T/C Rebirth: Thompson/Center Brings Back The Triumph Muzzleloader

by
posted on October 25, 2025
** 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. **
TC Triumph 01
Image courtesy of Thompson/Center Arms.

At one time, Thompson/Center Arms was the leading name in muzzleloaders, starting out with traditional-style firearms and venturing into the world of modern inline muzzleloaders. The company was purchased by Smith & Wesson in 2007 before being shuttered in 2021 during that company’s re-organization. In 2024, Thompson/Center was purchased by former president Gregg Ritz and is on the road to recovering its past muzzleloading reputation with the newly updated and reintroduced for 2025 Triumph in-line muzzleloader.

Right side of the all-black Thompson/Center Arms Triumph in-line muzzleloader.
Thompson/Center has updated and reintroduced its Triumph in-line muzzleloader.

The Triumph, originally introduced by Thompson/Center in 2007, is what Ritz calls “the best value-priced muzzleloader on the market today.” It is a .50-cal. in-line design with a patented “toggle-lock” break-open action with only four moving parts that provides a sealed ignition system. The manually-cocked hammer uses an automatic safety. Ignition is achieved with 209 shotgun primers. The Triumph’s Speed Breech XT breechplug removes for cleaning with a quarter turn and is rated for both loose powder or pellets.

A man using the opening lever on the Triumph in-line muzzleloader.
The Triumph uses a patented toggle-lock, break-open action.
Man removing the breechplug from a Thompson/Center Arms Triumph muzzleloader.
The breechplug can be removed with a quarter turn for cleaning.
Man placing a shotgun primer in the breech of the Triumph in-line muzzleloader.
The Triumph uses 209 shotgun primers for ignition.

The Triumph’s 29” barrel is nitride treated on both the inside and outside surfaces and is magnum-rated for a 150-grain charge of blackpowder or 120 grains of Black Horn 209 powder. It has 1:24” twist rifling and Thompson’s Quick Load Accurizor (QLA) muzzle system, and is drilled and tapped for optic mounts or iron sights. The rifle is supplied with a solid aluminum Rugged Rod loading rod. The fore-end and stock are checkered polymer with a SimsAirTech Limbsaver recoil pad at the rear and quick-detachable sling swivel studs. Unlike Thompson’s switch-barrel Encore, the Triumph is a dedicated muzzleloader that does not require a Federal Form 4473 to purchase. 

Man loading a Thompson/Center Arms Triumph in-line muzzleloader.
The Triumph’s barrel is nitride treated on both the external and internal surfaces for durability and has Thompson’s QLA muzzle system.

The new T/C Triumph is available with two finish options. The first has a black nitride barrel and a gray Cerakote action with black furniture with an MSRP of $800. The second has a black nitride barrel, black Cerakote action and a Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage finish on the furniture with an MSRP of $850.

Right side of a camouflage-finished Thompson/Center Arms Triumph muzzleloader.
The new Triumph is offered in two finish options, including with Mossy Oak Bottomland furniture, as pictured.

“The Triumph is back: stronger, sleeker, and more capable than ever,” Ritz declared, when announcing the rifle’s reintroduction. For more information, see the company’s website.

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

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

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.