Thompson/Center Arms is back in business, although we’ll have to wait a while to see the first firearms produced. And, the brand is back with a familiar face in the driver’s seat.
In an announcement on April 30, Gregg Ritz, former owner of Thompson/Center, said he had re-acquired the Massachusetts-based gunmaker. Ritz previously sold Thompson/Center to Smith & Wesson in 2007. S&W announced its plans to sell the brand in 2021, and subsequently ended production. Now, Ritz is back in charge.
Well-known industry insider and broadcaster Gregg Ritz is behind the new acquisition. [Thompson/Centre]
Thompson/Center has been based in New England since the 1960s. It came to prominence with its early Contender single-shot pistol designs, then sold traditional black powder rifles that proved popular as the mountain man movie craze hit cinemas in the 1980s. More recently, the company made bank off a series of single-shot firearms that easily swapped rifle barrels for shotgun barrels, including the capability to go from a muzzleloader design to a centerfire. Its recent budget-friendly bolt actions were also considered excellent value for money in the pre-COVID years.
The rebuilt management team says they will build on the company’s heritage of successful designs and also innovate with new ones. The company’s new website carries the following notice:
Thompson/Center Arms has been a cornerstone of the firearms industry since 1967. With a diverse range of products catering to hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts, Thompson/Center Arms has earned a reputation for excellence. Thompson/Center Arms looks to build upon its legacy while embracing the future with a renewed commitment to American made quality, innovation, and unmatched customer satisfaction.
That’s followed by a promise to launch a new product line in 2025.
“Thompson/Center Arms holds a special place in the hearts of hunters and shooters worldwide, and we are committed to honoring the past while driving inventiveness and growth,” said Gregg Ritz in a press release announcing the acquisition. “With the support of our dedicated team and loyal customers, I am confident that Thompson/Center Arms will continue to thrive in the years to come.”
