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Tips to Further Conceal Yourself in a Box Blind

By Wade Middleton

 

Shooting Made Easy Window Gun Rest

There are a few things that I like to do when I’m in a box blind. I like to have a small shooting rest with me. Sometimes, I’ll even go bigger, but I just carry it in my backpack and put it in the different windows that I think I’m going to shoot out of.  Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be shooting out one of these other windows, but this is my primary window.  So, I keep it set up right here. It’s quiet to set the gun on. It gives me a good rest for those long distance shots.

When I do get in a box blind, one of the other things I do is, I kind of set it up, where my gun is leaning up against something.  I might have my range finder out, where I can quickly pop off some distances before that and my backpack and my water and any other supplies,  will be readily available as well.  When you get into these box blinds, it’s a whole different type of hunting that I really, really enjoy.

I also like to use either camo tarps or some of the different products that come with the blinds to blackout certain windows, so you’re not skylighted all the time. I think that’s really important, especially if you’re hunting on a food plot and you know that the action, is gonna be in these front five windows. We’ll then blackout two or three in the back. That allows us to be able to move and bob and weave in there a little bit. And from our standpoint, the camera guy is always moving, ’cause if he’s not moving, he doesn’t get the shot. I don’t even see what happens. So, you want those capabilities and abilities in there. And then, the ability to open and close windows silently and securely is really a key deal at the end of the day.  It’s something that a lot of people don’t think of that I think is really important. You wanna be able to lock those windows up and doors up airtight when you’re gone, so undesirable creatures are not in your blind when you get back there!

 

Hunting with the Thompson/Center Compass II Rifle

By Wade Middleton

Today on Cabela’s Deer Gear TV, we debut the new Thompson/Center Compass II Rifle, take an in-depth look at all the features packed into it, and we showcase our experience with it in the field.

 

The Thompson/Center Compass lineup of rifles, you know, I’m going flashback to when they first came out. You were looking at a model that hit the streets with a great price point, with phenomenal features right out of the box. It was designed to provide, one-inch grooves at 100 yards with good ammunition right when you got it. The original Thompson/Center Compass came fixed with Weaver mounts so you can mount your scopes very easily and without spending a ton of time worrying about it. You could easily tell with the three-position safety when it’s all the way back that bolt’s locked and not going to move for carrying and moving to and from your stand. The middle position of the safety is your safety position, and all the way forward that’s your fire. The Thompson/Center Compass also came with a flush mount rotary magazine, that’s easy to load, slaps right in, holds four to five rounds depending on the caliber that you’re dealing with and comes factory-direct with the ability to thread a suppressor on the muzzle.

Now when you flash forward to the Thompson/Center Compass II Bolt-Action Rifle, you’re basically adding a trigger to an already proven performer at an affordable price that’s going to be in the three to four-pound range of pull, what that gives you is a crisp, easy trigger action that is going to help improve your accuracy even more! You’re not going to feel that long pull that you find in a lot of rifle models out there. I mean, it’s so sweet when you pull the trigger, you’re just going to want to shoot box after box through it.

Wade kneels next to his first harvest (a velvet whitetail) with the Thompson/Center Compass II

We’ve been field-testing the Thompson/Center Compass II for the last few months and when you look at the proven performer that the Thompson/Center Compass already is, at the price point that you can purchase it at, with the variety of calibers that it comes in, it’s a model of rifle that I think anybody that likes to hunt should put one of these into their safe, into their closet, wherever they’re going to store it, and then they’re going to want to get out in the field with, time and time again, because it’s going to perform in the rugged mountains, the flat deserts, cold weather, up in a deer stand, in a pop-up blind, it’s just a proven performer that’s accurate, dependable, rugged, and it’s not going to break the bank.

Thompson/Center Arms Bolt-Action Lineup for 2020

T/C® rifles to showcase new, crisp Generation II trigger, scoped combinations, and upgraded features

Thompson/Center Arms today announced that it has introduced an extensive centerfire rifle lineup for 2020 to include its new T/C Compass Utility, T/C Compass II, and T/C Venture II bolt-action rifles. The new T/C Compass II, T/C Compass II Compact, and Venture II rifles incorporate T/C’s new Generation II trigger system: a crisp, light trigger pull that delivers legendary T/C accuracy in the field.

