Thompson/Center Compass
Thompson/Center Arms · Rifle · In Production · 2016
Also known as: Compass II, Compass Utility
Overview
The Thompson/Center Compass is a budget-priced bolt-action hunting rifle introduced in 2016 to compete in the affordable bolt-gun segment alongside the Ruger American and Savage Axis. It pairs a full-diameter, three-lug bolt with a fast 60-degree throw, a free-floated steel barrel cut with Thompson/Center's asymmetrical 5R rifling, a threaded muzzle, a user-adjustable single-stage trigger, a flush-fitting detachable rotary magazine and a synthetic stock with aluminum pillars and a steel recoil lug. Despite its low price point, T/C guarantees minute-of-angle accuracy (1-inch three-shot groups at 100 yards) with premium ammunition. It is offered in roughly ten chamberings from .204 Ruger up to .300 Winchester Magnum.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3289 g (116.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1041 mm (40.98") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage Adjustable |
| Trigger Pull | 17 N (3.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 859 m/s (2818 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3579 J (2640 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62×51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
- .204 Ruger
- .223 Remington · 5.56×45mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm
- .22-250 Remington
- .243 Winchester
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- .270 Winchester
- 7mm-08 Remington
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as 7.62x63mm
- 7mm Remington Magnum
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Rotary Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety, Cocking Indicator
- Features: Three Lug Bolt, Sixty Degree Bolt Throw, Free Floated Barrel, 5r Rifling, Threaded Muzzle, Adjustable Trigger, Detachable Rotary Magazine, Moa Accuracy Guarantee, Drilled And Tapped, Aluminum Stock Pillars, Steel Recoil Lug
Variants
- Thompson/Center Compass II — Improved Model
- Thompson/Center Compass Utility — Budget Package
Production
Production years: 2016-present
Original Compass launched 2016; Compass II succeeded it later, with the Compass Utility offered as a value package.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Standard chamberings use a 22-inch barrel with a five-round magazine; magnum chamberings use a 24-inch barrel and a four-round magazine. Muzzle threads are 1/2-28 on .204 Ruger / .223 Rem. / .22-250 Rem. and 5/8-24 on .243 Win. and larger. The Compass II (introduced circa 2019) refined the design with a Generation II trigger and updated stock; the Compass Utility is a value-focused package, often sold scoped. A Compass II Compact uses a shortened 16.25-inch barrel. The .308 Winchester ballistics shown reflect a typical 150-grain factory load, not a factory-published figure for this specific rifle.
Background
Thompson/Center Arms built its reputation on the Contender single-shot pistol and Encore break-action platforms, so the Compass marked an unusual move into the high-volume budget bolt-action market for the New Hampshire maker. Launched with a $399 MSRP, it was T/C's answer to the wave of sub-$400 'accuracy guaranteed' bolt rifles, leaning on its 5R match-grade rifling heritage to promise MOA groups at a price point where guarantees were rare.