Thompson/Center's bolt-action rifle couldn't be more aptly named.
By Greg Rodriguez
Thompson/Center has done well over the years with its extensive line of single-shot handguns, rifles, and muzzleloaders. In fact, if BATFE counted blackpowder arms, T/C would be one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the country. Many businesses would be content with that, but T/C's Greg Ritz felt there was a place in the market for a quality bolt-action rifle.
Ritz and the T/C design crew started with a blank slate when they decided to build a new bolt gun. They talked to custom-rifle builders, like George Gardner of GA Precision, as well as people who compete and hunt with rifles for a living. Between their feedback and design input from T/C's in-house designers and engineers, the team came up with a solid yet graceful action they thought would serve as the heart of the new bolt-action rifle line. They christened their new baby the "Icon."
The Icon Inside And Out
The Icon's action is machined from bar stock in the T/C factory. The influence of the tactical community on its design is immediately apparent in its three-round, detachable-box magazine; flat bottom; solid top; and integral Weaver-style scope-mounting rail.
3.5 pounds; trigger is adjustable for pull weight, overtravel, and sear engagement
Weight, empty
7.25 pounds
Safety:
2-position with bolt lock; type: mechanical
Sights:
None; integral Weaver-style base
Stock:
Select grade walnut
Stock finish:
Oil
Length Of Pull:
14 inches
Checkering:
20 lines per inch checkering with ribbon accents
Buttpad:
Black, soft-rubber recoil pad
Sling studs/swivels:
Fixed studs
Price:
$1025
In theory, the solid top makes for a more rigid--and therefore more accurate--action. The integral scope-mounting base also helps, as it eliminates yet one more variable from the scope-mounting equation. Further bolstering the Icon's accuracy are three integral recoil lugs that interlock with the stock's integral aluminum bedding block. When combined with the action's flat bottom, this results in a rock-solid melding of the stock and action, which is essential for benchrest-quality accuracy.
The Icon's solid bolt is machined from bar stock, and the finished product is a jeweled, three-lug affair that provides a short, 60-degree bolt lift for greater clearance between the bolt handle and the scope's ocular lens for shooters with meaty hands. A small "T-slot" extractor is milled into one of the lugs, resulting in a solid ring of steel that uniformly supports the case head. A plunger-style ejector in the boltface accomplishes ejection.
Yet another interesting feature of the Icon is its interchangeable bolt handle. A butterknife-style handle is standard, but round and oversized tactical models are available. My test rifle had the optional round knob, but replacing it with one of the other handles is easy with the supplied bolt disassembly tool. To break it down, all you have to do is release the spring tension, push down on the shroud, remove the bolt handle, and remove the firing pin and firing pin spring from the bolt body. To replace the bolt handle, simply insert the chosen handle upon reassembly.
Other unique features include a racy, skeletonized bolt shroud and a slick bolt release on the left side of the receiver. Operation of the release is easier and more instinctive than competing designs.
(left) The Icon's trigger is adjustable. (right) The round bolt knob on the test rifle is an option.
The Icon also has a unique, two-position safety. With the safety in the "On" position, the bolt is not locked. However, an independent bolt lock will lock the safety "On" and block the bolt from being raised. It is a simple, out-of-the-way part that won't offend those who prefer a simpler, two-position safety.
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