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Back in my day. T/C made some very nice quality muzzle loaders. A bought my first Hawkins Rifle kit and put it together. The Walnut was so good, that I was offered a good price. I wound up selling five that I put together. I kept the sixth one for years, then sold it. Well, stuff happens. The company decided what they thought pubic wanted. This happens with a lot of companies. They pay some CEO incredible amounts of money, only to find out they paid their way to destruction. Our country seems to be headed in that very direction.
 
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A dealer acquaintance got a letter from a S&W V.P. that stated that S&W is divesting itself of their T/C division, cancelling all pending orders - so no more new T/C's unless some entity buys the brand & makes them again.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Intent to Divest Thompson/Center Arms™ Brand (prnewswire.com)
No real news here. The die is cast. Traditional muzzleloading is a small part of the niche market of what is called ‘muzzleloading’. If TC was part of S&W’s vision and/or there was money to be made in traditional muzzleloaders, they would possibly continue and grow the brand. Someone may purchase the brand or the right to produce muzzleloaders under the TC name, likely modern inline, possibly traditional type products. Life will go on.
 
The Contender was hugely popular in the 1990's , then you kinda stopped hearing about them

The T/C Hawken-type rifles were a mainstay for hunting and target shooting for years. There was a huge hole in the market left for American made muzzleloaders for "traditional " muzzleloading seasons.
 
Seems like the "in line" muzzleloaders were used to "lengthen the hunting season"? Little BP before center fire?
Watched one Guy sighting in his "in line" for hunting season. Couldn't hit s***. Changed pellets and started shooting bug holes. ;) :cool:
 
A dealer acquaintance got a letter from a S&W V.P. that stated that S&W is divesting itself of their T/C division, cancelling all pending orders - so no more new T/C's unless some entity buys the brand & makes them again.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Intent to Divest Thompson/Center Arms™ Brand (prnewswire.com)
S&W announced that over a year ago! TC hasn't made "Traditional" muzzleloaders for over a decade. E.A. Brown makes custom TC barrels for the Contender & Encore & I believe makes the receivers, as well. Bullberry & other barrel makers sell modern TC barrels. This really has no affect on our hobby at all. If your "dealer" just found out about S&W dropping the TC line he hasn't been paying attention. Like nit wit said, "Old news".
 
Seems like the "in line" muzzleloaders were used to "lengthen the hunting season"? Little BP before center fire?
Watched one Guy sighting in his "in line" for hunting season. Couldn't hit s***. Changed pellets and started shooting bug holes. ;) :cool:
Our club has got a few new members because guys are looking to sight in heir inlines for hunting season. We explain we don't allow inlines but why don't they come out and check out some traditional guns. Once they come out and shoot the real thing they tend to be hooked. The inline usually gets stashed in the closet or sold.
 
The Contender was hugely popular in the 1990's , then you kinda stopped hearing about them

The T/C Hawken-type rifles were a mainstay for hunting and target shooting for years. There was a huge hole in the market left for American made muzzleloaders for "traditional " muzzleloading seasons.
I think the Encore took the Contender out I was in the process of ordering a Contender barrel in I think a JDJ or something like that cancelled that bought Encore pistol in 308 many deer have fell to it later got the Pro Hunter still have everything two Contender and Encores
 
I have a book with everything written down, what I paid, custom work, accessories etc. that I keep separate so that the wife will have what she needs to get started at least. She is very well aware of the buzzards that will no doubt circle... My oldest stepson will assume duties on the M2 quad (M45).

RM
 
So, what about replacement parts for T/C products? -

other than the few aftermarket parts like L&R locks, Davis triggers, Green Mountain/Rice/etc drop-in barrels and a couple stock makers it's "buy up & hoard any used parts" you think you might ever need.
 

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