TC Thunderhawk
 

I just hada TC Thunderhawk passed along to me by my grandfather that can't see to shoot anymore. I did a fairly thorough breakdown and cleaning of it last night. It's got some rust in the barrel, but with some JB bore paste should end up being fine. According to my grandfather, he only ever shot it a handful of times. It's got a 21" barrel, blued with wood stock. From reading here, I think I saw where someone said that it's a 1:38" twist? Anyhow...just a couple questions about it for those of you that might have this model.

I'm not sure that the ramrod is the original that came with it. When put into place under the barrel, is the rod supposed to stick out about 1" past the end of the barrel?

Right now it has a standard front sight, a fold-down rear sight, and a peep site over the bolt. Ideally I'd like to put a scope on it, but it doesn't appear to be drilled and tapped for a normal set of scope bases. Those of you who have the Thunderhawk, are you shooting it with the iron sights, or how did you mount a scope? I've never had a rifle that wasn't already tapped for a scope...if you had to get it drilled and tapped, how much did your local gunsmith charge, and what bases did you end up putting on it?

Lastly, the rifle didn't come with the nipple wrench. What style wrench works with this? I have the T/C wedge pin puller w/ the nipple wrench, and it's too big to fit in and turn the nipple.

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

Is there a loading jag on the end of it? Sometimes that makes them appear about an inch longer. Although there really is not any reason for concern. I hunt with one rifle that the ramrod stick out almost three inches. I've never been able to shoot it off yet. It just gets dirty easier.

Shoot it first with the standard site and the peep you might like it. As for putting a scope on it, take it to a gun smith since it is not tapped. In fact call T/C and make sure it is safe to put a scope on that model, although I see no reason why it would not be. I am sure they can mount one. As for the cost, well that depends on the gunsmith you take it to. Some are real expensive, some are more reasonable. Also prices vary from area of the country to area of the country. They can also do all the set up of the bases.

What wrench it takes depends on the kind of nipple. Is it a #11 nipple or a musket nipple? I do not know the style of the rifle but I am sure it would not be too hard to find something that would take the nipple of the thing.

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=53949591


here are the rings you're needing




this is a Thompson Center Universal Nipple Wrench for all inline rifles. It will remove #11 & Musket nipples. You take the breech locking nut off, remove the sticker and striker pin and then this slides in from the back and allows you to pull the nipple. I do not think the breech plug comes out on your model but could be wrong there.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000309424 you can buy them at Mid South shooters supply.

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

None of the parts appear to be removable from the rod. One end has the standard loading tip, the other has a threaded hole for cleaning attachments.


It's a #11. I looked at the universal that you included. It'd work, I was just hoping to find something a little easier since the bolt is not easily removed (it requires threading out an end cap, which is spring loaded, removing the internals of the bolt, and I was only able to get it out by removing the barrel and trigger assembly from the stock and then pinning the spring loaded sear engagement down while sliding out the bolt). There may be an easier way that I'll discover once T/C sends me the owner's manual. I'm going to head to Bass Pro Shops this afternoon and check out what they've got for nipple wrenches and see if I can find something else that will work. I do see how those scope mounts would work that you sent me. Not sure how robust they are, but I'm going to see if I can pick those up. Thanks for the help. Pictures of the new rifle here:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/brantjs/IMG_0158.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/brantjs/IMG_0157.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/brantjs/IMG_0156.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/brantjs/IMG_0155.jpg

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

That's a great looking set up you have there. I would not be worried about the ramrod sticking out that distance. Actually I bet that rifle would shoot real well with the peep sight you have on there. Nice outfit. Good luck at Bass Pro.

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

Looking at the photo of the top of the receiver it is drilled and tapped with i think the peep sight using the back hole or covering it. The rear mounting hole is way back about an inch or more from the back of the rifle. I see the front mounting hole at the breech. These rifles used bases that had only one screw for mounting but are solid. The screws are counter sunk in the bases and have huge heads compared to other base screws. My Firehawk is made just like your rifle except for the safety design and cocking handle.. Its like a black diamond. I put a one piece mount on mine that is made by redfield and is on clearance from a company I do alot of business with. They have a minimum of 9.99 shipping for all you can order and the mount is on closeout for 2.99 and it is a wellmade aluminum mount that allows you to still get a great view of your open sights. Id buy one just in case you do decide to scope it. I think these mounts were pretty expensive when they first came out. Heres the link!!!!
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/thunblacpoww.html

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

Hey with the recent excellent service i have had from TC concerning my Encore, just call the customer service department and explain you got it passed down from your grandfather and you have no way to get the nipple out and could they help you out with a tool for that. I bet they will send you one free of charge. Was going to ask you if you had a breech plug wrench but just remembered they dont have them. Duh!!! Call this number and listen for the promps. 603-332-2333 Also, to make cleaning easier take that o-ring off the back when you unscrew it to clean it. The piece that holds the main spring in. Learned that from owning a White. Wont need a screwdriver to take it off any more. Just grease it a bit for less friction. Good Luck!!!!!!

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

Americanpioneer got it right.. your peep is using one hole and the other hole is clearly visable on the thicker rim of the receiver right before the nipple..

there are still 2 part weaver scope bases for sale for these rifles. I am not sure but i think i ordered mine through graf's ? do a search for a weaver 406 top mount base! Anyway.. i am not done with the peepsight though :D

A good load to start are the 240 xtp's with around 80 grains of powder and go from there! I am still working on the conicals..

The nipple wrech cayugad showed you is the correct one ! You will have to unscrew the plug in the back and take the bolt out which is not a big deal..

1:38 twist! a very strong and reliable rifle. The manual gives a 120 grain max charge so no magnum 150 grain loads in this one..

good luck and i hope you enjoy your rifle!

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

Thanks for the help! After looking at the different base designs and the rings that screw directly into those holes, I think I'm going to go with the 1-piece design by Redfield. It looks like it sits up quite a ways...would I be able to go with a low ring with a 40mm scope, or would I still needa medium ring? I'm going to call T/C when I get home from work today and see if they'd be willing to send me the nipple wrench.

So far here's what I've got for bullets to try out:

275 gr. T/C Maxi-hunters
300 gr. Hornady XTP
250 gr. T/C Shockwave
240 gr. T/C Cheapshot

I like using Goex 3F, so I'm thinking somewhere between 70-80gr should do the trick.

RE: TC Thunderhawk
 

Well...I'm making some progress. I ordered a scope for it today (Leopold VX-II 3-9x40 matte), and when I was picking some stuff up at Walmart I walked through the blackpowder section and found a nipple wrench that I was able to make work. I've included a link to a blurry picture of it, but it's a Flint River Universal Nipple Wrench, part #7268. The T-handle of it slides back and forth through the center part, so if you slide it all the way to the end you can get it on the nipple. It's kind of a tight fit, and probably not the best option compared to the T/C one, but it gets the job done without having to take the bolt out.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/brantjs/IMG_0162.jpg

The address inside the little cardboard insert in the package has Rochester, NH on it and mentions using T/C Super Lube as anti-seize, so I'm fairly confident this is made for Walmart by T/C. Just thought I'd mention that I found this for anyone else with this rifle wanting to avoid having to take the bolt out everytime to get the nipple out.