Nick Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 I'm just curious as to why everyone is so hype over the Thompson Center rifles? I have never owned one myslef because I have always been loyal to Knight Rifles since they have never done me wrong. My knight Revolution is an absolue tack driver....I can shoot a 3 shot group at 100 yards inside a quarter. But it seems that everybody has turned their back on Knight to switch to Thompson Center....... I understand their guns are interchangable but once you buy a new barrel and scope for it, you have just as much money into that as you would into a brand new gun with a scope...and all you will ever have is a single shot gun!!! I know TC has ALOT of advertisement and has alot of the pros on the hunting shows using their guns but is that really because they are that good of a gun??? I know TC is American made but so is Knight.......Honestly, why does everybody insist on owning a Thompson Center rifle? My Knight is the best gun I've ever owned as far as reliability and accuracy....I want to know your honest opion, other than advertisement, why I would want to switch to a Thompson Center over a Knight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil hunter Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 I've always wondered the same thing. I shoot a rem. 700ml right now, but i like my dads old knight. My next muzzleloader will be a Knight too. It does seem like T/C is all that is ever talked about though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbarnhart20 Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 I'm switching because for the past 3 yrs. i've shot a knight and have had some trouble with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 Well you know what Knights new rifle is..... the KP1.....and its an interchangeable single shot rifle....something very similar to the TC Encore Very Interesting. Heres a link http://www.knightrifles.com/PressRoom/Releases/Knight-Rifles-KP1.htm I have never owned a Knight so I can't really speak good or bad about them. Never really been around one much. A new Encore rifle cost you $250 or less. Not sure you will be able to get a new gun for that price? As for the single shot stuff....Well if we are talking ML then thats a null point. Your knight is a single shot just the same is the TC or any other ML. But for the rifles you can reload one fairly quick. As quick as you can work a bolt probably not. But how often in hunting situation does one really get to take 2 or 3 good shoots at their game. usually shot one is a hit or miss. If its a miss then your next shot is at a running scare animal. So for me since I know I only have one good shot I am sure to take a GOOD shot and not rush a shot and think oh well I have backups. Personally I like the feel of my encore. The interchangeable barrel is awesome I can go from my ML to 223 or to my 270 in minutes. And each is dead on accurate. Its amazing how well each holds its zero. I'm sure the advertising has had a HUGE HUGE impact on the TC Encore popularity. Did it have an impact on me....probably but I am completely satisfied with my encore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 Have never personally said anything negative about Knight rifles, have never owned one, so I have no first hand experience with them. I have shot TC muzzleloading rifles though and have been very happy with them, I have yet to shoot any of the interchangeable barrel models on the market from any manufacturers either so really cannot speak on them. Have not ever heard anything negative on them that I can recall off the top of my head, and there are a lot of people using them, so that seems to me to indicate most are pretty happy with them. If you are happy with your knight or remington or cva or whatever, that is all that really matter. Dont worry about the hype, that is all it is, kind of like the hype around biologic with food plots, seems that is about all you hear from some folks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 I'm sure T/C's marketing has something to do with it. A ton of the "pros" use T/C, so I'm sure that sways a lot of folks. But, if the Thompsons were crap, then I'm sure they couldn't sway and keep their following. I really like my Encore, so I think I'll keep it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest motoxguy47 Posted November 30, 2007 Report Share Posted November 30, 2007 its because t/c has allot of hunting shows night used to have jim shockey but he switched to t/c to but i have a night my dad has a t/c and i personally like my wolverine better then his encore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted December 1, 2007 Report Share Posted December 1, 2007 I love my Omega, but it's the only ML that I have experience. Bought it because I had never heard anything but good about them. Will probably buy my Dad a CVA Optima Pro for Christmas this year, mainly because of the price difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gt2003 Posted December 1, 2007 Report Share Posted December 1, 2007 Look at Matthews bows. I'm sure they are good bows but not an incredible amount better than the competitors. However, their marketing team is top notch and they sponser a bunch of shooters. I think it's the same thing with TC's. I'm sure they are a heck of a gun but not a million times better than the others. But, they are marketed really well and they sponser a lot of shooters. So, I think you've hit the nail on the head. I own an old knight wolverine, #11 cap and I simply don't see the need for a new gun. This one is a tack driver and it does the job and does it well. Same thing with 150 grains of powder, no use. I shoot 80 grains of 777 and it performs great. 