Thompson/Center Arms Dimension

The History of Thompson/Center Arms

Not to be confused with the makers of the famous Thompson gun (originally made by the Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company), the Thompson/Center Arms is an American producer of firearms, established by K.W. Thompson and Warren Center in 1965. Initially, they focused on manufacturing single-shot firearms with interchangeable barrels. This led to the introduction of a unique single-shot pistol in the late 1960s which later became known as the Contender. The production facilities were set up in 1965 with the first large orders leaving the factory in 1967.

The Contender allowed for switching between different calibers only by changing the barrel, which was a good selling point at the time, even compared to some of the popular bolt-action rifles. It offered great precision for a break-action pistol and was powerful enough for different hunting scenarios. Over the following decade, they also presented the second generation of Contender, named the G2, and the Encore model which used a different trigger mechanism and featured a bulkier, more rugged design.

In the early 1970s, the company first introduced their Hawken-style black powder muzzle-loading rifle which was followed by several different muzzleloader models such as Cherokee, Seneca, Cougar, Hawken, New Englander and many others. For some time, TC Arms also made 2 muzzleloading pistols, but the fire that demolished the factory in the 1990s made it impossible to continue production. The company did, however, also produce some bolt-action rifles such as the Venture and Compass, available in various configurations.

In the 1990s, Thompson/Center Arms faced a legal issue regarding a rifle conversion kit for the pistols they sold. The AFT claimed that the kit could be used to create an illegal DIY firearm, however, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of T/C Arms, stating that the company would not be held responsible for how people might misuse the kit.

In 2007, T/C Arms Co. was obtained by the Smith & Wesson company and the production was moved to Springfield. In 2021, S&W announced their plans to sell the T/C Arms brand, fully ceasing the production of firearms. However, as of 2023, a definitive buyer is yet to be determined. The company continues to list various models on their T/C Arms USA website, likely selling off the remaining inventory.

Thompson Center Arms Dimension Rifle Review

T/C entered a bolt action market in 2007 when it was acquired by the Smith and Wesson company. Dimension was presented in 2012 as an addition to the company’s bolt action lineup. The rifle is designed to easily switch between barrels to choose from a variety of calibers. Every Dimension rifle comes with the tools needed for changes. Switching between different cartridge types takes about 10 minutes. When changing barrels, the barrel-locking nut has to be unscrewed, and it needs to move between the barrel and the scope's end.

Structurally, it follows T/C’s other models like Compass and Venture, using a steel bolt with three locking lugs that lock up safely with the action housing. The shape of the stock is unique though, with the forend being ergonomically formed and the rear end of the stock being unusually curved on the bottom. The end of the stock is equipped with a thick rubber recoil pad with removable spacers and the trigger is user-adjustable for the weight of pull, but comes factory preset at approximately 2086 g (4.6 lbs). Out of the factory, the top of the receiver comes equipped with Weaver-type two-piece receiver mount bases for optics.

A single-stack magazine can hold up to 3 rounds and sits flush with the synthetic stock. For right-hand models, the safety is on the right side at the back of the receiver and has two user-set positions. For left-hand models, the safety is on the left side at the back of the receiver with two user-set positions: the fully rearward position is "SAFE", and the fully forward position is "FIRE", where a red dot becomes visible on the stock, indicating the firearm is ready to shoot.

T/C Dimension, chambered for .300 Win. Mag.

Figure 1: T/C Dimension, chambered for .300 Win. Mag. (Source: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/thompson-center-rifles/thompson-center---dimension----300-win-mag-.cfm?gun_id=101307901)

T/C Dimension Calibers

The rifle can be chambered for the following calibers:

.204 Ruger
.223 Rem.
.22-250 Rem.
.243 Win.
7mm-08 Rem.
.308 Win.
.270 Win.
.30-06 Spr.
7mm Rem. Mag.
.300 Win. Mag.

The caliber choice depends on the rifle configuration.

The receivers of the T/C Dimension rifle come with four drilled and tapped holes which can be used for scope mounting purposes. There are two holes on the front and two on the rear mounting surface. However, most of the rifles come equipped with Weaver bases from the factory.

The receiver of T/C Dimension, chambered for .22-250 Rem.

Figure 2: The receiver of T/C Dimension, chambered for .22-250 Rem. (Source: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/thompson-center-rifles/thompson-center---dimension----22-250-rem-.cfm?gun_id=101053885)

T/C Dimension

A: 22.2 mm

B: 87.4 mm

C: 22.2 mm

BHU: 2.5 mm

Ø: 6-48

R1: R17

R2: R19

Scope Mounts Interchangeable With T/C Dimension

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With T/C Dimension

For one-piece mounts to fit on a rifle, mounting surfaces on these rifles must match in every dimension.

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable With T/C Dimension

To meet interchangeability conditions, two-piece mounts must match in all dimensions except the B distance. B distance can vary because two-piece mounts can be installed and adjusted closer or further apart.

Currently, we cannot find any rifles that would match the exact dimensions of the T/C Dimension mounting surface thus we are unable to provide you with a list of interchangeable scope mounts. Should you happen to own this rifle and would be willing to share with us more information regarding interchangeability, we kindly ask you to contact us at info@optics-trade.eu

Thank you for your help!

Best Scope Mounts for T/C Dimension

Picatinny Rails for T/C Dimension

Like on the T/C Compass, the receivers of T/C Dimension are usually equipped with a Weaver base for scope mounting purposes. Should you want to expand your mounting choices, you might want to replace them with a Picatinny rail. This one is made by the American company EGW and is designed to fit your Venture SA rifle perfectly.

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

If you happen to own this or any other rifle, we would appreciate it if you could help us expand our database by sending us some photos of the rifle receiver (the bare mounting surface of the rifle without the scope mounts installed). For your help, our company offers a fair return in terms of practical rewards.

Please send us an email for more information. You can contact us here: info@optics-trade.eu

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