For budget-minded shoppers, Thompson/Center has also introduced the new T/C Compass Utility, an entry-level sporting rifle that won’t break the bank. Each of these new bolt-action rifle lines features Thompson/Center’s 5R rifling, M.O.A. accuracy guarantee, and provides a host of features and value at a variety of price points for today’s hunter and shooter.

Lane Tobiassen, President of Smith & Wesson, said, “For decades, Thompson/Center has been known for its innovative firearm designs and legendary accuracy. New for 2020, T/C builds upon that legacy with an update and expansion of its bolt action rifle product line. A key feature within the update is the new T/C Generation II trigger system. Taking cues from the long range shooting world, the Generation II trigger has been designed to improve in-field accuracy, building confidence to make the shots that count. These new rifle introductions usher in a new era for Thompson/Center as we offer a firearm of great value at a variety of price points to meet the demands of today’s consumer.”

The new T/C Compass Utility, T/C Compass II, T/C Compass II Compact, and T/C Venture II are available in multiple calibers and configurations.

T/C Compass Utility – The do-all, no-frills rifle from Thompson/Center™. Built to perform a job! The T/C® COMPASS® UTILITY is designed to provide today’s sport shooters and hunters with an accurate rifle that won’t break the bank.

  • Chambered in 223 REM/5.56 NATO, 243 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 WIN, 308 WIN, and 30-06 SPRG
  • 5R rifling and M.O.A. accuracy guarantee
  • Scoped combinations available with boresighted T/C® 3-9×40 optic
  • MSRP starting at $359

T/C Compass II – The reliable performance of the original T/C® COMPASS® rifle – now with Thompson/Center’s Generation II trigger system. T/C® COMPASS® II is a feature-rich rifle that is packed with value. From the range, to the fields to the mountains, any pursuit, at any budget.

  • NEW Thompson/Center Generation II Trigger System provides crisp, light 3-4 pound trigger pull weight
  • Chambered in 223 REM/5.56 NATO, 243 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 WIN, 308 WIN, 30-06 SPRG, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag
  • Available in T/C Compass II Compact versions, featuring a 16.5” barrel with an interchangeable, extended butt pad for length of pull adjustments from 12.5” to 13.375” to fit a broad range of hunters and shooters with different thicknesses of clothing as the seasons change
  • Threaded muzzle for use with compensators, muzzle brakes, and suppressors
  • 5R rifling and M.O.A. accuracy guarantee
  • Scoped combinations available with boresighted Crimson Trace® 3-9×40 optic
  • MSRP starting at $405

T/C Venture II – Our flagship bolt-action hunting rifle – now with Thompson/Center’s Generation II trigger system. Designed for the toughest conditions, this rifle incorporates a corrosion-resistant Weather Shield® coating to help shrug off the harshest weather that Mother Nature can throw at it. The T/C® VENTURE™ II is ready for any shot, any weather, anywhere.

  • NEW Thompson/Center Generation II Trigger System provides crisp, light 3-4 pound trigger pull weight
  • Available in 223 REM/5.56 NATO, 243 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 WIN, 308 WIN, 30-06 SPRG, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, and 350 Legend
  • Threaded muzzle for use with compensators, muzzle brakes, and suppressors
  • Hogue grip panels provide a sure grip in all weather conditions
  • Weather Shield exterior metal coating for enhanced corrosion resistance
  • 5R rifling and M.O.A. accuracy guarantee
  • MSRP starting at $525

To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Thompson/Center, follow Thompson/Center Arms on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

To learn more about Thompson/Center Arms products, please click here.

About Smith & Wesson Inc.