209's, blah, no need. You even see some controversy now about the 209's affecting accuracy. So, don't get caught up in all the hoopla. If something works for you, stick to it. See ya, Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiganbowhunter_SQ2 Posted December 1, 2007 Report Share Posted December 1, 2007 I'm just curious as to why everyone is so hype over the Thompson Center rifles? They are a great gun, i'm guessing that is why? Are they the best??? well, thats all personal opinion. I have never owned one myslef because I have always been loyal to Knight Rifles since they have never done me wrong. My knight Revolution is an absolue tack driver....I can shoot a 3 shot group at 100 yards inside a quarter. IMO any muzzleloader can shoot great groups if you put the time and effort into finding the right load for it. Heck my cousin shoots a CVA hunterbolt that he got for $50 at a pawn shop and can shoot some decent groups. But it seems that everybody has turned their back on Knight to switch to Thompson Center......I understand their guns are interchangable but once you buy a new barrel and scope for it, you have just as much money into that as you would into a brand new gun with a scope...and all you will ever have is a single shot gun!!!I know TC has ALOT of advertisement and has alot of the pros on the hunting shows using their guns but is that really because they are that good of a gun??? Advertising and the publicity are probably the main reasons they are so popular. I don't think the Pro's you see with them would be shooting them if they weren't a top notch product....this many people can't be wrong Honestly, why does everybody insist on owning a Thompson Center rifle?My Knight is the best gun I've ever owned as far as reliability and accuracy.... I've never owned or shot a knight, so i can't comment on why someone would change. but i do know that T/C makes a great product and i wouldn't trade my encore for anything, just like you wouldn't trade your knight I want to know your honest opinion, other than advertisement, why I would want to switch to a Thompson Center over a Knight? My honest opinion....if you are getting the groups you say you are, then their is no reason for you to change. In the end it's all personal preference. just like anything else...bows, cars, anything, its all a matter of opinion. If you find something that works for you keep it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoyt03 Posted December 1, 2007 Report Share Posted December 1, 2007 I own an Omega and for me I liked the looks of it alot better then anything else, plus it felt right while shouldering it(ss,rtcamo, thole stock) It shoots absolutely awesome so I will be staying with TC until I have a reason to change. I know when researching for my purchase you did hear nothing but positives about the TC so that's why alot of buyers will choose TC because most TC shooters have never had any issues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted December 2, 2007 Report Share Posted December 2, 2007 There are a bunch of reasons I own ans shoot an Encore. first and foremost, I love the way the gun feels and fits me. That was the selling point for me. I don't care about advertising, or what so called "pro" hunts with it. I understand their guns are interchangable but once you buy a new barrel and scope for it, you have just as much money into that as you would into a brand new gun with a scope.. Thats far from the truth Nick. You can't factor in the price of the scopeand base and rings, as you will be buying them wether you buy a new gun, or an Encore barrell. Cabelas has standard Encore centerfire barrels from $250 to $300, depending on the caliber, and weather or not you want a heavy barrel. I know for a fact, my local shop will beat those prices. ...and all you will ever have is a single shot gun!!! That to me is a plus. It really makes you pay attention to your shot selection. I am slowly weeding out guns in my collection, and I see me in the future pretty much just haveing Encores and Contenders, except for a few of my shotguns. If you are satisfied with your Knight, you really shouldn't let the "TC Hype" get to you. There is nothing at all wrong with Knight muzzleloaders. Different strokes for different folks. I currently own 4 barrels for my Encore. 209x50, with Bushnell Elite 3200, 3x9x40. I had the QLA removed, the ram rod shortened, and the barrel and Leupold base modified to 6 screws. 12 gauge fully rifled barrel, with a Leupold Vari-X 2, 2x7x33 scope. 45/70 Govt. cut to 18", with a 3" Maximizer muzzlebrake installed. I also had a little chamber work done, and the barrel and base modified to 6 screw. .223 heavy barrel with a 6x18x50 Simmons Pro 50 scope. All 4 of these combos are absolute tack drivers. They are much better shooters then I am. Next on my list is a Contender G2 with a .17 HRM barrel to start with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted December 3, 2007 Report Share Posted December 3, 2007 Thats far from the truth Nick. You can't factor in the price of the scopeand base and rings, as you will be buying them wether you buy a new gun, or an Encore barrell. Cabelas has standard Encore centerfire barrels from $250 to $300, depending on the caliber, and weather or not you want a heavy barrel. I know for a fact, my local shop will beat those prices. Great point. Oh and tedicast you might have already check out http://www.midwayusa.com/ this place out but if not they have some good prices on encore barrells. Maybe not as good as your local shop but something to look at ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted December 3, 2007 Report Share Posted December 3, 2007 I think that T/C is more popular is because of their innovation. Their new muzzleloader designs and