Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a Smith & Wesson company, continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in modern hunting rifles, with the introduction of the new IMPACT muzzleloading rifle. Engineered with a sleek and compact design, the IMPACT offers hunters all of the features they seek while delivering the accuracy and reliability that has become synonymous with the Thompson/Center name.

Designed for durability and operational simplicity, the IMPACT features a new sliding hood breech that provides for easy cleaning via access to the removable breech plug with a simple pull of the ambidextrous lever. The rifle has also been designed with youth and smaller frame shooters in mind, especially the development of the IMPACT’s rugged composite stock. Capable of adjusting length of pull from 12.5 to 13.5 inches, the IMPACT can easily be modified to meet the needs of individual shooters. The IMPACT also employs Thompson/Center’s patented hammer and trigger mechanism for quick, safe and simple operation.

Chambered in .50 caliber, this single-shot rifle with 209-primer ignition is further enhanced with the company’s patented Quick Load Accurizor® (QLA) muzzle system that incorporates a false muzzle design into the very end of the barrel. This unique system is designed to align the bullet squarely with the barrel, while enhancing accuracy and saving precious time when reloading. Additional features that hunters will find invaluable once in the field include the rifle’s adjustable sights with fiber optic inserts, solid aluminum ramrod and ventilated recoil pad for a greater reduction of felt recoil.

“Never before has the black powder market seen such a combination of quality and value in an affordable price point muzzleloader,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Thompson/Center Arms. “The new IMPACT is extremely accurate, lightweight, 100 percent made in America and is backed by Thompson/Center’s famous lifetime warranty.”

Standard with a 26-inch blued precision rifled barrel with a 1 in 28” twist, shooters have the option of either a black or camouflage composite stock with distinctive styling and improved ergonomics. Each IMPACT muzzleloader is complete with QD swivel studs for easy carrying while in the field. The IMPACT further extends Thompson/Center’s vast line of closed breech in-line muzzleloaders.

The T/C IMPACT benefits from an unloaded weight of 6.5 pounds and is quick to the shoulder with its overall length of 41.5 inches. The IMPACT muzzleloader will be available in early 2010 with an anticipated retail price of $249 to $269. For more information on the Thompson/Center IMPACT, or to view the complete line of Thompson/Center Arms firearms and accessories, visit www.tcarms.com.