Note: roduction. Out of P Only.
Table Of Contents Subject: Page Number General Rules for Use and Handling of Muzzleloading Firearms ..............2 Nomenclature..............................................................................................9 Assembly & Disassembly of Your System 1 ................................................10 Basic Equipment Needs For The Muzzleloading Shooter ..........................13 Understanding Black Powder and Pyrodex™ ..............................................14 Ignition...................
This booklet contains information that is essential to the safe use and maintenance of Thompson/Center’s modern-style in-line muzzleloaders with removable breech plugs and fixed barrels. You must read this material in its entirety and fully understand its significance before you can safely use your muzzleloader. If a Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearm is loaned or sold (by an individual or a dealer), this booklet must accompany the firearm.
General Rules for Use and Handling of Thompson/Center Black Powder Muzzleloading Firearms 1 If you are unfamiliar with muzzleloading firearms seek professional instruction. Qualified organizations such as local gun clubs, The National Rifle Association, The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association and state Hunter Safety Programs offer approved courses which teach safe gun handling and proper hunting procedure.
cially manufactured Black Powder or Pyrodex propellant of the specific granulation or type called for in this booklet. By Black Powder we mean a powder which is manufactured specifically for use in muzzleloading firearms as opposed to smokeless powder which is manufactured for use in metallic cartridges or shotshells. NO smokeless powder, even those which appear black in color, should ever be used in a muzzleloading firearm. Be sure you know what type and granulation of powder you are loading.
until you are a safe distance away from the vehicle, road and companions. Never prime the firearm until you are actually ready to fire. 9 The T/C System 1™ is a modern "striker action" cap lock rifle, and does not have the half-cock notch that traditional cap locks have. There are two striker handle positions for the System 1; they are; “Cocked” and “Fired”. In the “Cocked” position, the striker is held rearward by the trigger sear which is in turn blocked by the manual thumb safety.
may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. 11 Never lean a charged and primed rifle against a tree, wall or any surface. Once the rifle has been charged it is your responsibility to guard it against accidental bumps. 12 Never store a charged muzzleloading firearm in a home, camp, vehicle or building. WARNING: After use, a muzzleloading firearm should be discharged (fired) into a suitable backstop before returning to the home or camp.
17 Do not smoke while using your muzzleloader. The spark from a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe can ignite Black Powder, Pyrodex, Percussion Caps or Primers. WARNING: Smoking around a charged and/or primed muzzleloader, percussion caps, priming powder or supply of powder may cause premature firing of the gun or an explosion of the powder can, horn or flask causing serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property.
top quality brand only and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. WARNING: Never climb to or descend from a tree stand with a primed muzzleloading firearm. Never raise or lower a primed muzzleloading firearm to or from a tree stand. Failure to follow this rule may cause serious injury and/or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage to property. 23 Respect the muzzleloading firearm. Used properly your muzzleloader will give you years of pleasure.
the dealer selling the device or the person or persons installing it. 26 Use Thompson/Center scope mounts only. The Thompson/Center Catalog lists a series of scopes and mounts which are designed specifically for use with our firearms. These mounts make use of existing screw holes. Those who desire a scope sight should make use of Thompson/Center mounts. WARNING: Do not drill additional holes in the barrel as this could weaken the barrel structure leading to a rupture.
Butt Pad 9 Green Dot marks "Safety" Position Striker Striker Handle Trigger Guard Screws Green Dot marks "Safety" Position Composite Stock Models Walnut Stock Models Receiver End Cap Striker Spring Striker Handle Retainer Trigger Trigger Guard Fixed Trigger Guard Safety Receiver Front Takedown Screw Red Dot marks "Fire" Position (2) Trigger Guard Screws Barrel Barrel Lug Takedown Bolt Red Dot marks "Fire" Position Receiver Lug Nipple Breech Plug Rear Sight Thimble Ramrod Front S
Assembly & Disassembly Of The System 1™ This System 1 has three (3) basic parts groups: Rear Sight Breech Plug Front Sight Nipple Barrel Barrel Lug Takedown Bolt Thimble Ramrod 1. The Barrel Assembly - This assembly includes the barrel, breech plug with nipple, ramrod, thimbles and sights. It is held to the receiver by a takedown bolt which anchors the barrel lug to the receiver lug.