Smith & Wesson Inc. is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the U.S. consumer and law enforcement markets, as well as global military and law enforcement customers. The company’s firearm division brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, Performance Center®, Thompson/Center Arms™, and Gemtech®. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

Thompson/Center Arms™ Introduces IMPACT!SB™ Muzzleloader


 New muzzleloaders feature hand-removable breech plug and Power Rod®

 

T/C’s Speed Breech™ with triple lead threads simplifies this process, requiring only five turns to screw in, which not only saves time but reduces seizing.

Thompson/Center Arms today announced the launch of its new entry-level IMPACT!SB line of .50 caliber break-open muzzleloaders, featuring a new, hand-removable triple lead thread breech plug and a Power Rod aluminum ramrod for easy loading.  The Thompson/Center IMPACT!SB muzzleloaders are available in a variety of patterns and finishes, including the latest Realtree® and Mossy Oak® camouflage patterns.

 

Danielle Sanville, Brand Manager for Thompson/Center Arms, said, “The new Thompson/Center IMPACT!SB muzzleloader incorporates some of Thompson/Center’s most innovative features at an entry-level price point, including fiber optic sights, a hand removable triple lead thread breech plug, Power Rod, and Quick Load Accurizor® (QLA) for trouble-free loading.  The new T/C IMPACT!SB provides excellent value – whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to expand into muzzleloading, or a first-time hunter searching for a feature-rich muzzleloader at a great price.”

Danielle Sanville, Brand Manager for Thompson/Center Arms poses with her buck that was recently taken this past season with the new IMPACT!SB™ Muzzleloader.

Available in multiple patterns and finishes, the T/C IMPACT!SB muzzleloaders are offered in both a Blued and Weather Shield® corrosion-resistant finish to protect against the elements. The new T/C IMPACT!SB also includes a 1” removable buttstock spacer, allowing the user to adjust the length of pull to best suit clothing choice and weather conditions in the field, as well as increased versatility and a better fit for smaller-statured hunters.  The T/C IMPACT!SB is offered at an MSRP starting at $263.

Cabela’s Deer Gear Host Wade Middleton, had success filling his freezer with the IMPACT!SB™ Muzzleloader this past season.

 

To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Thompson/Center, be sure to follow Thompson/Center Arms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Performance Center® Introduces T/C® Long Range Rifle in Multiple Calibers, Configurations

 

Performance Center enters long range category with new bolt-action, precision rifle.

Performance Center and Thompson/Center Arms™ today announced the launch of a new bolt-action, chassis-style rifle – the Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle (LRR).  Co-developed by Performance Center and Thompson/Center Arms for extreme long range shooting, the Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle is built on an aluminum chassis stock and is available in popular long range shooting calibers: .243 Winchester, .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.  The new Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle will be on display at Thompson/Center and Performance Center Booths (Booth #8555) during the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits on May 4-6 in Dallas, Texas.

Tony Miele, General Manager of Performance Center, said, “With the growing popularity of long range, precision shooting, we wanted to ensure our customers had an option available from the Performance Center.  We’ve teamed up with Thompson/Center to design the new Long Range Rifle, and are excited to combine Thompson/Center’s bolt-action expertise with innovation that has become the hallmark of the Performance Center brand. ”

Chambered in .243 Win., .308 Win., and 6.5 Creedmoor, the new Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle also includes a 20 MOA picatinny-style rail and 5R rifled, fluted barrel for enhanced accuracy. The new Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle is built for the precision shooter, featuring an adjustable cheek piece and butt plate for a custom fit and built-in Magpul® M-LOK® slots for quick, easy mounting of accessories.  The rifle features a threaded barrel with muzzle brake, and a Performance Center trigger that’s adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds for precise tuning.

 Available in both a Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish, the new Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle includes a one year limited warranty and lifetime service plan, ships with one 10-round detachable magazine, a Caldwell® Pic Rail XLA Fixed Bipod®, and soft case.  The Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle is priced at an MSRP of $1,211 in all calibers and configurations.

To stay up to date on all of the latest news and events, be sure to follow Performance Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To learn more about the Performance Center T/C Long Range Rifle, please click here.