Adam Scepaniak 03.03.26
When it comes to muzzleloader hunting, or modern blackpowder rifles, there is one brand that is firmly affixed at the top of the market and that is Thompson Center (Thompson/Center Arms or T/C Arms). They brought us 1/4 turn breech plugs for ease-of-use, Cerakoted and improved finishes, and rifle-like accuracy that was never achieved prior to their craftsmanship. Now, with the company starting anew and reinvigorated, they have 5 new product launches being announced across some of their most historic product lines.
Thompson Center Arms Coverage on AllOutdoor
A Word from Thompson/Center Arms on their New Product Announcements
Farmington, New Hampshire – March 2, 2026 – As March Madness sweeps the nation, T/C Arms is bringing the heat with unprecedented new product launches that expand upon the most trusted and iconic platforms in modern hunting and shooting. This month, T/C Arms unveils the ENCORE PROHunter Pistol Frame Assembly, the all-new ENCORE PROHunter Turkey Shotgun, the innovative ENCORE PROHunter FireStick Muzzleloader, .50 cal., a broadened lineup of Accessories, and the return of the popular Contender Barrels, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to modularity, performance, and American-built reliability.
“At T/C Arms, March is about momentum,” said Gregg Ritz, President and CEO of T/C Arms. “We’re launching products that hunters and shooters have been asking for, built on proven platforms and backed by decades of innovation. Each is designed to perform when it matters most.”
ENCORE Platform Expands with New Pistol Frame Assembly
One of the most memorable and iconic products in the Thompson Center portfolio is the ENCORE frame, which allows shooters to change out barrels, grips, and forearms as they see fit for whatever their mission or hunting season might entail. From pistols to rifles to shotguns and muzzleloaders, the ENCORE frame was ahead of its time and still is popular today.
The launch of the ENCORE PROHunter Pistol Frame Assembly brings new versatility to one of T/C’s most legendary modular platforms. Built for precision, strength, and interchangeability, the new frame gives shooters expanded options for pistol configurations while maintaining the durability and accuracy ENCORE users expect.
Purpose-Built ENCORE Turkey Shotgun Debuts Ahead of Spring Season
With spring barreling towards us and turkey seasons across the country looking to open up soon, this is a perfectly timed announcement for those hunters who will be chasing longbeards in the coming months. You can take your ENCORE frame and create a turkey shotgun for yourself, or you can purchase the complete firearm.
Just in time for gobblers to hit the woods, T/C Arms introduces the ENCORE PROHunter Turkey Shotgun, a dedicated, purpose-built platform designed for maneuverability, balance, and tight-pattern performance in demanding spring conditions.
ENCORE FireStick™ Muzzleloader, .50 cal., Redefines Muzzleloader Safety and Simplicity
The FireStick from Federal Premium is both equally revolutionary and controversial. While it is not legal everywhere for muzzleloader hunting because it makes it too easy to muzzleloader hunt, there is one thing that is undeniable and that is how convenient, safe, and ingenious the idea is. Thus, Thompson Center is jumping aboard the bandwagon with an offering of their own.
The ENCORE PROHunter FireStick™ Muzzleloader, .50 cal., is the cornerstone of cutting-edge muzzleloading advancement, delivering safer, simpler, and more consistent muzzleloader performance. Designed for ease of use and reliability in the field, the FireStick continues to set the standard for modern muzzleloader ignition.
Expanded Accessories Line Enhances from Factory to Field
If you’re a believer in Thompson Center products like we are, you are inevitably going to need accessories to go along with your pivotal purchases, and that’s where crucial components like this mentioned by Thompson Center below come into play:
T/C Arms is also rolling out an expanded lineup of factory-authorized accessories, giving shooters trusted options to customize and maintain their firearms from the bench to the backcountry. From breech plugs to forends, buttstocks, projectiles, and cleaning products, accessory offerings are available to enhance every shooter’s performance.
Contender Barrels Return, Strengthening a Legendary Platform
Last, but not least, we have Contender barrels making a return to the legendary Contender series. Everything from shotgun to rifle and handgun in some of the most popular, common, and modern cartridge chamberings that hunters and target shooters alike are going to be asking for.
Rounding out the March Madness lineup is the reintroduction of Contender Barrels, giving shooters renewed access to the legendary accuracy and modularity that made the Contender platform a classic.
Final Thoughts
Thompson Center is name that has been trusted for decades and it was tremendously disheartening to see them go away for the short while that they did. Now that they are back and roaring to prominence again, we’re excited to see where this next chapter takes them.
“With these launches, we’re not just adding products. We’re strengthening platforms that have defined T/C Arms for generations,” Ritz added. “This is about listening to our customers and honoring our legacy while pushing forward.”
As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Thompson Center and all of the new products that they have launching in the month of March and the year to come. We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.
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