NRA Gun of the Week: Thompson/Center Arms Venture II

by
posted on March 26, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Thompson/Center’s Venture II include enhancements that make it a viable and top contender in the flooded market of budget-friendly, bolt-action hunting rifles. The Venture II is available in a full suite of chamberings, nine total, including long- and short-action cartridges.

For this NRA Gun of the Week video, American Rifleman examines a Venture II model chambered for a cartridge hard not to accept as a good one—6.5 mm Creedmoor. Between the cartridge's fairly-light recoil impulse to its slippery, high ballistic coefficient 6.5 mm bullets, shooters and hunters today can use with budget-priced, bolt-action platforms to achieve accuracy and precision once thought to be indicative of custom-built rifles.

Taking a look at the Venture II’s receiver, you’ll find a right-side ejection port, right-hand bolt handle and a two-position safety mounted on the right side just behind the bolt. Opposite the safety lever is the left-side-mounted bolt-release lever. The bolt’s three-lug head requires 60 degrees of rotation to lock and unlock. A sliding-plate extractor and plunger ejector are used on the push-feed-style bolt.

Thompson/Center utilizes a three-round detachable magazine to feed its Venture II rifle. This next generation Venture rifle includes Thompson/Center’s Generation II trigger, an adjustable mechanism with blade-in-shoe safety that provides for a smooth pull with crisp breaking point. Putting rounds on target is promoted by a 22” button-rifled barrel that features 5R-style rifling, target crown and threaded muzzle for accessories. The rifle's receiver is drilled and tapped for optics; Weaver-style bases are included from the factory.

Completing the Venture II is a Hogue Overmolded stock with pillar bedding and traction panels—adornments that improve the gun’s repeatability and handling characteristics. Additionally, T/C’s use of Weather Shield coating to the gun’s barreled action protects against corrosion and wear, another added bonus for those seeking to push the Venture II through inclement conditions, whether at the range or a mountain-top hunt.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video, above, to learn more about Thompson/Center’s top-tier bolt-action rifle—the Venture II.

Thompson/Center Venture II Specifications
Manufacturer: Thompson/Center Arms
Model: Venture II
Chambering: 6.5 mm Creedmoor
Action Type: bolt-action center-fire rifle
Receiver: Weather Shield-finished steel
Barrel: 22” Weather Shield-finished steel
Magazine: three-round detachable box
Sights: none; Weaver optic bases included
Trigger: single-stage, adjustable 3-lb., 4-oz. pull
Stock: black Hogue Overmold
MSRP: $525

Additional Reading:
Tested: Thompson/Center Strike Muzzleloader
Thompson/Center Compass Rifle Review
Thompson/Center Arms Pro Hunter FX 209X50
Tested: Thompson/Center T/CR22 Rifle

Right side of rifle with stainless steel barrel, black stock, black scope on white background with text saying Thompson/Center Venture II.

Silver barrel on white backround showing muzzle with black thread protector.

Thompson/Center Venture II rifle trigger on white background.

Thompson/Center Venture II bolt with three-lug head, slideing-plate extractor and plunger ejector shown on white background.

Rifle magazine in hand showing loading brass with Federal Premium ammunition box in background.

Over-the-shoulder view of rifleman with gray ballcap and green shirt shown in white indoor shooting range holding a black rifle with black Crimson Trace scope and a black sling.

Foward-facing view of rifleman with gray ballcap and green shirt shooting rifle in white indoor shooting range.


Extras:
Thompson Center Dimension Review


Gun of the Week: Thompson/Center Dimension


T/C Compass Rifle Review


The Men & Guns of D-Day; T/C Arms T/CR22; Dutch Lugers


Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P M2.0

Latest

Colt Kodiak Gotw 1
Colt Kodiak Gotw 1

Gun Of The Week: Colt Kodiak

The Kodiak, introduced in 2024, is based on the company’s iconic Anaconda design, which was brought back to the market in 2021.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The French Charleville: Workhorse Of The American Revolution

Often overlooked, the French "Charleville" infantry musket was one of the most significant longarms of the 18th and 19th centuries and was integral to the success of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

Lisa Tuason Appointed Interim CEO of Armscor/Rock Island Armory

Following the unexpected passing of Armscor President and CEO Martin Tuason in November, Lisa Tuason was appointed as interim CEO in early December, ensuring continued family leadership.

Preview: BullyWerx BullyTRAKR

Ultra-compact and stealthy by design, the BullyTRAKR is a discreet electronic tracking device that uses nearby smartphones and Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) to keep tabs on valuables through that encrypted WPS technology.

I Have This Old Gun: P08 Luger

One of the most iconic sidearms ever made, the P08 Luger was a mainstay in the German army from before World War I until the end of World War II.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.