Auto-Ordnance (Thompson)

About Thompson/Center Arms

Thompson/Auto-Ordnance was founded in 1965 when engineer Warren Center partnered with K.W. Thompson Tool Company to bring his revolutionary break-action pistol design to market.

Center had developed a unique single-shot pistol with interchangeable barrels in his basement workshop during the 1960s, creating a platform that would transform handgun hunting forever.

The company introduced the legendary Contender pistol in 1967, followed by the iconic Hawken muzzleloader in 1970 that sparked the resurgence of black powder hunting across America.

Thompson/Center became recognized worldwide as a leading firearms manufacturer, revolutionizing both handgun hunting and muzzleloader sports with their innovative interchangeable barrel systems.

After being acquired by Smith & Wesson in 2007, the company returned to independent ownership in 2024 under former CEO Gregg Ritz, renewing their commitment to American-made innovation and quality craftsmanship.

Popular Thompson/Center Arms Features

Interchangeable Barrel System

• The revolutionary break-action design allows shooters to easily change barrels and calibers on one frame, with scopes remaining mounted on individual barrels.

Button Rifled Barrels

• Precision button rifled and brush honed barrels feature match grade crowns and 5R rifling on newer models for exceptional accuracy.

Fixed-Breech Action

• The fixed-breech design prevents gas leakage, delivering higher velocities and improved performance compared to hinged-breech actions.

Nitride Coated Trigger System

• Advanced nitride coated triggers and sears provide cleaner, more consistent trigger pulls for enhanced accuracy and reliability.

Enhanced Recoil Management

• LimbSaver AirTech recoil pads and compression arches with Energy Burners reduce felt recoil up to 70% and absorb shock and vibration.

Threaded Muzzles

• Modern Thompson/Center firearms feature threaded muzzles for easy attachment of suppressors and muzzle brakes.

Best-Selling Thompson/Center Arms Products

Encore ProHunter

• The flagship Encore ProHunter platform offers rifle and pistol configurations with advanced features and compatibility with the strongest action system for large calibers.

Contender G2

• The updated version of the original revolutionary Contender pistol maintains backward compatibility while offering modern enhancements and precision accuracy.

Hawken Muzzleloader

• The iconic Hawken traditional muzzleloader, introduced in 1970, is credited with creating the modern resurgence of black powder hunting in America.

Fire Storm Flintlock

• Traditional flintlock muzzleloaders combine historical authenticity with Thompson/Center's renowned accuracy and craftsmanship for primitive weapon seasons.

Compass Bolt-Action Rifles

• The Compass series delivers reliable bolt-action performance with Thompson/Center's commitment to accuracy at an accessible price point.

Encore Shotgun Barrels

• Available in 12 and 20 gauge configurations, Encore shotgun barrels provide versatility for turkey hunting and upland game on the proven break-action platform.

Popular Uses for Thompson/Center Arms

Handgun Hunting

• Thompson/Center revolutionized handgun hunting by providing rifle-like performance and accuracy in a break-action pistol platform with interchangeable calibers.

Big Game Hunting

• The Encore platform handles everything from deer hunting to dangerous game with calibers ranging from .17 rimfire to .45-70 Government and .416 Rigby.

Muzzleloader Hunting

• Thompson/Center muzzleloaders excel in specialized black powder seasons and traditional hunting methods, offering both inline and traditional flintlock options.

Multi-Season Versatility

• One Thompson/Center frame with multiple barrels allows hunters to adapt to different hunting seasons, regulations, and game types without purchasing multiple firearms.

Precision Target Shooting

• The single-shot design and precision-rifled barrels make Thompson/Center firearms ideal for silhouette competition and accuracy-focused target shooting.

Thompson/Center Arms FAQs

QUESTION: Are Thompson/Center Arms barrels interchangeable between different generations?
ANSWER: Yes, Thompson/Center maintains backward compatibility, allowing older frames to work with newer barrels across most of their product lines.

QUESTION: What calibers are available for Thompson/Center Encore firearms?
ANSWER: Encore platforms accommodate calibers from .17 rimfire to .45-70 Government and .416 Rigby, plus 12 and 20 gauge shotgun configurations.

QUESTION: Do Thompson Center Arms firearms come with a warranty?
ANSWER: Thompson/Center has historically offered strong warranty coverage and maintains a reputation for standing behind their products with excellent customer service.

QUESTION: Can I keep my scope mounted when changing Thompson/Center barrels?
ANSWER: Yes, the interchangeable barrel system allows scopes to remain permanently mounted on individual barrels for quick caliber changes without losing zero.

QUESTION: What makes Thompson Center muzzleloaders special for hunting?
ANSWER: Thompson/Center is credited with creating the modern muzzleloader hunting resurgence, offering both traditional and inline designs with exceptional accuracy and reliability.

QUESTION: Are Thompson/Center Arms firearms good for handgun hunting?
ANSWER: Thompson/Center revolutionized handgun hunting with their break-action pistols that deliver rifle-like accuracy and performance in a compact platform.

QUESTION: Where are Thompson Center Arms firearms manufactured?
ANSWER: Thompson/Center Arms firearms are designed in Rochester, New Hampshire and manufactured in Wabash, Indiana with American-made craftsmanship.

QUESTION: What is the difference between Contender and Encore platforms?
ANSWER: The Encore platform features a stronger action system designed to handle larger calibers, while the Contender system works best with lighter to medium calibers.