Thompson Center T/CR22 22LR Carbon Fiber Rifle

Description

I was chasing a squirrel that had been taunting me from the oak tree for weeks. My usual .22 was fine, but it felt like a tool—nothing more. Then I took the Thompson Center T/CR22 22LR, 20″ Threaded Carbon Fiber Barrel, Brown Altamont Thumbhole Stock, 10rd out for a spin. That afternoon, plinking turned into a session. The rifle wasn’t just accurate; it was an experience, blending classic rimfire fun with modern upgrades that actually matter. Here’s what I found after putting a few hundred rounds of everything from standard velocity to subsonics through it.

The Thompson Center T/CR22 is a premium, feature-rich .22 LR rifle built for precision and suppressor-ready fun. It combines a lightweight 20-inch carbon fiber barrel with a stunning brown Altamont thumbhole stock and comes ready for optics with an integrated Picatinny rail. At its core, it’s a highly refined and compatible rimfire platform that’s drop-in ready for serious shooting right out of the box.

Let’s start with that barrel. The 20-inch carbon fiber-wrapped sporter contour is the star. It shaves serious weight—the whole rifle comes in around 5.5 lbs—without sacrificing the rigidity needed for consistent accuracy. The threading is clean and ready for your muzzle device, and I found it paired perfectly with a SilencerCo Sparrow. The balance point shifts nicely, making off-hand shots feel more natural than with a standard steel barrel.

The brown Altamont thumbhole stock isn’t just for looks, though it certainly turns heads. The walnut laminate is tough, the finish is flawless, and the thumbhole design promotes a consistent, repeatable cheek weld. It’s a stock that makes you want to hold the rifle. The integrated 11mm dovetail with a Pic rail section means mounting a scope like a Vortex Crossfire II or Leupold VX-Freedom is straightforward, with no need for separate bases. The 10-round rotary magazine feeds flawlessly and is reminiscent of the Ruger 10/22 pattern, offering broad aftermarket compatibility.

Here’s the thing—the action is where this rifle separates itself from a basic plinker. The bolt is smooth, the trigger is a crisp, user-adjustable unit that breaks cleanly around 3.5 lbs, and the last-round bolt hold-open is a thoughtful touch. It’s a rifle built for shooters who appreciate details. The receiver is drilled and tapped, and the entire package feels like a custom build, not an off-the-shelf .22. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Caliber	.22 Long Rifle
Barrel	20″ Carbon Fiber, Threaded 1/2″-28
Stock	Brown Altamont Walnut Laminate Thumbhole
Magazine Capacity	10 Rounds
Overall Length	~39.5″
Weight	Approx. 5.5 lbs

Pros: Exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy. The carbon fiber barrel offers fantastic weight savings and cooling. The thumbhole stock is both beautiful and functional. The trigger is excellent and adjustable. It’s suppressor-ready and optics-ready from the start. High compatibility with popular 10/22 pattern magazines and many accessories.

Cons: At $709.03, it’s an investment over a basic Ruger or 10/22. The thumbhole design, while comfortable, may not suit every shooter’s preferred carry or handling style. It’s a rifle that begs for a good scope, adding to the total cost.

So who is this for? It’s for the rimfire enthusiast who has moved past “just a plinker.” It’s for the hunter who wants a silent, lightweight, and deadly-accurate small game rifle. It’s for the shooter who values craftsmanship and is willing to pay for features that enhance the experience—like that carbon fiber barrel and premium stock. If you’re looking to build a custom 10/22, this might be your starting point, already done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the barrel truly carbon fiber, or just wrapped?

A: It’s a steel barrel with a carbon fiber sleeve or wrap. This construction dramatically reduces weight and improves cooling while maintaining the steel bore’s accuracy and durability. It’s a common and effective design in precision rifles.

Q: What magazines does it use?

A: The T/CR22 uses magazines compatible with the Ruger 10/22 rotary pattern. This is a huge benefit, as 10/22 mags are ubiquitous, affordable, and reliable. The included 10-rounder works perfectly, but you can easily use aftermarket options from brands like Ruger, Tactical Innovations, or others.

Q: Is the Picatinny rail removable for using the dovetail?

A: Yes. The receiver has an integrated 11mm dovetail. The included Picatinny rail section attaches to this dovetail and can be removed if you prefer to use rings that clamp directly to the 11mm groove, offering great mounting flexibility. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.

If you’re ready for a .22 that treats the rimfire experience with the seriousness it deserves, this Thompson Center T/CR22 deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.