Thompson/Center Performance Center LRR Rifle

The LRR ships with an effective four-port compensator screwed to the muzzle, but half of our testing was carried out using Gemtech’s One 7.62 sound suppressor. Made from Titanium and Inconel, it’s not only lightweight (16.9 oz.), but also full-auto rated out of a short-barreled 5.56mm, all the way to .300 Win. Mag…hence the “One” name.

No precision rifle is complete without a quality optic, and I was fortunate to have received my LRR topped with Trijicon’s new 5-50x56mm Extreme Long Range Riflescope in Nightforce 34mm rings. Space prevents me from going into the many details relevant to this particular optic, but I will say that it is second focal plane, has an illuminated MOA reticule, turrets adjustable to .125 MOA, and hyper-clear multi-coated glass. This is the most powerful scope I have ever had on a rifle, and there was a learning curve to use it properly. One feature worth noting is the windage stop, which involves a very tiny, well-hidden set screw that prevented me from initially getting on target when I first began testing.  A query to Trijicon soon helped get the problem resolved. Another similar issue I discovered with the LRR itself was the set screw which binds the action to the chassis.

The LRR’s action is fed by a 10-round, Accurate Mag AICS-style detachable magazine—freed by a large paddle-style release. The trigger is adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and rifle’s ultra-ridged aluminum chassis is available in either black or flat dark-earth finishes

If this comes loose, as mine did, you are in for a day of frustration which you will likely blame on yourself, until finally doing the forensics to diagnose why it seems impossible to otherwise get a good group with such a quality set up. Check said screw routinely and torque to spec. A final note is that despite every effort to save weight, when topped with the 38.6 ounce Trijicon ELR and carrying the Magpul bipod, the LRR weighs in at well over 14 pounds empty.  This is fine for bench or static shooting, which is typical for rifles like these, but unless you are one of those endomorphs who like hauling the mortar base plate or M240G around, plan on moving the LRR over distance via vehicle. 

The skeletonized buttstock offers precise dial adjustments for both cheek height and length-of-pull. A S&W-labeled tacky-rubber Hogue handgrip is standard equipment.

Putting bullet-to-paper at 100 yards confirmed our suspicion that the LRR might very well be the best bang for the buck in the world of factory precision rifles. Testing with premium 168- and 175-grain loads from Federal, Black Hills and Hornady, the LRR had no issue sending three shots into a sub-MOA group; in fact, you almost had to deliberately throw a shot to exceed one inch. While all loads at least approached the half-inch group size, the only one to break it was Federal’s 168-grain Gold Medal Match, loaded with a Sierra Matchking BTHP bullet. This load turned in a best-of-day 0.46-inch 3-shot group. Very impressive work T/C!

The LRR is one of those precision rifles that proves you don’t need to spend a couple mortgage payments to take the wings off of a mosquito at 100-yards. With Federal’s 168-gr. Gold Medal Match the LRR proved a sub-half-MOA capable rifle.

If you’ve read this far and looked at the photos, you could be forgiven for thinking that the S&W Performance Center T/C LRR goes for a prohibitively high cost, but you would also be wrong. My jaw literally dropped after discovering it has an MSRP of only $1,211. That is flatly amazing considering the features that are standard with this rifle, especially when you can easily spend four or five times that amount for a similar platform. The Trijicon ELR and similar scopes will set you back at least double that themselves, but having an extra grand or two to spend on ammo or other items is a major plus. If you want something besides .308 Win., the LRR also comes in 6.5 Creedmoor and .243 Win. Whether you are new to the precision rifle game, or an old salt, the Performance Center T/C LRR is worth a hard look.   Check it out at your nearest dealer, or for more information, contact Thompson/Center Arms; Tel.: (866) 730-1614; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.tcarms.com

Specifications:

MSRP: $1,211

Caliber/Gauge: .308 Win.

Barrel: 20-inch fluted, 5R rifling

OA Length: 43.5-inches

Weight: 11 pounds

Sights: 20-MOA Picatinny rail

Stocks/Grips: Aluminum chassis/Hogue grip

Action: 3-lug, 60-degree bolt

Finish: Flat dark earth

Capacity: 10, AICS style