System 1™ Takedown Procedure NOTE:To remove the breech plug from the barrel - the barrel must first be removed from the receiver. Follow these steps: 1st Step - After making sure that the gun is unprimed and uncharged, lower the striker to the “fired” position by pulling the trigger while holding the striker handle and slowly letting the striker go forward until it contacts the bare nipple. 2nd Step - Remove the ramrod from the thimble(s).
12 Green Dot marks "Safety" Position Composite Stock Models 3 Fixed Trigger Guard 7 Red Dot marks "Fire" Position Lift receiver and barrel out of the stock.
Cl o c ... continued from page 11 This procedure will give you the necessary leverage to “break” the gas seal which was formed when the breech plug was originally “snugged” to the barrel during installation. There will be initial resistance between these parts which must be overcome.
Understanding Black Powder And Pyrodex™ Make no mistake about it, Black Powder or Pyrodex are the only propellant powders that are safe to use in a muzzleloading firearm. Oh, you will hear, or possibly read, advice to the contrary but don’t follow it for you will never hear such advice from a competent source. The reason for using a low yield powder such as Black Powder or Pyrodex is quite basic and it is related to firearm design.
All presently available Smokeless Powders are designed for use with metallic cartridges and shotshells in strong modern breech loading firearms. They should never be used in a muzzleloading firearm of any type. Some of these powders are “Black” in color making proper identification extremely important. It is the characteristic of Smokeless Powders to burn in a controlled manner within a given pressure range.
Black Powder Chart Showing The Appropriate Use Of The Various Granulations FG (commonly called Single “F”) The muzzleloading enthusiast finds little use for this very coarse black powder. It’s use is restricted to the large bore (10, 8, 4 gauge) shotguns of yesterday. FFG (commonly called Double “F”) This is a very popular powder for the larger (.45 to .58 cal) rifles. It is also used for 12, 16, and 20 gauge muzzleloading shotguns.
When purchasing Black Powder be certain that it is in the original manufacturer’s container and that its granulation or type is clearly marked on the label. Follow the storage and handling precautions which are on the label. If you have any questions concerning the safe handling or storage of Black Powder, write to the manufacturer of the powder. Additional information on powder storage is available from the National Fire Protection Association, P.O. Box 9146, Quincy, Mass. 02269. Or call 1-800-344-3555.
Chart Showing Various Grades of PYRODEX® and Their Intended Use ... PYRODEX® CTG FOR BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGES. This powder was designed to be used in early model breech loading cartridge firearms (rifles, pistols & shotguns) which were intended for use with Black Powder only. It has no application in Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearms. It is listed here simply for identification purposes. PYRODEX® RS (or PYRODEX SELECT “RS”) RIFLE & SHOTGUN POWDER.
Ignition in a Muzzleloader Considering that Black Powder ignites easily and burns almost instantaneously, it would not seem that ignition could create problems for the muzzleloading enthusiast. Yet, it was in the age of Black Powder that such terms as misfire, hangfire and flash in the pan found their origins. The problem, of course, is that the muzzleloader requires a great deal more care in its cleaning and handling than does a modern cartridge firearm (see section on “Cleaning Your Muzzleloading Firearm.
Black Powder Pressures And Velocities It is not the purpose of this manual to delve deeply into the complex subject of chamber pressure or how it relates to all firearms. There are, however, some basic differences between a muzzleloader and a modern cartridge firearm. The reader must understand and respect these differences if he or she is to use their T/C muzzleloader in a safe manner. Shooting muzzleloading firearms requires rethinking all that you have learned about firearms.
sures since these same pressures make possible the high velocities, flat trajectories and increased range of modern ammunition. Yet, the modern firearm is no stronger than the cartridge case that is used in its chamber.
