Thompson/Center Starts Shipping Icon Rifles
Thompson/Center (a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson) has commenced shipping ICON rifles, the company’s first bolt-action centerfire product. The ICON incorporates several innovative features including a metal bedding block, three-lug (60° lift) bolt with interchangeable bolt handle, and a 24″ barrel with 5R rifling and 60° chamfered crown. The first models of the ICON are chambered in .22-250, .243, .308 and the new .30 TC (Thompson/Center) cartridge. Rifles are delivered with a classic-style American walnut stock with 20 lines-to-the-inch cut checkering and a 3-round, single-stack detachable magazine.
The ICON rifles are distinctive for the use of a metal Interlock™ bedding system which mates with three integral recoil lugs on the bottom of the action. ICON actions are CNC-machined from solid bar stock and finished with with integral Weaver-style rails. Triggers are externally-adjustable for pull weight, sear engagement, and overtravel. Pre-set from the factory at about 3 lbs., T/C spokesmen tell us the triggers can go down to about 2 pounds. The nice three-lug bolt features a polished steel cocking indicator, “T-Slot” style extractor, and a bolt lock that integrates with the two-position safety. The bolt can be easily disassembled in the field using a supplied tool.
Noted tactical gunsmith George Gardner of GA Precision has worked with T/C on the development of the ICON action, and he thinks the new three-lug action will work very well in tactical style rifles once a larger 5- or 10-round detachable box magazine (DBM) is developed.
