Thompson Center r55- precision tackdriver or major headache?

nntw

nntw

BANNED
BANNED
BANNED
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
14   0   0
Location
The GTA
I've read a lot of posts for each perspective, in this forum and elsewhere.

Most of the magazine reviews are glowingly positive; some of the users complain about difficulties with the rifle, and getting support.

What do the owners out there have to say? Especially about the benchmark model?

Thanks in advance!
 
No problems here so I haven't had to test the support. Closest range to me is a little indoor range (20 yds) and here is the target when shooting (I think) 30 rounds of rapid fire using cheap CCI Std Vel ammo. I really should write things down on the target. :)

TCR55Benchmark.jpg
 
Gorgeous rifle! Me want!

....but I hear that Thompson Center parts are in short supply, R55 parts don't exist in Canada, etc etc.

And I'm a bit of a pessimist at heart.
 
nntw said:
Gorgeous rifle! Me want!

....but I hear that Thompson Center parts are in short supply, R55 parts don't exist in Canada, etc etc.
Click to expand...
Thanks. :) Yes, I'd believe that. T/C isn't making them anymore and last year I had to look hard to find a set of scope mounts for it. Found some in Quebec (I'm in BC). I also have an old Mossberg .22 from the 1960's and it's almost 50 years old now (grandfather's old rifle). I'm not worried about parts. I'm going to shoot these guns until they break and then I'll see what I can find for parts when the time comes. Always have more guns to shoot. :)

nntw said:
And I'm a bit of a pessimist at heart.
Click to expand...
This is your hobby and it should be fun. Not something to worry about. If you still won't feel at ease then maybe stick to a Ruger 10/22 and modify it as you see fit. You'll easily spend the same as a T/C R55 (maybe more) :) but you have an endless source of parts easily available in Canada. :)
 
yeah... but the r55 Benchmark's absolutely gorgeous, inside and out! all steel, etc etc.

and a 10/22, however upgraded... at heart it's still a ruger.

that being said, i bought a 77/22 because of its qualities, including the fact that it is a ruger. how's that for conflicting emotions?!
 
I haven't had any problems with mine. The "Classic" that the R55 replaced was known to have reliability problems. Mine and a buddies R55 Benchmarks shoot 1" at 100 meters with no wind using CCI standard. I wasn't expecting that when I bought it. So far I'm very happy with it.

Do a lookup on the R55 from a few years ago. About 3 I think. There was a good thread on it.

I like my Ruger 10/22 rifles. But... the R55 is everything the Ruger should have been out of the box but wasn't. Frankly that 10 shot rotary mag of the Ruger and it's aftermarket support are what have made it. The R55 is excellent out of the box. Last shot hold open, all steel, screwed on accurate barrel and a decent trigger.
 
Epoxy7 said:
I haven't had any problems with mine. The "Classic" that the R55 replaced was known to have reliability problems. Mine and a buddies R55 Benchmarks shoot 1" at 100 meters with no wind using CCI standard. I wasn't expecting that when I bought it. So far I'm very happy with it.

Do a lookup on the R55 from a few years ago. About 3 I think. There was a good thread on it.

I like my Ruger 10/22 rifles. But... the R55 is everything the Ruger should have been out of the box but wasn't. Frankly that 10 shot rotary mag of the Ruger and it's aftermarket support are what have made it. The R55 is excellent out of the box. Last shot hold open, all steel, screwed on accurate barrel and a decent trigger.
Click to expand...
Your post hits all the reasons I was thinking about it.

But I don't have the time (kids,work) to deal with it if I can't even source parts. :(
 
nntw said:
Your post hits all the reasons I was thinking about it.

But I don't have the time (kids,work) to deal with it if I can't even source parts. :(
Click to expand...

They are built like tanks. Any parts needing to be changed out would most likely be minor and I would think a competent gunsmith could do it for you. Use G96 with a good oil on all the parts to keep the metal conditioned. Should last a lifetime.

If parts are a major concern for you then... I would look at a 10/22. The DLask 16" fluted barrel I have with a hogue stock seems to shoot the cheap 38 grain American eagle copper rounds like match as well. I've only shot it inside at 20 yards but it's one tiny hole. Matching other rifles shooting Lapua. I don't know yet how it is at range.
 
If you are still concerned after reading Epoxy7's latest post, then move on to another rifle.

I'm not concerned at all and I have a blast every time it comes out to play. No worries. Just fun. :)
 
It's a great rifle out of the box...no extra upgrades available, because it doesn't need it!!! give it the ammo it likes and you do your part, you"ll get great results.AS others here have mentioned it's well built, steel receiver, threaded bull barrel, lamanated stock..etc
Mine loves SK Std Plus ammo
Here's mine wearing a Weaver T36
Bob
DSC05364.JPG

DSC053071.JPG
 
Fun story: I taught my nephew how to shoot and started him with this rifle before moving on to handguns. I used home-printed targets that had a series of rings maybe 3" wide overall. He started by shooting out the bullseye and then moving out a couple rings and nailing the intersections of 3/6/9/12 o'clock on several targets. Then he made happy faces. Since the rifle simply poked a hole in the target where you put the crosshairs, he got bored fairly quickly. Good thing handguns were harder to learn. lol!
 
Just talked to Thompson Center. Their position is that they would support the rifle.

However... they acknowledged they don't have many spares (none of some bits). If they came up empty they'd either manufacture something or swap the rifle for a new (different) one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom