Thompson/Center Is Back + New Barrel Tech Explained

The Thompson/Center Encore platform is back—and it’s bringing some serious innovation with it.

At the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting, Ryan Gresham talks with T/C’s Gregg Ritz about the return of Thompson/Center after the brand was brought back to its New Hampshire roots. The conversation dives into the legendary Encore system, interchangeable barrels, and why so many hunters and shooters still love the platform decades later.

But the real surprise? The new barrel technology.

Working with Avient, Thompson/Center is rolling out a new barrel design that combines a steel core, carbon fiber shell, and specialized ceramic material engineered to pull heat away from the barrel faster. The goal: less heat buildup, more consistent accuracy, and reduced point-of-impact shift during extended shooting sessions.

The team from Avient also breaks down:

• How the ceramic-infused barrel system works
• Why cooling speed matters for precision shooters and hunters
• The benefits over traditional carbon fiber barrel designs
• And how Avient materials are already used throughout the firearms industry

If you’re into precision rifles, hunting, or innovative firearm tech, this one’s worth a watch.

👉 Check it out and see what’s next for Thompson/Center.

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