Fouling in the bore of a muzzleloader will increase pressure. When shooting a muzzleloader, consecutive shots without cleaning will display rapid shot-to-shot increases in pressure, a variation in velocity and a resultant decrease in accuracy. As Black Powder fouling builds in the bore of your muzzleloader, loading will become more difficult until it reaches the point where it becomes impossible to properly seat the projectile.
high velocity or handling the high pressures of a modern firearm. Restricted to a primitive design, the muzzleloading hunter takes game by depending upon a large caliber, heavy bullet traveling at a mild velocity. WARNING: Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times.
Thompson/Center Muzzleloader Bullet Molds When using T/C molds, follow the instructions supplied with the mold block. Lead is a potent, systemic poison that serves no known useful function once absorbed by your body. Lead can be absorbed into your body by inhalation (breathing) and ingestion (eating). Taken in large enough doses, lead can kill you in a matter of days. Even in small quantities, lead dust, fumes or mist can be inhaled or ingested and cause serious injury in the respiratory system.
impractical for muzzleloading use. Alloys containing antimony are harder and lighter than pure lead. Consequently projectiles cast from such materials will be overly hard (depending on the amount of antimony present) and somewhat lighter than the bullet weight listed for the mold. The biggest problem, however, is that antimony alloys have less a shrinkage factor than pure lead. Antimony alloys produce an extremely hard, over size projectile which is very difficult to load properly.
is spun by rifling that it never touches! It is the job of the patch to hold the ball tightly against the powder charge until firing and to securely grip both the ball and the rifling so as to transfer the spin of the rifling to the projectile itself. If the patch fits too loosely, the ball will not spin and its flight will be unstable. If the patches vary in thickness, or manner of loading, or the amount of lubricant they carry, shot to shot stability and accuracy will be affected.
When targeting a muzzleloading firearm, it is wise to recover a few of the fired patches and to check their condition. Fired patches can usually be found lying on the ground about 10 yards in front of the muzzle. The following illustrations will help you to determine whether your patch and/or lubricant is doing its job. Lubricant is required to ease loading and prevent the patch material from burning.
Understanding The System 1™ Trigger, Striker and Safety Mechanism The System 1™ muzzleloading firearm is a modern cap lock rifle that combines both the functional aspects of an old-time cap lock with the looks of a modern bolt-action rifle. The System 1™ has several design features which are different than traditional muzzleloading firearms, and must be understood before you attempt to use and fire your System 1™. See the illustrations on page 29.
Photo #1 Photo #1 Striker is in the “Fired” position. The safety lever is fully forward and the striker is also fully forward and in contact with the nipple. Photo #2 Photo #2 Striker handle in the “Cocked” position with the thumb safety engaged (fully rearward). The thumb safety will now be lined up with the green dot on the stock. Photo #3 Photo #3 The Striker handle in the "Cocked" Position with the thumb safety in the “Fire” position.
Trigger Adjustment For The System 1™ Any adjustments are to be made to Screws "A" and "B". A .050" hex wrench and a 1/4" open end wrench are required to perform adjustments. The trigger of the System 1™ is factory set for optimal weight of pull, sear engagement and over-travel. If further adjustment is required, the System 1™ is equipped with two trigger adjustment screws that can be adjusted by the shooter.
Trigger Adjustment for Sear Engagement (Screw "A" in diagram on page 30) Make sure that the firearm you are working with is uncharged and unprimed prior to making any trigger adjustments. FAILURE TO HEED THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE WHICH MAY CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Adjustment of the System 1 trigger requires that the receiver/barrel be removed from the stock.
ry remove the receiver/barrel assembly from the stock. Step 6. After sear engagement adjustment is finalized, retighten the 1/4" lock nut, making sure that sear engagement adjustment screw (Screw “A”) remains in the same position. Step 7. Reassemble the rifle. To increase sear engagement from this minimum setting, the .050" hex screw (Screw "A") should be turned counterclockwise further than the one third minimum turn stated above.
