Thompson/Center Arms ENCORE PROHunter Returns

by
posted on May 6, 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. **
Thompson Center Arms Comeback Includes Favorite Rifle A
Images courtesy of TCArms.com.

Thompson/Center Arms (T/C Arms) announced the return of its ENCORE PROHunter in April 2025, signaling yet another step forward in rebuilding the well-known firearm firm.

"We are proud to have Thompson/Center return to its hometown manufacturing roots of Rochester, N.H., and thrive as family-owned once again," said Gregg Ritz, president and CEO of T/C Arms. "Our talented team is committed to the innovation, unrivaled quality, and lifetime warranty that have defined the iconic T/C brand for 60 years. Hunters and shooters can expect to see the rebirth of the storied product lines such as the ENCORE platform, along with new designs that will redefine the shooting experience and remind gun owners why T/C Arms is 'America’s Master Gunmaker.'"

Ritz, the former owner, president and CEO of T/C Arms, reacquired it from Smith & Wesson a year ago. His focus was squarely on maintaining the company’s popular interchangeable barrel/chambering system. “The barrels we make today will fit frames made in 1965, and the barrels made in 1965 will fit the frames we’re making today,” Ritz told American Rifleman barely a month after ink had dried on the purchase agreement.

Thompson/Center Arms ENCORE PROHunter single-shot gun rifle stainless steel metal black polymer stock shown with Leupold gold-ring riflescope

The introduction of a complete T/C Arms ENCORE PROHunter—a single shot, break-open platform with the interchangeable barrel feature—is a big step for the company.

The first T/C Arms firearm was the single-shot Contender pistol. It was a popular choice for metallic silhouette shooters and the interchangeable barrels added versatility for other pursuits, including hunting. Between 1967, when it hit the market, and 2023, more than 400,000 sold.

Smith & Wesson purchased the company when Ritz was at the helm in 2007. Production was moved from New Hampshire to Massachusetts in 2010. By May 2021, it became apparent T/C Arms would no longer be part of the Smith & Wesson family of companies. That month, the company issued a press release announcing it was trying to divest itself of the brand as part of a long-term strategy to focus on core brands.

Latest

Henry Mini Bolt G2 02
Henry Mini Bolt G2 02

Henry Updates Mini Bolt Youth Rifle

Henry Repeating Arms introduced its Mini Bolt Youth rifle nearly 25 years ago as an ideal training rifle for young firearm enthusiasts. In 2025, the platform received a number of design updates.

Preview: Avian-X AXP Lessers Fusion Pack

The AXP Lessers Fusion Pack from Avian-X offers a bundle of six durable life-like decoys in a variety of postures to attract even the wariest of Canadian geese.

Gun Of The Week: Armscor TM22-S-18

We're on the range in this video to get a closer look at an affordable plinker imported by Armscor. Whether you’re training on a budget or just want a rimfire for plinking, the TM22 is a proven platform worth investigating.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 22, 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.

Winter Warrior: The Finnish Lahti-Saloranta M/26 LMG

A little-known light machine gun from the inter-war era, the Finnish Lahti-Saloranta M/26 garnered a poor reputation during its service in World War II, but a closer look and some context reveals how innovative it was for its time.

Federal Ammunition Honored By National 4-H Shooting Sports

Federal Ammunition was recently honored with the 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award, which recognizes individuals or companies that have made significant contributions to the 4-H Shooting Sports program at a national level.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.