BSA and Thompson/Center Team Up

ROCHESTER, NH (May 13, 2010) –Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a Smith & Wesson company, announced that it has reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to become an officially licensed firearms manufacturer of the century old youth organization. Thompson/Center Arms will work with the BSA to introduce three specially designed firearms. Through this licensed relationship, current Scouts, alumni and shooting enthusiasts will be able to obtain BSA officially licensed models of the HotShot rifle, IMPACT muzzleloader and the 100th Anniversary G2 Contender muzzleloader.

"Thompson/Center is committed to the development and training of youth shooters through education on the safe handling of firearms, as well as by designing innovative products to assist with their learning," said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Thompson/Center Arms. "We are thrilled to support the Boy Scouts of America's youth shooting programs. The Boy Scouts' commitment to excellence in shooter education has led to a lifetime of safe shooting that has enhanced the future of the sport for over 100 years. Together, we will continue to foster our resources to encourage and retain young people in the shooting sports disciplines."

Among the firearms to be introduced are the new BSA licensed Thompson/Center HotShot youth rifle, a BSA licensed IMPACT muzzleloader and a BSA licensed 100th Anniversary G2 Contender muzzleloader. Chambered in .22LR, the HotShot is a highly accurate, lightweight single-shot rifle. Designed to look just like Dad's T/C Encore Pro Hunter, the HotShot features an easy to operate break-open design, accessible via the trigger guard release. With a weight of only 3 pounds, the HotShot provides youth and first time shooters with a perfect introductory platform that allows for safe, simple and quick operation. Likewise, the T/C IMPACT muzzleloader was engineered with youth and small frame shooters in mind. With the muzzleloader's adjustable length of pull, lightweight composite stock, removable breech plug and other patented features, the IMPACT helps to simplify black powder shooting both on the range and in the field. In addition to the BSA HotShot and IMPACT, Thompson/Center will also produce a limited edition G2 Contender commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The .50 caliber G2 Contender muzzleloader will feature a special BSA insignia on the side of the stock. The G2 Contender frame allows users to quickly and easily change barrel configurations, offering both centerfire and rimfire capabilities.

"The Boy Scouts of America is pleased to recognize Thompson/Center Arms as an official licensee," said Greg Winters, Manager, Licensed Programs. "We are looking forward to working with Thompson/Center Arms in creating licensed products that young people in the program can learn on and enjoy."