1stLast&Always
Marksman
Earlier this year, I posted questions about purchasing an entry level .308 bolt action. I received lots of responses, so in my gratitude and as promised, the subject of this report is a beginner level, sub $300 bolt action rifle in .308 by Thompson Center- The TC Compass. Since Smith & Wesson acquired this company, it has been presented as a value, and in my opinion, whatever its worth, TC delivered.
For starters: New to high power shooting, and new to reloading for high power rifles. This was the 2nd time in my life I shot .308. Having been spoiled by a Savage Stealth my first time, in comparison, this particular rifle doesn't appear to give the Stealth any competition, though with a bipod I feel it will get plenty of work done. I placed several shots inside a quarter with the Stealth on a bipod. Supported, and with the right ammo, I think this rifle will live up to its claim of 1 MOA at 100 yards.
Conditions and Target: Outdoor range, temperature around 88F, up to 14 mph wind gusts, no berms to protect from crosswind. Target was "FBI Circles".
First was a sight in at 25 yards. Optic used was the Vortex Crossfire 3-9x40, which came with the rifle. Total package still cost less than $300 from KYGunCo and included a free muzzle brake.
Ammo for sight in was TulAmmo. 150 gr. Steel Case. First shots were high and right, followed by several closer to the center.
Next I loaded some Perfecta stashed from some time ago, 147 gr. and moved back to 100 yds., prone on a camping mat, with a backpack rest.
The barrel was not cooled or cleaned between shots as some have done. I just fired several in succession. The cases landed conveniently right next to my elbow.
Last, in limited time, I tested some hand loads made the night before. This was also the first time I ever hand loaded .308. Pictured results are 150 gr. Interlocks from Hornady, with BLC-2 and mixed cases, Remington primers. Not too happy with the accuracy here. More research to follow on the load development.
Summary: The rifle has accuracy acceptable for myself as a beginner, is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and had very soft recoil. The Vortex scope got the job done fine. I trust it to hunt.
In a short time, I had a lot of fun with this budget blaster. Did I shoot the same sharpshooter score I did in Marine Corps JROTC? Nope. Then again this is a big boy rifle, not a plinker. I also didn't get the opportunity to shoot at any further distance this time out, but that's o.k. For the money, I am extremely satisfied with this gun. It gives something to tinker with while I look forward to a higher quality piece based on more practice and a bigger budget. I feel lucky I got a great deal and will be enjoying the journey getting it out as much as I can.
TC Compass .308, 1stLast&Always
For starters: New to high power shooting, and new to reloading for high power rifles. This was the 2nd time in my life I shot .308. Having been spoiled by a Savage Stealth my first time, in comparison, this particular rifle doesn't appear to give the Stealth any competition, though with a bipod I feel it will get plenty of work done. I placed several shots inside a quarter with the Stealth on a bipod. Supported, and with the right ammo, I think this rifle will live up to its claim of 1 MOA at 100 yards.
Conditions and Target: Outdoor range, temperature around 88F, up to 14 mph wind gusts, no berms to protect from crosswind. Target was "FBI Circles".
First was a sight in at 25 yards. Optic used was the Vortex Crossfire 3-9x40, which came with the rifle. Total package still cost less than $300 from KYGunCo and included a free muzzle brake.
Ammo for sight in was TulAmmo. 150 gr. Steel Case. First shots were high and right, followed by several closer to the center.
Next I loaded some Perfecta stashed from some time ago, 147 gr. and moved back to 100 yds., prone on a camping mat, with a backpack rest.
The barrel was not cooled or cleaned between shots as some have done. I just fired several in succession. The cases landed conveniently right next to my elbow.
Last, in limited time, I tested some hand loads made the night before. This was also the first time I ever hand loaded .308. Pictured results are 150 gr. Interlocks from Hornady, with BLC-2 and mixed cases, Remington primers. Not too happy with the accuracy here. More research to follow on the load development.
Summary: The rifle has accuracy acceptable for myself as a beginner, is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and had very soft recoil. The Vortex scope got the job done fine. I trust it to hunt.
In a short time, I had a lot of fun with this budget blaster. Did I shoot the same sharpshooter score I did in Marine Corps JROTC? Nope. Then again this is a big boy rifle, not a plinker. I also didn't get the opportunity to shoot at any further distance this time out, but that's o.k. For the money, I am extremely satisfied with this gun. It gives something to tinker with while I look forward to a higher quality piece based on more practice and a bigger budget. I feel lucky I got a great deal and will be enjoying the journey getting it out as much as I can.
TC Compass .308, 1stLast&Always
