Thompson Center Base, 2 Piece Weaver Style, System 1, SS

Description

I was mounting a scope on my old Thompson Center System 1 barrel the other day, and the hunt for the right base was a pain. I needed something simple, reliable, and that wouldn’t break the bank. That’s exactly where this little piece of hardware comes in. The Thompson Center Base, 2 Piece Weaver Style, System 1, SS is the straightforward, no-fuss mounting solution for your T/C System 1 single-shot barrel. It’s a pair of stainless steel bases that screw directly into the factory-drilled holes on your barrel, giving you a solid, corrosion-resistant platform for attaching Weaver-style rings and optics. For just $12.28, it solves a very specific problem without any drama.

Here’s the thing—mounting systems are the unsung heroes of accuracy. A wobbly base ruins everything. I’ve put rounds through setups using these bases, and the key is their simplicity. They are drop-in ready for the T/C System 1 platform. You take them out of the package, line up the holes with the pre-drilled taps on your barrel, screw them in with the provided hardware (usually 6-48 screws, but check your kit), and you’re done. No gunsmithing required, no fitting, no fuss. It’s a five-minute job that provides a rock-solid foundation. This direct compatibility is crucial; it’s made specifically for the System 1’s unique contour and hole spacing.

Key Features & Why They Matter

The primary material is stainless steel, denoted by the “SS” in the name. This isn’t just for looks. Stainless resists rust and corrosion far better than blued steel, which is a real benefit for a firearm that might see field use in Missouri’s variable humidity. The two-piece design offers flexibility. Unlike a one-piece base, the separate front and rear sections allow for minor adjustments in ring placement to achieve perfect eye relief with your specific scope. The Weaver-style rail is the classic, widely supported standard. It accepts any Weaver or Picatinny-style ring (though true Weaver slots are slightly narrower than full Picatinny), meaning you have a massive selection of rings to choose from, from brands like Leupold, Warne, or Vortex.

I appreciate that it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It’s a base. It lifts your rings and scope off the barrel to a consistent height and provides a locked-in rail interface. The installation is intuitive, and because it’s a dedicated factory part, you get peace of mind knowing the hole spacing is correct. No more guessing or worrying about thread mismatch.

Product Specifications

Specification	Detail
Compatibility	Thompson Center System 1 Single Shot Barrel
Style	2-Piece, Weaver Standard
Material	Stainless Steel
Finish	Matte
Mounting Screw Size	Typically 6-48 (Verify with included hardware)
Package	Includes two base sections and mounting screws

Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk

Pros: The price is undeniably right for a genuine factory-style part. The stainless construction offers great durability for the cost. Installation is genuinely simple—if you can use a screwdriver, you can install this base. It provides a standardized, reliable mounting platform that works with a huge array of ring sets. It’s the correct, purpose-built part for your T/C System 1.

Cons: It’s a niche product. If you don’t own a Thompson Center System 1 barrel, it’s useless to you. It’s a basic base, so it lacks the integrated bubble levels or 20 MOA cant of more expensive tactical rails. Some might prefer a one-piece base for absolute rigidity, though for most hunting applications with a System 1, the two-piece is more than sufficient.

Who This Base Is For

This is for the Thompson Center System 1 owner who needs to mount a scope. It’s perfect for the hunter or target shooter who wants a clean, correct installation without modifying their barrel. It’s for the person who values function over flash and doesn’t want to pay for features they don’t need. If you’re bringing an old System 1 back to life or setting up a new barrel, this base is the logical first step in your optics setup. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this base fit my Thompson Center Compass or T/C rifle?

A: No. This base is specifically engineered for the System 1 single-shot pistol/rifle platform. The Compass, Venture, and other T/C models have completely different receiver designs and require different bases. Always confirm compatibility with your specific firearm model.

Q: Are the mounting screws included?

A: Yes, the package should include the necessary screws. They are typically 6-48 thread size, but always use the hardware provided in the package to ensure a proper fit. Applying a small amount of blue Loctite (242) is a good practice to prevent screws from loosening under recoil.

Q: Can I use Picatinny rings on this Weaver base?

A: In most cases, yes. Most modern “Picatinny” rings are designed to clamp onto the wider cross-slot of a Picatinny rail but will still securely attach to the narrower cross-slot of a Weaver base. However, dedicated “Weaver-style” rings with a cross-bolt are guaranteed to fit. True mil-spec Picatinny accessories with fixed lugs may not fit the Weaver spacing.

If you’ve got a T/C System 1 that needs a scope, this base is the correct, affordable, and simple place to start. Grab one and get your barrel ready for an optic.