Charging And Priming The Thompson/Center System 1™ If you have not read this manual in its entirety, do so before attempting to load your firearm. IMPROPER LOADING AND USE OF YOUR FIREARM CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. The photo on page 34 shows a shooter in the process of loading a System 1™. Study this photo carefully and read all the captions before you proceed to charge your System 1™.
Loading & Use of a System 1™ Stay mentally alert. This task requires your complete attention. IMPROPERLY CHARGING YOUR T/C MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLE CAN BE DANGEROUS. STUDY THIS PHOTO CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING. Eyes, ears & arms protected. Do Not Smoke while loading any muzzleloader. Barrel held securely with muzzle upwards - directed away from your body. Keep components & reserve powder well away from the firearm.
IF YOU ARE LOADING A ROUND BALL WITH A CLOTH PATCH, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS. Lay your lubricated cloth patch over the muzzle and place the round ball in the center of the patch. Uniformity is important. Be certain that the patch is centered and that the weave of the cloth is placed exactly the same each time. Also, the sprue mark (flat section on a cast ball) should be in the up position and carefully centered.
way down the barrel until it contacts the powder charge. Seat the ball firmly against the powder charge but do not pound on it. Pounding on the ramrod will deform the ball. A deformed ball will not shoot accurately. Load and seat each ball with exactly the same pressure, shot after shot. With successive shots, fouling in the bore may build up in sufficient quantity to make loading more difficult, or even impossible.
If you are loading an all-lead conical like T/C’s MAXI-BALL® or MAXI-HUNTER® or a sabot like T/C’s Mag Express Sabot, proceed as follows; Do not use a cloth patch with these projectiles. Wipe the oil from the bore and follow the precharging instructions given for your particular style of rifle. Use Black Powder or Pyrodex only. Start with the lightest charges listed in our loading chart for your caliber. Use T/C graduated powder measure and measure each charge carefully.
ball, the lead bullet or sabot must be seated firmly against the powder charge. Seat the projectile with exactly the same pressure shot after shot. Study Photo “F”. Remove the ramrod before you prime the firearm. PHOTO F Use the ramrod to push the bullet down the barrel and to seat it against the powder charge. PROJECTILES MUST ALWAYS BE SEATED FIRMLY AGAINST THE POWDER CHARGE.
Do not prime the firearm until you are actually ready to fire and you have double checked to ensure that the striker handle is in the “cocked” position, the thumb safety is engaged (fully rearward) and ramrod has been removed from the bore. Thompson/Center does not recommend priming the firearm until the instant before actual firing. Carrying a charged, primed System 1 can be dangerous.
When firing the System 1™, hold it tightly against the shoulder, allowing your body weight to absorb and buffer the force of the recoil. AN IMPROPERLY HELD FIREARM CAN “KICK” UPWARDS CAUSING FACIAL INJURY AND/OR BRUISING. If you decide not to fire, engage the thumb safety by pulling it fully rearward. Then remove the cap from the nipple.
Summary of Charging & Priming Your Thompson/Center System 1™ 1. Check to ensure that the firearm is uncharged. 2. Wipe the bore free of all oil. 3. Pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, snap several caps on the nipple, clearing away any oil residue which may be in the nipple channel. 4. Ensure that the striker handle is locked into the “Cocked” position and the thumb safety is engaged (fully rearward) and that it is aligned with the green dot on the stock. 5.
Removing a Charge From Your T/C System 1™ Never attempt to pull a charge from your System 1™ until you are absolutely certain that the firearm is deprimed (percussion cap, removed from the nipple). Do not attempt to pull a charge from any gun until the powder charge has been rendered inert (barrel removed and its breech section submerged in water for at least one-half hour) as explained in the following text dealing with pulling a charge.
