearms industry.

Quick Summary

Thompson Center Arms is reintroducing its versatile Encore platform with innovative new barrels developed with Avient. These composite barrels feature a steel core, ceramic injection, and carbon fiber shell, significantly improving heat dissipation to maintain accuracy and reduce point of impact shift during sustained firing, while also being lighter.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Thompson Center Encore Platform Introduction
  2. 00:37Thompson Center Brand Reintroduction
  3. 01:44New Barrel Technology Overview
  4. 03:33Avient Barrel Construction Explained
  5. 04:00Barrel Heat Dissipation Benefits
  6. 05:08Accuracy and Point of Impact Maintenance
  7. 05:23Favorite Calibers and Barrel Options
  8. 06:24Avient's Role in Barrel Innovation
  9. 06:40Cutaway of Avient Barrel Technology
  10. 07:13Shooter Benefits of New Barrels
  11. 08:32Peak Temperature Reduction
  12. 09:07Barrel Weight Reduction
  13. 09:43Avient's Broader Industry Impact
  14. 10:19Avient Company Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new barrel technology from Thompson Center?

Thompson Center's new barrels, developed with Avient, feature a unique composite construction. They utilize a steel core from Green Mountain, an injected layer of special ceramic material, and an outer carbon fiber shell. This 'Composite Heat Release Technology' is designed to significantly improve heat dissipation.

How does the new barrel technology improve accuracy?

The composite barrel's advanced heat management system wicks heat away from the steel core, reducing barrel temperature. This consistency minimizes point of impact shift during sustained firing, allowing shooters to maintain accuracy even after multiple shots, which is crucial for competitive applications.

What is the history of Thompson Center Arms?

Thompson Center Arms began in 1967 with the modular Contender handgun. The company later introduced the Encore platform in 1997, known for its interchangeable barrels. After being owned by Smith & Wesson from 2007 to 2020, the brand has been reacquired and is returning as a family-owned company based in New Hampshire.

What are the benefits of Avient's composite barrels?

Avient's composite barrels offer several benefits: superior heat dissipation to maintain accuracy, reduced barrel weight due to the carbon fiber and low-density ceramic, and a more consistent point of impact. They also help the barrel cool down faster than traditional steel barrels.

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