Thompson / Center's Performance Center T/CR22... 22 LR

The 22 LR firearm is the linchpin of the modern shooting society. If it isn’t, it should be. The associated firearms and ammunition are relatively low in cost, there is a myriad of both to choose from all are widely available. Where population density and over regulation restricts outdoor shooting, readily accessible indoor ranges afford the rimfire shooter an opportunity for competitive and recreational shooting. Away from metro areas, outdoor shooting opportunities include those types previously noted and extend further to small game hunting and varmint control.

For the novice shooter, the rimfire’s modest report and absence of recoil allows novice shooters to concentrate on developing a foundation of safe handling and marksmanship skills. For the experienced shooter, a precision rimfire challenges the shooter in a way that further develops marksmanship skills and maintains a level of proficiency. Pictured, left, with a scope and silencer mounted, the Performance Center’s T/CR22 is well suited to both types of shooters and most everyone in between.

A closer look, from front to back… almost

The T/CR22 1/2-28 muzzle threads simplify the use of muzzle devices. Pictured above: threaded muzzle and thread protector – foreground, AAC Aviator 2 silencer – back center, and radial port brake – right. Both silencer and brake were used during live fire. The silencer was very effective with both subsonic and supersonic ammunition, the the noise level with supersonic reduced to the mild clackety-clack of the cycling bolt. The brake offered virtually no advantage over the T/C supplied thread protector, but it did look pretty spiffy.

The T/CR22’s blued steel barrel is heavy contour, 0.920″ diameter. The deep fluting, 0.330″ x 0.060″, stiffens the barrel and adds cooling surface area. The button rifled 1:15″ twist rate is tighter than the typical 1:16″ for 22 LR rifles, which appears to increase bullet stability. The barrel floats in the stock’s barrel channel with the exception of contact with a subtle pressure pad at the stock’s forend.

Form and gripping surfaces…  Despite a longish length of pull, the TCR22 feels compact. Both forearm and grip surfaces are steadying handfuls and properly positioned for any useful shooting position. The stippled surfaces are very much non slip. Swivel studs for mounting a sling or bipod are included with the rifle.

The Performance Center’s stock selection accomplished several important shooter objectives. The high comb positions eyeball alignment with a scope properly mounted to the rifle’s Picatinny rail. The pistol grip and thumbhole are contoured to fit like a glove and to provide maximum support and natural alignment straight down the barrel. The relief aft of the thumb hole removes unnecessary weight. Subsequently, the rifle has a heavy contoured barrel, a beefy stock at appropriate location, but weight is kept below 7 lbs.

One fastener secures the barreled action to the stock with close inletting at key locating points. Forward of the locating point is the two fastener V block that secures the unthreaded barrel shank to the receiver.

Disassembly is straight forward with pins located sub assemblies. Two pins locate the trigger group, one pin retains the bolt by limiting rearward travel.

Pushing out the bolt stop pin permits the stainless bolt to be positioned back and then lifted up and out. The bolt handle and recoil spring follow. The manual advises the use of screw drivers to force the bolt far enough rearward, but finger pressure is enough to get it done. The port at the rear of the receiver permits cleaning rod access for chamber to muzzle cleaning. My only point is… yes I do have a point, is that the T/CR22 is easy to take down, clean and maintain.

And then lead was flying… but only in a safe direction with a proper backstop

The ammunition selection was done by, what I like to term, scientific lottery. It involves me going  to the ammo cabinet and picking what I am currently, most typically shooting. As rimfires are often sensitive to ammunition selections, it is always best to sort a new rimfire by feeding it a variety of ammo types.

Are we home yet? You bet.

The rifle was shot with and without silencer in place. The data difference between the two was insignificant, however, the data that appears here is with the silencer removed with the assumption this would be the more typical configuration. Things I liked… The assembly, parts fit and finish was very good. Assembly and disassembly, including reinstalling the bolt was easy. One attempt is all that is necessary to get the feel of how the receiver, bolt handle and bolt mesh. If you’ve worked with the Ruger 10/22 you’ll obviously be able to work with this rifle. The accuracy was very good. There were light gusts of wind and a +/- 20° temperature swing; New England mud season. The stock geometry is very good and will be comfortable for most shooters. The rifle shot and fully cycled any and all ammunition it was fed, including subsonic, with silencer on or off.

Detracting? The little first round assist lever on the magazine was annoying. Could just be a case of tender thumb and cold weather as it grew less bothersome in use… the lever, not my thumb. Of course, the first round assist lever is also the tab that locks the bolt open on empty, a feature I do appreciate. At 5 lbs 6 ounces, the trigger pull was a little heavy and there was also the presence of light pretravel and creep. The latter may have been more a function of the trigger return plunger located behind the trigger; relatively easy to refine. Am I being picky? Probably. I shoot a lot of centerfire handguns and rifles, that often have very light and very slick triggers, so my observation is relative and subjective at best.

Overall, the product is nicely done. In addition to the laminated stock T/CR22, there is another target/hunting model with Hogue over-molded ambidextrous stock and stainless steel barrel ($497) and a recreational/hunter with Magpul synthetic stock in one of three optional finishes and 17″ light contour barrel ($399). Check them out at the Thompson/Center site.