(on walnut stocked models) by turning them out counter-clockwise (as viewed from the bottom of the gun). On the composite stocked models you remove the screw at the back of the trigger guard and the one in front of the molded trigger guard. 4th Step - The barrel and receiver may now be lifted out of the stock. 5th Step - Remove the barrel from the receiver; Use a 5/32" Allen wrench to remove the takedown bolt which anchors the barrel lug to the receiver lug.
Cleaning Your Thompson/Center System 1™ Never attempt to clean a charged or primed muzzleloading firearm. AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Black Powder and Pyrodex are very corrosive and the residue or fouling left in the bore after firing your firearm can be very destructive to the steel, causing oxidation, rust and pitting. Leaving your firearm uncleaned with this fouling present can lead to a ruined firearm.
may go off when the lubricant is softened by heat from a vehicle or building. The striker and inside of the receiver must be thoroughly cleaned and lightly oiled to ensure reliable and safe operation. Corrosion and rust that result from improper cleaning, or lack of cleaning, could alter the proper functioning of the striker mechanism. This could lead to a condition whereby the gun will not operate correctly.
Cleaning From The Breech End Never attempt to clean a charged or primed muzzleloading firearm. AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. When you are finished shooting for the day or for the season and plan to store the System 1 away, it is recommended that you clean the firearm thoroughly. This includes removal of the breech plug and cleaning the corresponding threads in the barrel. Follow these instructions for thorough cleaning. 1.
The striker and inside of the receiver must be thoroughly cleaned and lightly oiled to ensure reliable and safe operation. Corrosion and rust that result from improper cleaning, or lack of cleaning, could alter the proper functioning of the striker mechanism. This could lead to a condition whereby the gun will not operate correctly. AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE MAY OCCUR RESULTING IN INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. 5.
When using a petroleum based lubricant, the buildup of this type of fouling is much more apparent and it is often necessary to clean the rifle or pistol between shots. Cleaning between shots will be necessary whether using black powder or Pyrodex. Failure to eliminate this residue will be destructive to the bore if left uncleaned for any length of time.
Actually the user of a Black Powder rifle or pistol has two types of cleaning with which to contend. One is total or complete cleaning which is done after shooting for the day and before the rifle or pistol is put away. (This must be done after using either Pyrodex or Black Powder.) The other is a simple “wiping out” of the bore which is done between shots to clear away fouling and to ease loading (this is essential with Black Powder). This is referred to as “field cleaning”.
out the need to wipe the bore even once. Bear in mind though, that the pressure does build and accuracy falls off as fouling builds in the barrel. So, regardless of your lube, if you feel that it is getting more difficult to load as a result of excessive fouling, it will be necessary to wipe the bore. The best method is to pay close attention to loading (and group size). If the ball seems to drag or is somewhat difficult to seat then you must clean the bore before you load the next charge.
When using the cleaning jag,keep in mind that patch size and thickness are important. Start with a patch that is approximately 2 1/2" square (or in diameter). Position it over the jag as pictured in the illustration and try it in the bore of the firearm (wet patches will enter more easily than dry ones). If it seems to be too tight - don’t force it. If your trial patch proves to be too tight, use a smaller size patch and/or thinner material.
the receiver end of the sight). Move the rear sight blade in the direction you want your shots to hit-- (Example; Turn the screw clockwise - thereby moving the sight blade to the right, to move your shots to the right and counter-clockwise to move the shots to the left).
Mounting A Scope On The Thompson/Center System 1™ Do not drill additional holes in the barrel as this could weaken its structure and contribute to a rupture CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. See the current T/C Catalog for scope mounting systems which can be used on your System 1. The receiver is factory drilled and tapped for these accessories. Service Department Service Department, Telephone #603-332-2333.
Statement Of Liability From Thompson/Center This gun is classified as a FIREARM OR DANGEROUS WEAPON and is surrendered by us with the express understanding that we assume no liability for its resale or unsafe handling under local laws and regulations.
