by Adam Heggenstaller - Monday, January 18, 2016
Inline muzzleloaders have come a long way in the last 20 years in terms of convenience, and now Thompson/Center makes it even easier for smokepole hunters with the new Strike. Featuring a top-mounted opening lever similar to an over/under shotgun, the Strike is a cinch to break open for inserting a 209 primer. And, it’s among the safest break-action muzzleloaders on the market, thanks to a striker-fired mechanism that remains uncocked until the safety/cocking mechanism on the tang is slid forward before taking a shot. There is no exposed hammer on the Strike.
The .50-caliber muzzleloader’s Adapt Breech system moves the threads for the breechplug to the outside of the barrel, rather than inside, to minimize fouling and ensure easy removal by hand. A nitride finish applied to the exterior of the barrel as well as the bore resists corrosion from both the elements and fouling produced by firing.
The Strike has a 24-inch barrel with a 1:28-inch twist. It comes with adjustable fiber-optic sights and a Weaver-style rail for mounting optics. The Strike is available with a walnut stock, as well as a synthetic stock with a black or G2 camo finish.
Technical Specifications:
• Caliber: .50
• Barrel Length: 24 inches
• Rate of Twist: 1:28 inches
• Finish: Armornite nitride
• Sights: adjustable fiber-optic
• Stock: walnut, black or G2 camo synthetic; 13.5-inch LOP
• Length: 41 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• MSRP: $499-$599
For more information, go to TCArms.com.
