Ruger 10/22 VS. Thompson Center .22LR Classic!!!!

B

Blinkme7182

New member
I just saw an ad for the TC 22 Classic and thought the rifle was beautiful. Anyway, I was just wondering your opinions on which rifle is better in terms of ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, AND VALUE. I heard the TC is capable of 1/2" groups at 50 yards, according to the ad. Anyway, which is better, a stock, non-target grade Ruger 10/22 or the TC 22 Classic. BTW, how would both of these rifles compare to the Thompson Center Contender Carbine in .22LR? Thanks in advance!
 
longevity and parts favor the 10-22. (only constructive comment i have on this one, as i have a few 10-22's and never shot the TC model)
 
They look like they are awful similar. If I was into some serious competing, I may consider the Thompson. Otherwise, the 10/22 seems to be good enough to outlast any of us. Just being able to buy mags for $10 each at any Wal Mart is an advantage in itself.
 
Unless I'm mistaken, the TC is a lot more expensive than than a basic 10/22. Wouldn't a more fair comparison be between the TC and a 10/22 Target model (in terms of price, weight, etc.)? I have a couple of 10/22s and like them pretty well. I'm sure the TC is nice, although I've only seen them in ads. I can't say I was all that impressed, but that's just personal preference.

Doug
 
Most would agree the standard model 10/22 is a good value and has acceptable accuracy for plinking and small game hunting, plus you can upgrade it with all kinds of aftermarket stuff.

I haven't fired the TC classic, but handled one, I was impressed with it's fit/finish and lack of plastic or aluminum. I would guess the TC classic is in the same general use category as the 10/22, just a lot prettier, IMO. Don't know how much they are selling for.

The TC contender carbine is in a different category in price and probably accuracy. I have a contender carbine with 16" .223 bbl and early 80's mfg frame w/ adjustable trigger, this is the most accurate centerfire I own. Contender frames will accept a number of different calibers, including a match chamber 22 lr, but each barrel will cost more than a standard 10/22.

As far as usefulness, practical accuracy and fun to shoot goes, my standard 10/22 has languished in the safe ever since my wife gave me a marlin 81TS.:)
 
My T/C 22 Classic is more accurate than the basic 10/22's I have owned. The cost is about double the cheapest 10/22 but about the same as the higher grade 10/22's.

My T/C 22 Classic cost $325. The list is $335.

My T/C shoots one inch five shot groups at 50 yards all day long-with the issue iron/fiber optic sights. My eyes are old, too.

I thinkt that the T/C would be a true tackdriver once it is scoped. The Weaver scope bases are an accessory.

The T/C does jam a lot, which is rare with a 10/22.

The Ruger 10/22 receiver is aluminum and about as thick as a tin can. The T/C is solid steel with a screwed in barrel like a centerfire rifle.

I got so tired of stripping out the scope base screws in 10/22's that I bought an AMT stainless steel receiver for my current 10/22. Another company is now making these again, available from Brownells.

My T/C 22 Classic is a keeper. I will try to get it more reliable with some basement gunsmithing.
 
Kerth!

Do you think a TC Contender Carbine in .22 LR Match barrel would be more accurate than the TC 22LR Classic? How much are we talking for this type of set up? Thanks!
 
Blinkme,

Never tried the T/C Contender with 22 lr match barrel, but their centerfire barrels are very good. Customer service is top notch too.

As far as cost goes, prices are from year 2000 Mid South Shooter's Supply Catalog 1 - (888) SHOOTER;

Contender frame ~$200.00 (w/ pistol grip and 14" forend)
22 lr match grade barrel, 21" ~$200.00
Walnut Buttstock ~$70.00
Walnut forend for 16" & 21" ~$35.00

By the time you pay shipping, taxes, and FFL fee you are probably looking at $550 - $600, plus scope and mount.

Don't know for sure, but I've heard the late production Contender frames no longer have adjustable triggers.

kerth
 
I own several 10/22s and a T/C Classic. The T/C is a lot nicer looking and better made gun than the 10/22. It is a very nice looking rifle and feels great in my hands. The T/C has an American Walnut stock which is nicely finished. T/C has a lifetime guarentee that I have used with a muzzleloader and it was just like they advertise. I like the issue fiber optic sights well enough that I haven't scoped it yet. The T/C is definitely more accurate than a standard out of the box 10/22. The design of the T/C is much more solid than the 10/22. Some negatives; I don't think the T/C is as reliable as the 10/22. The five round mag of the T/C is annoying. I pretty much always shoot at paper and never spray, but five rounds in a .22 is not enough. 10/22 mags are cheap and available even at local discount stores. If you are into buying aftermarket parts the 10/22 is the way to go. The 10/22 is much cheaper. You can buy a 10/22 and upgrade it significantly later thus spreading out the cost. The T/Cs are very hard to come by. I have been asking my dealer about it for what seems like a year. He finally got me one a couple months ago. I would imagine if you put some effort into it, you could locate one, but he only deals with a couple wholesalers and they said they had only seen one prior to getting mine. You won't go wrong with either one. If I could own only one, it would be the T/C, but got along fine with my 10/22s for many years. The 10/22 is a superb .22 and I have fired countless thousands of rounds out of mine. You certainly won't wear it out. If you wear out the springs in your 10/22 they are readily available from most any gun catalog or from Wolff.
 
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