Thompson/Center has just introduced one of the slickest 22 autoloaders on the market. It has a nice walnut stock with sling studs, steel receiver, match quality barrel and an excellent trigger. It comes with a 5-round clip magazine, and adjustable fiber optic sites that are removable.
“Superior Accuracy”
I mounted a Leupold 3x9AO Compact scope on the TC and they look great together. The adjustable objective gives clear, in-focus site pictures as close as 25 yards and enough power to see bullet holes at 50 yards. A 4x12AO would be even better for target work, but the 3x9AO is great for hunting and plinking, and doesn’t over shadow the rifle.
Initial groups with Walmart bulk Federal and Remington HV ammo kept most 50 yard groups at 1″. Plenty good enough for plinking and Hunting, but I knew the rifle had the potential for 1/2″ 50 yard groups with the right ammo. As usual, CCI MiniMags turned in the best performance, with Remington HV coming in second place. Winchester ammo flew all over the paper and Federal Gold Target didn’t do great either.
I had read about how well this rifle performed, but I just couldn’t believe what the gun writers were saying about it. Well, my friends, I am here to tell you that it honestly does shoot half inch groups at 50 yards. It shoots just as well as either of my two Kimber 22 rifles that ran about three times the price of the TC. I will have to mount a stronger scope on the rifle. It certainly out shoots a 3×9’s potential. I really think this rifle will print 1/4″ groups with some regularity with the right ammo and the right person behind the trigger.
The trigger is excellent and not too heavy which is a pleasant surprise for an autoloader. It sort of reminds me of my old Belgian Browning BAR 3006 in a smaller version.
This Thompson/Center 22 Classic is without doubt, the finest 22 caliber semi-auto rifle I have ever shot. If you can have only one 22 rifle, make it a TC 22 Classic.
How much does this accuracy cost? Between $280-300 new. I bought mine fired but mint in the box for $240 including tax and shipping. I see a Leupold 4x12AO in the TC’s future.
Best Scopes For 22LR Rimfire Rifles
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle in Black – RR3940BS4
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle $99 at Amazon
BDC Reticle for 40 Grain 22 AMMO
- The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 is Designed to deliver peak performance for the 40-grain .22 LR, this scope boasts a BDC reticle with hold positions out to 125 yards—and you’ll never miss your shot thanks to capped turrets that protect your settings in the field
- One-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum body that has no problem standing up to the elements and rough use and capped turrets to protect your scope settings in the field
- Multi-Coated Optics for improved resolution, light transmission, and contrast to you get you on target
- DZ22 Reticle is designed specifically for a 40 grain 22 LR, with drop points out to 125 yards. Ideal for: Varmint, small game, plinking
- The Bushnell 3-9×40 Rimfire is covered by our Ironclad lifetime warranty
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope
Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope $199 at Amazon
- The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire riflescope is ideal for use at close range on 22 rimfire Rifles.
- The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
- Lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus Eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Metal on metal Precision turrets offer the ability to zero reset after sight-in. A precision glide erector System ensures accurate tracking and repeatability.
- A solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and durable scope while helping camouflage The shooter’s position.
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed the scope will deliver a lifetime of Fog proof and waterproof performance.
Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty Scopes Rimfire Riflescope $299 at Amaon
Designed Specifically For 22 Rimfire Rifles
- Model #174181 – VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with a Rimfire MOA Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- In Second Focal Plane (rear focal plane) scopes, the reticle stays the same size while the target grows and shrinks when you adjust the magnification. These reticles are ideal for lowlight hunting situations and in scopes that don’t utilize hash marks for range estimation.
- A 3:1 zoom ratio gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power
- Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care
Click For More 22 Rimfire Scopes at Amazon.
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