Thompson Center Compass quality

[TexasPatriot.308]

I've had some friends speak highly of the Thompson Compass, I picked up one at a gun shop just to handle it, I found the action to be just as rough as the cheapo junk Remington 710 I handled years ago. Any others handle this action and feel the same way or did I just pick up a bad one. I'm looking to get a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action rifle to experiment with this caliber for hogs. Still consider the Ruger American Predator also. Thanks

 

[giggitygiggity]

I have two. One is chambered in .243 Win and the other is in 7mm-08. The actions aren't bad. They're not smooth as glass, but I did not feel that they were "rough" and they definitely do not detract from the accuracy of the rifle. The stocks do seem cheaply made, but they're durable. The rifles function reliably and shoot accurately. For a rifle that is 1MOA, has 5R rifling, has an adjustable trigger, and has a threaded barrel, I can overlook some refinements for a $200 price-point after the $75 rebate.

 

[ZGunner]

I think the price point is what sells them. If I were to judge them on feel alone, I wouldn't pick up another. But all of these good reviews must speak to it's performance. If I only have $300 to spend on a rifle, I'll go for it. You can't hardly get milsurps for that any more. One of the cheaper ways to get into the 6.5 Creedmoor. I still have my eyes on the Ruger American Predator though, but at nearly double the price after rebates it's a tough decision.

 

[HankC]

Just the Thompson Center name and life time warranty worth a hundred bucks! I bought mine $197 after rebate last year, action is smooth. Haven't shot it yet, not in a hurry while there is a life time warranty.
I don't think I can get a 5R barrel at the price I paid for the rifle.

 

[bassjam]

My brother picked up a T/C Compass, in handling it the quality is way above my Rem 710 and the action was smoother as well (though nowhere near Tikka smooth). He hasn't shot it yet, but my 710 is capable of sub MOA groups so I've learned not to write off cheap guns in terms of accuracy.

 

[Newtosavage]

I've had some friends speak highly of the Thompson Compass, I picked up one at a gun shop just to handle it, I found the action to be just as rough as the cheapo junk Remington 710 I handled years ago. Any others handle this action and feel the same way or did I just pick up a bad one. I'm looking to get a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action rifle to experiment with this caliber for hogs. Still consider the Ruger American Predator also. Thanks

I've handled two or three now. They strike me as a cheaper version of the already cheap Remington. Too heavy and clunky for me, thanks.

 

[Skylerbone]

I bought one last fall, I’ve been to the range several times, and I am more than satisfied with my purchase.

The action; wasn’t gritty, no burrs or blobs or leftover filings and very smooth with a touch of grease. Is it a tight action? Well no, the bolt has a fair amount of wiggle room but it feeds perfectly so far and it locks up tight.

The barrel; pretty easy to clean, not much (if any) smoother than most other off the shelf offerings I own (which are all rough compared to true target barrels). It shoots well, threads are clean, crown and chamber looked fine although I haven’t cast this one yet.

The stock; how sad it is that just $5 more dollars could make any of these stocks far better! The Compass’ stock is no exception as it flexes under load at the forend which means barrel contact without some material removal. The pattern is grippy for plastic which scores it a point, and I’ll detract that same point for general ugliness.

The trigger; it’s adjustable and it’s not horrible, I just wouldn’t write home about the weight or break. I tried a good range of adjustments and opted for no overtravel and a heavier pull weight. If you like a rolling break you’ll love it, if not, you might curse it a little.

The accuracy; so far has been exceptional. No qualifiers such as “for the price”, just exceptional. I’m scarcely 150 rounds in, all factory, all the same load, but it really gets out of the shooter’s way.

Would I buy it as a constant woods companion and best friend? Not a chance (weren’t you listening???) I would however buy it for the accuracy, the utility, and egads the value. Mine was $179.97 after rebate and I wish I had purchased a few more.

 

[mshootnit]

I have one in 243. Shoots pretty good.

 

[someguy2800]

I don't want to bash something thats perfectly functional but I've looked at them and they are just like all the other budget bolt guns. Cheap flimsy stock, spray paint looking finish, rough floppy bolt, ect... I would say nicer than an axis, about the same as a ruger american, Remington 700 sps, or mossberg, big step down from a tikka or a weatherby vanguard. If none of the above concerns you then they are alot of gun for the money and it should shoot great as most of the bolt rifles on the market now do.