Thompson/Center Returns from the Dead
In the muzzleloading news I didn’t expect, Thompson Center Arms is back with a new owner as the brand enters its “post Smith & Wesson” era.
Read the official press release below:
Wabash, Indiana (April 30, 2024) - Gregg Ritz, a prominent figure in the outdoor industry, has announced the acquisition of Thompson/Center Arms, a move poised to reinvigorate the brand and its legacy in the firearms market.
Thompson/Center Arms, renowned for its innovation and craftsmanship, has been a staple in the firearms community for decades, with a rich heritage deeply rooted in pioneering designs and exceptional quality. With the acquisition led by Gregg Ritz, Thompson/Center Arms is positioned to continue its reputation of performance as the family-owned company enters an exciting new chapter under fresh leadership.
Gregg Ritz brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this acquisition that has come full circle. As former owner of Thompson/Center Arms, a seasoned media & manufacturing entrepreneur and television host of the top-rated, award-winning Hunt Masters series on Outdoor Channel, Ritz has an intimate understanding of the needs and desires of outdoor enthusiasts. His vision for Thompson/Center Arms is clear - to
build upon its rich heritage while introducing new technologies that meet the evolving demands of the market.
Ritz's ownership partners add to the depth of the team, bringing vast outdoor retail knowledge focusing on customer service and an unparalled user experience, along with two decades of global manufacturing expertise delivering the highest quality precision parts that serve the aerospace, automotive, agriculture and defense market segments. Four USA based plants, which are ISO 9001 and IAT 16949 certified and ITAR registered, span over 155,000 square feet which operate 200 state-of-the-art production machines.
"Thompson/Center Arms holds a special place in the hearts of hunters and shooters worldwide, and we are committed to honoring the past while driving inventiveness and growth," said Gregg Ritz. "With the support of our dedicated team and loyal customers, I am confident that Thompson/Center Arms will continue to thrive in the years to come."
The announcement marks a strategic move for Gregg Ritz and underscores his commitment to the firearms industry. With a focus on quality and Made in the USA manufacturing, Thompson/Center Arms is set to captivate a new generation of shooters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Like with many press releases, it’s a mixed bag of solid info and promotional material. We don’t know what Thompson Center will be doing moving forward. Will they continue the popular Encore line? Will they return to tradition with a Hawken? Or will they join much of their competition in expanding into categories targeting a modern marksman? Time will tell.
To me, the most interesting part of this news is the info on Ritz’s partners in this venture.
“Four USA based plants, which are ISO 9001 and IAT 16949 certified and ITAR registered, span over 155,000 square feet which operate 200 state-of-the-art production machines.”
Ritz brings a lot to the table with his experience, but the manufacturing backing listed above is impressive. With access to four facilities and 200 machines, this looks to be a serious comeback for Thompson/Center. At the time of reporting, we don’t know who or where these 4 facilities are, but being USA based leads us to believe T/C will continue it’s tradition of making their guns right here in America.
When will new Thompson/Center products be available?
Alongside a new video at TCArms.com, we get a glimpse into when we could see the next Thompson Center products on store shelves;
Thompson/Center Arms has been a cornerstone of the firearms industry since 1967. With a diverse range of products catering to hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts, Thompson/Center Arms has earned a reputation for excellence. Thompson/Center Arms looks to build upon its legacy while embracing the future with a renewed commitment to American made quality, innovation, and unmatched customer satisfaction.
NEW PRODUCT LINE LAUNCHING 2025
Until the new product line launches in 2025, TC appears to be selling its regular line of accessories through the same TCArms.com website.
What guns will the New Thompson/Center make?
No official word has been shared about what kinds of guns TC will be producing in the new product line. Greg Ritz, the new owner of Thompson/Center has made a career out of his hunting program, “Huntmasters” on cable television. In recent years, Greg has hunted with Traditions rifles, including the Traditions line of modern, inline muzzleloaders. Some speculate that this is a signal that Thompson Center will continue the Encore line. Combine this history with the promotional videos Thompson/Center shared on social media in the lead up to this announcement, and it looks likely.
Fans of Thompson/Center’s beginning in muzzleloading would love to see a return of the T/C American-made Hawken rifle that introduced thousands to the sport. No official word on any T/C rifle has been shared at this time.
Where will the New Thompson/Center be located?
On Instagram, one fan commented “Will it be HQ in New Hampshire? That should be a priority. ;)”, wanting to get some insight into the new plans for Thompson/Center. T/C replied stating, “in New Hampshire and Indiana.”
We don’t know what the Indiana presence for the new T/C will be, but with the press release coming out of Wabash, Indiana, some speculate the Indiana location may be relatively important. Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky are a hotbed for muzzleloading in the United States, it’s exciting to hear that Thompson/Center sees the area as important enough to do something with.