This warranty does not cover “Kit models. While Thompson/Center does guarantee the quality and workmanship of the parts contained in each kit (and will replace any part which is proven, by our inspection, to be faulty in either workmanship or material) we have no control over the final finishing and assembly of these products. Therefore, no responsibility for either the construction or use of kit models is implied or assumed.
Maxi-Balls® For T/C Firearms .45 Caliber (240 grs.) For small to medium (deer-sized) game. Now factory lubricated with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. .50 Caliber (320 grs.) A medium game (deer-sized) bullet for .50 caliber rifles. Factory lubricated with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. .50 Caliber (370 grs.) A medium and big game bullet for .50 caliber rifles. Factory lubricated with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. .50 Caliber (460 grs.) A big game bullet for .50 caliber rifles.
.50 Caliber (275 grs.) A bullet designed for .50 caliber T/C rifles and deer sized game. Lubed with Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. .50 Caliber (350 grs.) A bullet designed for .50 caliber rifles and deer sized game. Factory lubed with Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. .50 Caliber (470 grs.) A bullet designed for .50 caliber T/C rifles and medium (deer-sized) to large game. Factory lubed with T/C Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. .54 Caliber (360 grs.
Suggested Black Powder Loads For The System 1™ Rifle The following charts show recommended charges for Thompson/Center In-Line muzzleloading rifles. Charges are listed by caliber and type of projectile. Note that in each instance a series of charges are listed. More than one charge is shown in each category to clearly illustrate the safe loading range for that particular caliber, model and projectile.
Suggested Black Powder Loads For The System 1™ For Use With .32 Caliber T/C System 1 Rifles Patches Lubricated with Bore Butter Use a #11 Percussion Cap .315" Diameter Lead Ball Weight (Grains) 47 Grain .32 Caliber Rifle Black Powder & Round Ball Loads Black Powder Charge (Grains) Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 30 grs. FFFG 1714 F.P.S. 307 Ft. Lbs. 40 grs. FFFG 1929 F.P.S. 388 Ft. Lbs. 50 grs. FFFG 2055 F.P.S. 441 Ft. Lbs.
Suggested Black Powder Loads For The Thompson/Center System 1™ .54 Caliber Rifle For Use With .54 Caliber T/C System 1 Patches Lubricated with Bore Butter Use Musket Cap, #11 Cap or 209 Primer .530" Diameter Lead Ball Weight (Grains) 230 Grain Using Round Ball Loads Black Powder Charge (Grains) Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 60 grs. FFG 1263 F.P.S. 815 Ft. Lbs. 70 grs. FFG 1469 F.P.S. 1102 Ft. Lbs. 80 grs. FFG 1654 F.P.S. 1397 Ft. Lbs. 90 grs. FFG 1761 F.P.S.
Suggested Black Powder Loads For The Thompson/Center System 1™ .32 Caliber Rifle For Use With .32 Caliber T/C System 1 Rifle Bullets Lubricated with Bore Butter Use a #11 Percussion Cap .32 Caliber Lead Bullet Weight (Grains) 103 Grain Black Powder & Maxi-Ball Loads Black Powder Charge (Grains) Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 30 grs. FFFG 1418 F.P.S. 460 F.P.S. 40 grs. FFFG 1628 F.P.S. 606 F.P.S. 50 grs. FFFG 1749 F.P.S. 700 F.P.S.
For Use With .54 Caliber T/C System 1 Rifles Bullets Lubricated with Bore Butter Use Musket Cap, #11 Cap or 209 Primer .54 Cal.Lead Bullet Weight (Grains) .54 Caliber Rifle Using T/C .50 Caliber Maxi-Ball & Maxi-Hunter Loads Black Powder Charge (Grains) Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 90 grs. FFG 1390 F.P.S. 1566 Ft. Lbs. 100 grs. FFG 1483 F.P.S. 1783 Ft. Lbs. 110 grs. FFG 1551 F.P.S. 1950 Ft. Lbs. 120 grs. FFG 1607 F.P.S. 2094 Ft. Lbs. 360 Gr.
