TC Scout

[starmac]

I made a deal on a 54 caliber tc scout with a forum member here today.

Anybody know the pro's and cons on them.

[mooman76]

I got a 54 about 6 months ago at a gunshow. I've only once but it shot pretty good. I didn't really want a 54 because I had to buy moulds for a whole new caliber but I've always wanted one and they are hard to come by now adays. Also the one I got looked almost new and was a good price. They go for a good price when you can find them. Anyway the grooves a re a little shallower and they have a pretty tight twist so minies should shoot well but I don't know that for a fact yet. They also came in two twist rates. The earlier ones like mine came in a 1/20 twist rate and I'm not sure but they changed it later to I believe 1/38 but it could be 1/28 which should be better. I/20 is more than needed.
The biggest con I know of is the nipple is not replaceable by itself. You have to change the whole breech plug assy or have it drilled and tapped for a replacement nipple. I would probably do the latter as they don't make them any more but if you search you could still find one on ebay or something like that. The nipple does seam like it is made well though and of a harder than normal metal so it should last a long time. It is a nice little gun though and I think you will like it.

[starmac]

I did not know that about the nipple. Thanks for that info. I shoot left handed and so does my son, so he can use it too. I actually wanted a 54 as that is what I currantly use and can keep the same components. I am hopeing round balls will work decant in it.

[smoked turkey]

They are very well made and mine is pretty accurate. I have to say it has been a long time since I have shot it so I can't remember specifics on loading for it. They are a little bit of a chore to clean properly. I don't know if you got a manual with it or not. If not I think you can download one from TC web site. I saw it over on the sellin forum and I think you probably will like it. I also have the .50 Scout in handgun configuration. Its fun to shoot as well. I called TC with a problem with the nipple and they sent me a free replacement. That was a few years ago.

[starmac]

I am thinking if I like it and have trouble with the nipple, I will have it drilled and tapped to accept the same nipples as my cabella's hawkin, so I can just keep one kind of nipples on hand. What do they weigh, it looks a ton lighter than my hawkin.

[Taylor]

Thompson Center still has the nipples for the Scout.

[Geraldo]

Cain's Outdoor in WVa used to have nipples as well, but they will also drill and tap your old one if you don't want to do it yourself. Nice guys to deal with. Drilling and tapping is the way to go, new Scout nipples are a lot more expensive than standard ones.

I had a Scout rifle, and later a Scout pistol both in .50. The rifle is a ton lighter than a .54 Hawken.

[starmac]

Yea I'm thinking it might be mean with full loads. lol

[Swede44mag]

I bought a 54cal TC Scout pistol years ago to take Deer hunting for a Backup It likes R.E.A.L. boolits.

[wgr]

i have one in both 50 and 54 with fast twist the later ones were 1 in 38. my 50 will put 3 shots into 1in. at 100 yards with out cleaning 90 grains pryo under a 250 xtp bullet and is just pure death on dear. the 54 likes big long bullets also havent shot it that much yet just got the barrel the 50 likes pp bullets too

[starmac]

I hope it does well without having to go the sabot route.

[wgr]

I hope it does well without having to go the sabot route.
try maxie balls

[wgr]

I hope it does well without having to go the sabot route.
try maxie balls

[Erich]

Thompson Center still has the nipples for the Scout.

Not as of last year, they don't. :neutral: They turn up on GB frequently and seem to go for around $45. I've got five of them, I think, so I ought to be good for a while.

I've got a couple of .54 Scouts - a pistol and a carbine. I like the heck out of them.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/2oct10Scouts007.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/2oct10Scouts006.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/2oct10Scouts005.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/2oct10Scouts003.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/2oct10Scouts009.jpg

I've found that they seem to like Pyrodex RS pretty good. I have shot all manner of bullets from them - round ball are fun, but the 430-grain T/C maxi-balls really bring the mail.

The pistol with 430-grain (almost one ounce!) .54 MaxiBalls over 100 grains of Pyrodex RS did 1253 fps at my range's altitude (5950', 46°F), which was pretty unpleasant. Here's video of a saboted .44-cal 240-gr bullet at 1123 fps (80-gr RS) from the pistola:

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/th_IMG_0363.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/?action=view&current=IMG_0363.mp4)

I've also had good luck with Precision Rifle's various saboted bullets - amazingly accurate for me out of the carbine.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd222/505Erich/Thompson%20Center%20Scout/1113100941.jpg

As far as tricks with these Scouts . . . well, I've found it helps to go ahead and take the nipple/plug off every time I clean it, and then just pump water through the bore. The ignition is not always as positive as it might be - looking at the long distance between the cap and the powder gives you an idea as to possibly why. I've thought about asking Colin Stolzer if he could make me a breech plug/nipple that uses 209 primers.

[Rick Hodges]

I have a .54 cal Scout. Everyone keeps calling the nipple a breech plug. It is just a large nipple, the breech plug is separate and in the barrel. The nipple was designed to assist in ignition before the advent of the 209 primer guns. The nipple screws into the breech and forms a venturi to carry the fire to the powder. The system is vented to the side so air in the system is expelled and the flame can travel directly to the powder without the push back of a static air pillow. (That is what TC explained in thier advertising when the rifle was introduced.) I have always covered the vents in the side of the receiver piece with pieces of electrical tape to keep water out while hunting. The tape blows off upon firing just like it does from the muzzle. I use RWS 1075 primers and it goes bang every time with Goex or 777.

Mine likes full diameter projectiles, Lee R.E.A.L. bullet (380 gr.) and TC Maxi Hunters. My hunting load is 90 gr. of 3F Goex and the light carbine kicks like a mule. It has been accurate, reliable, a joy to carry and has kept my freezer full of venison.

[Erich]

light carbine kicks like a mule

I've never found this to be the case - it's about like a 12-ga. with a high-brass slug round. I agree with you, though, that it's a nice gun.

[Rick Hodges]

Erich,

In looking at your pictures I see that you have a synthetic stock with a recoil pad. Mine is walnut with a straight brass butt plate. It must make a difference, mine will rattle your fillings with a full load and heavy projectile.

[starmac]

I came back from up north yesterday, and my new to me scout had arrived.
This seems like a neat little rifle, a bit different when used to a traditional muzzle loader.
It had a scope rail on it, which I removed, can anybody tell me if I need to plug the 4 screw holes where it attached before I shoot it or not.

Thanks for all info so far.

[Erich]

Rick, always liked the looks of the wood stocks - hope to pick one up someday. :)

Don't know if it's kosher to post a link to an auction here, but I can tell you there's a T/C Scout nipple on GB right now starting at $45 (not mine or anyone I know - I buy them, not sell them ;) ) - search on "Thompson Scout" and you'll hit it.

[starmac]

Erich, I haven't recieved them, but track of the wolf said they had nipples in stock. 18.95 I ordered 2 of them, hope they are the right ones.

[Erich]

My man! :) For that price, I can use another one . . . good Lord, I'm going to have quite the stockpile . . .

Edited: big thanks for the heads-up - TOW order came like a flash! :D Good looking-out!

[starmac]

My 2 nipples showed up today from track of the wolf, They look like the right ones.

[starmac]

I also picked up some 530 grain conicals to try. I got to see if I can get some recoil out of this baby. lol

[Rick Hodges]

That sure ought to do it. 455 gr. TC maxi-hunters over 90 gr. of Goex 3f will rattle my fillings after a few shots from the bench.