My Early Impressions of the Thompson/Center Compass Rifle

Hey guys,
I’ll admit there are times I can be a sucker for a really good bargain. That’s what happened buying this gun. We’ve all heard the phrase, “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” That’s usually sound advice, but this time it was wrong. Last fall I saw an unbelievably good price on budsgunshop.com for the Thompson/Center Compass. The entry level gun was on sale for $199.95, including a &75 rebate. At the time I had one grandchild, but was expecting 3 more in the next few months. I decided to buy on in 7-08 Remington for a “grand child’s deer rifle.” I wanted the version packaged w/ a 3-9X scope, but since they were out of stock I settled for the gun only. Shipping was prompt. The package included a Weaver type 2 piece scope base already attached, a nice key ring w/ a compass on the back side, the gun, a hex head wrench, a protector for the threaded part of the barrel and an instruction manual.

The gun itself has a free floated 22” barrel w/ a threaded muzzle and 5R rifling. The 5 round capacity rotary box magazine fits flush w/ the synthetic stock. The bolt features a short 60 degree bolt lift. It has a 3 position Winchester M70-type safety
The stock comes w/ 2 pre-installed sling swivel studs and a butt pad.

I unboxed the gun and cleaned the barrel. I’m not sure, but I don’t think I adjusted the trigger, but it measures to be only 4.5#. Out of curiosity I shot a few groups w/ ammo loaded for my XP-100 handgun. Groups were ok, running 1.5-2”, but not what I was hoping for, especially since T/C guarantees it to shoot 1 MOA, albeit w/ premium ammo. Since deer hunting season was right around the corner and my grandkids are too young to hunt, I put the gun on the side burner. During the winter I loaded some reduced recoil loads using Hodgdon 4895 powder, Norma brass and 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets to a muzzle velocity of approx. 2600 fps. I used an old 3-9X scope (I think it’s a Simmons) and rings that came w/ my son’s package 308 Win rifle many years ago.

I shot a single 3 shot group today and was very pleased. The group printed a very tight 0.52” at 100 yards. It handles nicely, especially for a sub $200 gun. I’m looking forward to shooting it some more. If you're looking for an inexpensive bolt action rifle, I can recommend the Thompson/Center Compass. Looks like this bargain was NOT too good to be true.

Threaded barrel and rotary magazine


The owner’s manual has more “red lettering” warnings than the New Testament


3 Position safety and short bolt throw


Promising accuracy