Assembly And Loading Of T/C Break-O-Way™ Sabots When loading T/C’s Break-O-Way Sabots, make sure that your gun is unprimed, and that your Break-O-Way Sabot has been properly assembled. Failure to assemble and load your sabot correctly could result in the bullet, sabot halves, or woven wool doughnut separating and disengaging from themselves. This could result in an air space between the components.
zleloading rifle. Study this photo carefully and read all the captions before you proceed to charge your rifle. The complete sabot unit should be seated firmly on the powder charge as indicated in the illustration below. Do not exceed the recommended loading data in this manual when using T/C Break-O-Way Sabots in Thompson/Center rifles. When using rifles not manufactured by Thompson/Center, do not exceed the recommended loads provided by the manufacturer of your rifle.
Suggested Black Powder Loads For Break-O-Way™ Sabots in the System 1™ .50 Caliber Rifle For Use Only With .50 Caliber T/C System 1™ Rifle Using .429" - .430" Bullets Use Musket Cap, No.11 Cap or 209 Primer For Use With .429" - .430" Bullets 200 Grain Using T/C .44 Caliber Break-O-Way™ Sabot Loads Black Powder Charge (Grains) Muzzle Velocity (Feet Per Second) Muzzle Energy (Foot Pounds) 80 grs. FFG 1634 F.P.S. 1186 Ft. Lbs. 90 grs. FFG 1673 F.P.S. 1243 Ft. Lbs. 100 grs. FFG 1730 F.P.S.
Loading The System 1™ Shotgun STAY MENTALLY ALERT. THIS TASK REQUIRES YOUR COMPLETE ATTENTION. IMPROPERLY CHARGING YOUR MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN CAN BE DANGEROUS. Study This Photo Carefully Before Proceeding. EYES, EARS & ARMS PROTECTED. BARREL HELD SECURELY WITH MUZZLE UPWARDS - DIRECTED AWAY FROM FACE AND BODY. DO NOT SMOKE WHILE LOADING ANY MUZZLELOADER USE FFG BLACK POWDER OR RS PYRODEX ONLY. USE A THOMPSON/CENTER GRADUATED POWDER MEASURE ONLY AND DO NOT OVERCHARGE.
Charging & Priming The System 1™ 12 Gauge Shotgun The System 1™ - 12 Gauge muzzleloading shotgun features an internal (screw-in) choke tube. Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full Choke tubes are available as accessory items. Never attempt to install a choke tube or remove a choke tube from a loaded firearm. Always ensure that the firearm is UNLOADED. FAILURE TO HEED THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. 1.
Never attempt to use any other choke tube in a Thompson/Center shotgun. MISMATCHING CHOKE TUBES IN ANY SHOTGUN COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE SHOTGUN, OR SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER AND/OR BYSTANDER. If you have any questions concerning installation of your choke tube, contact Thompson/Center’s Repair Department or call: Thompson/Center Arms, P.O. Box 5002, Farmington Road, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867, Phone (603-332-2333).
See the specific load recommendations on page 75 of this manual. The steps in charging the cylinder bore models are as follows: Step 1: Pour a measured charge of FFG Black Powder (or “RS” Pyrodex) into the barrel. Step 2: Seat two T/C Natural Wads firmly against the powder charge. Step 3: Pour a measured shot charge into the barrel. Step 4: Seat one T/C Natural Wad)firmly against the shot charge. See illustration.
PHOTO C Hold the ramrod short (as pictured) and push the wad down (about 4") into the barrel. The entire shot & wad column MUST be seated firmly against the powder charge. Shot One Over The Shot { "Natural" Wads { Two Powder PHOTO D Using short strokes, push the wad slowly down the barrel, allowing time for trapped air to bleed off.
ramrod, slowly push the wad or wads the remainder of the way down the barrel until it contacts and bears firmly against the powder charge. Bear in mind that air is trapped underneath the wad or wads as you load it so you must push slowly...allowing time for this trapped air to bleed off around the wad or wads. See photo “D”. Use your graduated powder measure to measure your shot charge (see information contained in the loading data). Measure your shot as carefully as you measure your powder.
