Thompson/Center Arms: A Return to Its Roots

For decades, the name Thompson/Center Arms has held a special place among hunters, shooters and firearms enthusiasts. The company built its reputation on innovation, versatility and solid American manufacturing. Legendary products like the break-action Contender pistol, the Hawken muzzleloader and the adaptable Encore platform made Thompson/Center a household name. These firearms became trusted tools for generations of outdoorsmen who valued accuracy, durability and the ability to adapt a single frame to multiple uses.

But the path of Thompson/Center has been anything but smooth. The company weathered fires, corporate acquisitions and production moves that eventually left the brand’s future uncertain. What once seemed like an unstoppable force in the firearms market slowly faded from sight before ceasing operations altogether.

That all changed in late 2024, when former president and CEO Gregg Ritz reacquired Thompson/Center from Smith & Wesson. Ritz had previously overseen the company in the early 2000s and guided it through its first transition to Smith & Wesson ownership. Now back at the helm, he is determined to restore the brand’s legacy, rebuild its product lineup and reconnect with loyal customers.

From a Basement to a National Icon

The story of Thompson/Center began in 1965, when gunsmith Warren Center designed a break-action, single-shot pistol in his basement. His innovative firearm soon attracted the attention of K.W. Thompson Tool Company, which was looking for a year-round product to produce in Rochester, New Hampshire. Just two years later, in 1967, the now-famous Contender pistol was introduced to the public. Its interchangeable barrel system gave shooters the ability to switch calibers quickly and easily, a feature that revolutionized hunting handguns and made the Contender popular for everything from target shooting to handgun hunting.

In 1970, Thompson/Center released the Hawken muzzleloader, which would become one of the most recognized black powder rifles in American history. This single product helped fuel a surge of interest in muzzleloading that carried through the 1970s and beyond. Over the next two decades, the company continued to expand with bolt-action rifles, inline muzzleloaders and eventually more adaptable break-action platforms.

Fire, Recovery and the Encore Era

Adversity struck in March 1997, when a fire destroyed three of Thompson/Center’s buildings in Rochester. Many companies might not have recovered, but T/C used the challenge as motivation to innovate. That same year, the company unveiled the Encore platform, a larger, stronger version of the Contender. The Encore could handle powerful centerfire rifle cartridges, muzzleloader barrels and even shotgun shells, all from a single frame. It quickly cemented the brand’s reputation for modular firearm design.

The Smith & Wesson Years

In 2007, Smith & Wesson purchased Thompson/Center for $102 million. Gregg Ritz, who was CEO at the time, stayed on to oversee the transition and lead the new hunting division. Production was moved from Rochester to Springfield, Massachusetts, in 2010. While some T/C models continued, many longtime employees chose not to relocate, and the brand suffered as a result. By 2021, Smith & Wesson announced it would discontinue the Thompson/Center line altogether and focus on its own core products, a move that was bemoaned among a legion of T/C fans.

For many hunters, it seemed the end of an era.

Ritz Returns to Lead Again

When Gregg Ritz reacquired Thompson/Center in 2024, it was more than just a business decision. Having led the company before, Ritz knew its heritage and its loyal customer base. He also understood the deep pride the Rochester community had in the brand.

With that realization, production has now returned to Rochester, New Hampshire, where the original facility has been upgraded with modern machinery. Many former employees have rejoined the team. Ritz explained his motivation clearly: “Keeping manufacturing in America is more important than ever. We’re bringing it back to where it all began.”

Ritz has assembled a new ownership group with expertise in outdoor retail, customer service and global manufacturing. Together, their mission is to restore the brand by supporting past customers with parts and warranties, reviving iconic products and pushing forward with new innovations.

Reviving Classics and Building for the Future

The relaunch strategy is ambitious. The Encore was the first firearm to return in 2025, featuring improved triggers, corrosion-resistant nitride coatings and upgraded breech plugs. The Contender was scheduled to follow in May with multiple barrel options, but will now roll out later. Most recently, the introduction of the Triumph muzzleloader was announced, and by year’s end, a redesigned Icon bolt-action rifle with 5R rifling is expected to debut.

Thompson/Center also plans to expand its lineup with specialized models, including an optic-ready .410 pistol for turkey hunters, new muzzleloader accessories, updated stocks and grips and a wide selection of replacement barrels. To reinforce its commitment to customers, Ritz has pledged that every firearm will be backed by a lifetime warranty.

Listening to Hunters

Ritz has always believed in engaging directly with the hunting community. The revived company is embracing both traditional media and modern communication channels to hear what hunters want. Already, customer feedback has shaped product development. One example is a partnership with Traditions Performance Firearms to bring the FireStick ignition system to the Encore muzzleloader. Rather than competing, Ritz has chosen to collaborate with another manufacturer to deliver what hunters need most.

“The FireStick system is proven,” Ritz explained. “This is about giving our customers the best option available.”

Looking Ahead

As Thompson/Center prepares for 2026, the company is focused on balancing heritage with modern demands. More classic models are scheduled to return, but new calibers, ergonomic improvements and updated features are also in the works. Ritz has made it clear that this revival is not about short-term gains. The goal is to build a sustainable future by investing in skilled craftspeople, research and development and American manufacturing.

Part of what made Thompson/Center iconic was its ability to adapt. The Contender introduced the idea of interchangeable barrels. The Encore expanded it. Inline muzzleloaders brought modern convenience to black powder hunting. Even the company’s bolt-action rifles, like the Venture and Compass, reflected T/C’s ability to deliver quality and value. That legacy of adaptability will continue to shape the brand’s future.

A Legacy Reclaimed

The return of Thompson/Center Arms under Gregg Ritz’s leadership marks a new beginning for a brand with a proud past. Hunters who grew up with the Contender, Hawken and Encore now have reason to believe the tools they trusted will not only return but be even better.

Thompson/Center is once again committed to building American-made firearms that blend versatility, innovation and quality. Under Ritz’s guidance, the brand is poised to reclaim its place as one of the most respected names in hunting and shooting.