T/C rifle barrels labeling

[UndeadPoet]

Hello All,

When did T/C start putting the “For black powder or Pyrodex only” warning on Renegade or Hawken barrels? Also, my understanding is that (except for at the very start) T/C rifles are made in Italy (by Investarms?) If so, why do they not have any Italian proof marks on the barrels? Or do they, and my (new to me) Renegade just doesn’t?

Thanks!

‘Poet

 

[ord sgt]

There are no Italian proof marks on my 1983 T/C Hawken kit. Only Rochester, New Hampshire, home of the T/C plant at the time (BF) b.

 

[UndeadPoet]

Yeah, mine has that (except is CAL .50) and also “RENEGADE” after it. Does yours have the Blackpowder only warning on the other side and your serial number?

 

[FishDFly]

T/C rifles are made in Italy (by Investarms?) If so, why do they not have any Italian proof marks on the barrels?

Nope, only U.S. made.

 

[ord sgt]

Yeah, mine has that (except is CAL .50) and also “RENEGADE” after it. Does yours have the Blackpowder only warning on the other side and your serial number?

Only the serial number is on the opposite flat. No warning stamps.

 

[sqqy14]

Investarms made a similar Hawken to the T/C firearm. Commonly called the Cabela's Hawken.
They were and still are quality guns.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The T/C Hawken and the family of InvestArms share a lot of design features but the T/C traditional rifles were made in the US. No Italian parts used.

 

[UndeadPoet]

The T/C Hawken and the family of InvestArms share a lot of design features but the T/C traditional rifles were made in the US. No Italian parts used.

So T/C’s were American-made until they stopped making sidelocks?

 

[necchi]

So T/C’s were American-made until they stopped making sidelocks?

That question is too broad,
Thompson Center's line of traditional guns where all made in the USA. They did begin offering in-line and modern firearms while they were still offering the traditional guns.
Some outsourcing of components for the in-line and modern offerings may have been done.
But again, all of the traditional line where made here in the USA.
Get it?

 

[UndeadPoet]

I do. Thanks, necchi. I was misinformed. I thought that traditional-style T/C barrels, locks, etc., were originally American-made, but then shifted to Italy (bad parallel, but kind of like the original CVA Mountain rifle barrels, etc. before they started coming from Spain). Any idea why T/C chose a coil spring for their locks rather than traditional flat springs?

 

[UndeadPoet]

Everyone,

Please forgive my ignorance on the non-existent “Italian connection.” I recently acquired the Renegade, and am not a long-time T/C owner (other than inheriting my father’s .54 T/C unmentionable (inline)).

Thanks for your wisdom and your patience…

‘Poet

 

[2 shots]

i think it is because coil spings are easy and cheaper to make. less breakage maybe?

 

[Grenadier1758]

I do. Thanks, necchi. I was misinformed. I thought that traditional-style T/C barrels, locks, etc., were originally American-made, but then shifted to Italy (bad parallel, but kind of like the original CVA Mountain rifle barrels, etc. before they started coming from Spain). Any idea why T/C chose a coil spring for their locks rather than traditional flat springs?

The coil spring lock was one of the primary design collaborations that T/C and InvestArms shared. That's why T/C and InvestArms lock parts kind of / sort of interchange. Most common swaps are the InvestArms hammer and frizzen for the T/C parts. That may be part of the speculation that T/C parts were made in Italy.

T/C wanted a modern (?) lock that was cheaper to manufacture than an old design flat spring. They made the claim that performance was improved by the coil spring. Not really, but it is a more modern lock design.

 

[necchi]

Any idea why T/C chose a coil spring for their locks rather than traditional flat springs?

No I don't really,,I guess I always thought it had to do with patent issues and "new" engineering designs of the era. The geometry and function certainly have stood the test of time. I think the change had to do with the known of late 19th and early 20th century firearms using leaf springs that failed over time,, along with newer steel alloys and manufacture techniques,,
Just a progression,,

The coil spring lock was one of the primary design collaborations that T/C and InvestArms shared.

Now, "collaborations", I think is the wrong term here,,
That would indicate that they worked together. I'm pretty sure that's wasn't the case.(at least in a legal manner) Maybe,, American and European patents happening about the same time??
I'll bet a couple guy's got rich off the idea,,

 

[SDSmlf]

The coil spring lock was one of the primary design collaborations that T/C and InvestArms shared.

Curious where you came up with this tidbit? Reference please.

 

[Mulemauler]

Both companies took advantage of the untimely demise of Robert Tingle who developed and manufactured a very similar coil spring lock in the 50's and a single shot pistol with same handling feel and pointability of an 1851 Colt navy also using coil springs. Both took many of the lock designs and Italian companies started producing and almost interchangeable pistol.

 

[Eric Krewson]

The real demise of TC sidelocks was a fire that consumed part of their production facility along with all their records.

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1997/03/28/Fire-hits-NH-gun-factory/7938859525200/

 

[Critter Getter]

I think the demise of the TC sidelocks had to do with higher priced American wages that it took to produce those guns. Towards the end TC Hawkens were pretty pricey compared to the foreign competition. Greg

 

[BP Addict]

The real demise of TC sidelocks was a fire that consumed part of their production facility along with all their records.

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1997/03/28/Fire-hits-NH-gun-factory/7938859525200/

I had been told that only affected the Patriot Pistol. Side-locks were still being manufactured until 2007, then discontinued. This happened after Smith and Wesson purchased the company.

 

[necchi]

Both companies took advantage of the untimely demise of Robert Tingle who developed and manufactured a very similar coil spring lock,,

That's an interesting tidbit, Thank's for the share,,

https://gundigest.com/more/classic-guns/tingles-creation-still-amazes