Never fire a muzzleloading shotgun unless you are sure that the entire wad and shot column is properly seated firmly against the powder charge and the ramrod has been removed from the bore. Shooters should bear in mind that the muzzleloading charge is not crimped into position as is the fixed cartridge. If wads do not fit tightly then jarring or movement of the firearm can cause wads to move forward.
PHOTO “G”. Muzzle pointed down range, keep fingers away from trigger. Use No.11 percussion cap and press it firmly down onto the nipple With the striker in the “cocked” position and the safety engaged (fully rearward) hold the System 1™ shotgun firmly with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and pull the hammer to full-cock position. Press the No.11 Percussion Cap down tightly onto the nipple and the firearm is ready to fire.
Some of the most common conditions are as follows: 1. If the shot charge is not seated firmly against the powder charge stop immediately! Do not attempt to fire the shotgun. You must remove the charge and clean the barrel. 2. If the shotgun is loaded in the proper manner - yet fails to fire after repeated repriming and clearing of the ignition channel (as described in the “Ignition” section). 3. If you are at a location that is unsuitable for discharging the firearm before transporting it.
Suggested Black Powder Loads For T/C 12 Gauge Muzzleloading Shotguns The following charts show recommended black powder charges for Thompson/Center’s System 1™ 12 gauge muzzleloading shotguns. T/C’s Natural Wads should be used exclusively in the System 1 (with internal choke tube). Wads must be used in all loads and positioned as illustrated on page 68 of this manual. The 1/2" fiber cushion wad SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CHOKED BARRELS.
Lead Shot Loads For The T/C System 1™ 12 Ga. Shotgun 12 GAUGE TRAINING & CLAY TARGET LOAD Containing approx. 1 oz. of shot, this load approximates a 20 gauge field load and is most effective when used with #8 or #9 lead shot. POWDER WADS LEAD SHOT 70 Grains FFG Black Powder Two 12 Gauge Natural Wads Over The Powder And One Over The Shot - as illustrated on page 68. This load uses approximately 1 oz. of shot. Use powder measure to measure shot.
12 GAUGE SMALL GAME LOAD Containing approx. 1 1/4 oz. of shot, this is a good all around load for the muzzleloader hunter. It has respectable working velocity and the heavier shot charge (more pellets) improves pattern density--allowing use of some of the larger shot sizes. Most effective when used with #6, #7 1/2, #8 or #9 lead shot. POWDER WADS LEAD SHOT 90 Grains FFG Black Powder Two 12 Gauge Natural Wads Over The Powder And One Over The Shot - as illustrated on page 68.
Steel Shot Loads Only For T/C Muzzleloading Shotguns Not Recommended For Guns With a Full Choke Tube FOR STEEL SHOT ONLY! Do not use when shooting lead shot. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. 12 GAUGE LIGHT TARGET LOAD FOR STEEL SHOT Modified, Improved Cylinder or cylinder bore choke only! Full choke not recommended for steel shot loads.
12 GAUGE LIGHT HUNTING LOAD FOR STEEL SHOT Modified, Improved Cylinder or cylinder bore choke only! Full choke not recommended for steel shot loads. POWDER WADS 90 Grains FFG Black Powder Two 12 Gauge Natural Wads Over The Powder And One Over The Shot - as illustrated on page 68 STEEL SHOT ONLY Use T/C powder measure set to measure 100 grs. of FFG powder. This will deliver the correct amount of shot by volume.
T/C Shipping Address: Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc. Farmington Road Rochester, New Hampshire 03867 T/C Mailing Address: Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc. P.O. Box 5002 Rochester, New Hampshire 03866 WARNING: Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times.
For Your Records Important Note: For fire, theft and insurance purposes, retain this record with your important papers in a safe place.
Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. P.O.
