Description
I was looking for a .22LR rifle that felt like a serious tool, not a toy, and could handle everything from squirrel duty to teaching new shooters. I wanted something that didn’t need a bunch of tinkering right out of the gate. That’s when I got my hands on the Thompson/Center T/CR22 22LR, 17″ Barrel, Synthetic Flat Dark Earth/Black Grit Stock, Black, 10rd. After putting a few hundred rounds of everything from bulk pack to match-grade ammo through it, here’s what I found.
The Thompson/Center T/CR22 is a purpose-built, semi-automatic .22LR rifle designed for reliability and modularity. It features a 17-inch threaded barrel, a rugged synthetic stock in Flat Dark Earth and black, and ships with a 10-round rotary magazine. Priced at $449.78, it’s a versatile rimfire platform that’s drop-in ready for a wide range of optics and accessories.
Let’s talk about the feel first. The T/CR22 has a heft and balance that sets it apart from many other rimfires. The synthetic stock has a textured, grippy surface in Flat Dark Earth and black that feels secure in the hand, even in damp Missouri weather. The 17-inch barrel gives it a compact, handy feel without sacrificing sight radius or velocity. I’ve found it to be a perfect companion for walking creek beds or setting up on a bench. It’s a solid 5.5 pounds unloaded, which helps with stability but doesn’t feel like a burden on a long walk.
Where this rifle really shines is in its design philosophy. Look, Thompson/Center didn’t just make another .22. They built a modular system. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope rail (included), and the barrel is threaded 1/2″-28, so adding a suppressor or muzzle device is straightforward. The best part? The controls and overall layout are intentionally familiar. The bolt release, safety, and magazine release are all in the same spots as on a Ruger 10/22. That means a huge array of aftermarket triggers, stocks, and accessories from brands like Volquartsen, Magpul, and countless others are compatible. This is a huge advantage if you like to personalize your gear.
Performance has been consistent. The 10-round rotary magazine feeds smoothly, and I’ve experienced minimal failures with quality ammunition. The trigger out of the box is decent—a clean break with a bit of take-up, but it’s a great starting point. The fact that it’s drop-in ready for a standard Picatinny rail means you can mount a red dot from Vortex or a scope from Leupold in minutes and be zeroed by lunch. No gunsmithing required to get it range-ready.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 17 Inches (Threaded 1/2″-28) |
| Overall Length | 37.25 Inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Stock | Synthetic, Flat Dark Earth/Black Grip |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (Rotary) |
Pros & Cons
The Good: Excellent build quality and ergonomics. Highly modular and compatible with a massive Ruger 10/22 aftermarket. Threaded barrel is a major plus. The textured stock provides a fantastic grip. It’s simply a reliable, accurate platform that feels more substantial than its price tag suggests.
The Considerations: The trigger, while serviceable, will be the first upgrade for serious plinkers. It’s a .22, so you’ll still want to find the ammo it likes best for ultimate accuracy—though mine wasn’t picky.
Who is this for? This is the rifle for the shooter who wants a do-everything .22 that can evolve with them. It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter who needs a quiet, small-game getter (especially with a can). It’s ideal for the trainer introducing new shooters to a familiar manual of arms. And it’s a dream for the tinkerer who loves to swap parts and dial in performance without starting from scratch. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the T/CR22 just a Ruger 10/22 clone?
A: It’s more than a clone; it’s a refined, compatible alternative. It uses the same magazine and shares accessory compatibility (stocks, triggers, etc.), but Thompson/Center adds features like the threaded barrel, improved sights, and their textured stock out of the box.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?
A: With standard velocity ammunition, I was consistently getting 1 to 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards from a bench. That’s more than enough for small game and fantastic for plinking. Match-grade ammo will naturally tighten that up.
Q: Does it come with sights?
A: Yes, it comes equipped with a fully adjustable rear peep sight and a blade front sight, which are quite good. But the receiver is pre-drilled and includes a Picatinny rail, so moving to optics is a simple, tool-free swap.
If you’re in the market for a .22LR that bridges the gap between a beginner’s rifle and a serious modular platform, the Thompson/Center T/CR22 deserves a long look. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.