If you’re looking for a way to lengthen your hunting seasons or just interested in expanding your firearms repertoire, muzzleloaders are a good way to go. Lately they’ve been gaining ground, seeing more use overall, with new models and ammo being produced as well. Now Thompson/Center Arms, which is a subsidiary of the Smith and Wesson Holding Corporation, is coming out with a new muzzleloader, the T/C Strike.

The T/C Strike is a hammerless .50 cal muzzleloader featuring the company’s own Adapt Breech system and, in place of a traditional hammer, their Stealth Striker system. The Adapt Breech system has an externally threaded breech which, according to Thompson/Center Arms, “effectively seals off the blowback from burnt powders inside the barrel.” Instead of a breech plug there’s a threadless primer adapter that works along with a retaining collar to hold the 209 primer in place. The result is quick, reliable ignition and easier cleanup.

The new gun has a match-grade trigger and an oversized trigger guard for easier use while wearing gloves, which is a feature hunters will certainly appreciate. It also has Armornite coating to aid in resistance to corrosion, both extending the life of the gun overall and making it usable in a variety of weather conditions. For easier transport the T/C Strike has a takedown design as well: simply remove the sling swivel stud and move the forend down to detach the barrel from the action.

There will be three models available, and each model will be available in either walnut, black composite, or composite/Next G2 camo stock. Each gun will come with a multi-tool.

Visit the company’s website at www.tcarms.com or go straight to the T/C Strike page at https://www.tcarms.com/firearms/muzzleloaders/strike

Caliber: .50
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 41 inches
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Length of Pull: 13.5 inches
Rate of Twist: 1:28
Trigger: Match-Grade
Finish/Stock: Walnut, Black Composite, or Composite/Next G2 Camo
MSRP: Starting at $499