upgrades are always way ahead of everyone else, including Knight. Nick, you spoke of your Knight Revolution. I believe it was Knights first break action gun. It was released almost 2 years after the T/C Omega was released. Another thing was the Knight Disc. I believe they hung to those things much longer than they should have. When other companies were moving on to the sealed breech, they were still making disc rifles. Have you compared warantees. There is no comparison, T/C is MUCH better. My T/C that I am using this season is 24 years old. If your Knight holds up another 20 years I may concider switching over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PA_RIDGE_RUNNER Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 I have handled and shot a few TC offerings and will admit they have a great ad program, an equally great warrenty and customer service program. What is not to love. A couple of years ago I found a Knight Bighorn on sale for about half price and about half price of a TC. Well I bought the bighorn and so did my son. We have had great success with these rifles in both target and in the field. Tony Knight introduced the inline rifle in the mid 1980's and since then other companies have beat them in the ad game. My own personal preference is to buy American which TC, Knight and a couple others fit that bill for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichiganHunter Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 well i'm in college and studying buisness and for me investing in a slightly more expensive gun with a GREAT warranty as T.C., then being able to spend less than 350 doller to have a new gun with the same great warranty was my selling point...and i have shot a few friends and the t.c. encore is just an amazing gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest scubabeartoo Posted December 14, 2007 Report Share Posted December 14, 2007 Tedicast, Is that some of David White's custom gun work I see on your guns? Bear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted December 16, 2007 Report Share Posted December 16, 2007 Tedicast, Is that some of David White's custom gun work I see on your guns? Bear Yes it is! David has had his hands on the 45/70, and the 209x50. Also using a #2 Bellm pin in everything. Bought the reamer, and ream everything to keep it consistent, and a Bellm hammer extension. I recognize you from the old Precision Rifle Works, and Bellm's TC's forum. I sure miss those 2 places. Was a ton of great info on both forums. Welcome to Realtree! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest scubabeartoo Posted December 18, 2007 Report Share Posted December 18, 2007 Tedicast, You can find David White at www.dandtcustomgunworks.com. David has changed locations and is now in Oklahoma. check out his new website and he also has a forum. David has accomplished his first class work on several of my Encore barrels and an NEF barrel. Now they all shoot better than I do. Go figure!!! Check out David's new site and I hope to see you posting there. Bear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted December 18, 2007 Report Share Posted December 18, 2007 I found Davids site over the weekend. I signed up to the forums, I wad finally approved as a member Sunday night, and now I can't access it for some reason. I'm not sure whats going on. It's good to see David back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 What I really don't get is the NEF guns, while not quite as flashy are just as versitile and a whole lot cheaper. Why are they not more popular? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 What I really don't get is the NEF guns, while not quite as flashy are just as versitile and a whole lot cheaper. Why are they not more popular? My guess would be marketing, and they aren't as fancy as the other brands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted December 21, 2007 Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 Not marketed at all I guess, but you can get a handy rifle, extra barrel and scopes for both for about the price of an encore frame. What gets me is most encore people I talk to brag on their custom barrel. Why buy a gun if you're not going to use it? For $400 on the gun and scope, my handi will out shoot a stock encore with the same scope that would cost hundreds more. I just don't see spending that kind of money on basically the same product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted December 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2007 I hear ya john....I have a NEF Ultra-Slug and I GUARANTEE that a TC won't throw a 12 guage slug as accutrate as that thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quackmaster4 Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 I've never owned a Knight, but have never heard anyone complain about their quality. I've owned several T/C's and have never had an issue with any, that includes my Omega, two flintlocks and two percussion rifles. I bought one at an auction for $100 because the stock was cracked. Sent it to T/C and they restocked it and replaced the ramrod too; no questions asked. I don't know anything abouts Knight's customer service, but I know T/C's is fantastic, I've never heard anything but praise for them. On the other hand, I've owned three Lymans, and have never NEEDED customer service. Let's face it, most muzzleloaders aren't really that complicated. Buy what you can afford and enjoy it. I had a CVA inline that I paid $99 for brand new, and the three deer I killed with had NO idea what it cost. I had no problems with it, I sold it to a friend who wanted to try muzzleloading, and he's had no problems with it in three years either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.