I've said this before, but I was always a Thompson Center fan, because they were a USA manufacturer who made all kinds of cool guns of all forms. They made dozens of different muzzleloaders, some came and went in just a number of years, some stuck around for many decades. They were always innovating, and always turned out a high quality gun. They were always a muzzleloader company, but obviously took over the single shot market.
Now I look at their website today, and it's shrinking every year since they were bought. Currently they only make two bolt actions, the Compass and the Venture. They obviously sell, but both seem so similar, it doesn't make sense to offer both. Last year they still had the Dimension which was a switch barrel. That was a cool innovative gun, but only lasted what, 5 years? They never offered but a handful of barrels for it. I also see they offer a custom long range bolt action. Nothing real innovative about it, just a high price bolt for someone. Not me.
They offer a version of the Ruger 10/22, there's not a million of those out there.
Their single shot barrels and accessories have dwindled. They still offer both the Encore and Contender G2, but both are largely unchanged. This is ok, as both are fine just the way they are. The wide array of barrels is gone, only offered in the aftermarket or used. The Encore is currently only listed in 4 basic calibers.
Their muzzleloaders, however, are just three models. The Encore, Triumph, and Impact. The Encore is fine. The Triumph is just the easy ship version of the Encore. The Impact is the best deal coming from TC at the moment in my eyes. It's the only reasonably priced, American made muzzleloader made anymore. It shoots fantastic, as good as any encore.
So with all that, where is the innovation and creativity from TC that we used to see? They can't just ride on the Encore and Contender forever. I doubt they can last in the over crowded bolt market. Their muzzleloaders are all cookie cutter inline 50 caliber modern's. I would hate to see what was once a great company fade into history.
Come out with a new single shot switch barrel system. Bring back some old school muzzleloaders. Or go a different direction all together.