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TC Icon/i-Bolt

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SamC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: TC Icon/i-Bolt
    Posted: January/19/2009 at 20:38
I was watching American Rifleman TV and saw a piece on the TC Icon. It looked real impressive,good looking and shooting sub MOA. Is this crap or is this good rifle, anyone have experience with this long gun? Also since S&W owns TC is their i-Bolt similar or the same as the Icon?
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2009 at 20:51
First hand ...the I-bolt is not the same though the barrel is made by t/c.....And some one has to be making the action and I don't think it is smith.....so  use your judgment there. as to the accuracy, as with all guns it is going to vary dramatically But I have witnessed these guns shooting 2,,,,3,,,,moa.   so yes they can be very accurate. and they are beautiful if you get a wood stock they also offer a synthetic and what they call weather shield model looks like dull stainless.   ps... the T/C is still made at the T/C plant and not at smith.

these rifles were being tested at the range I go to and not by me personaly but I sat right with them on an invite.


Edited by rifle looney - January/19/2009 at 21:04
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SamC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2009 at 08:21
rifle looney,
Thanks for the information, when you say "2,,,,3,,,,moa" do you mean 2 or 3 inches at one hundred yards?
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2009 at 17:42
MOA.....means minute of angle.this is a measurement in witch they use on targets and to determine accuracy,  in short yes....(a unit of angular measurement equal to1/60th of a degree)approximated as 1 inch per 100yrds.  hope this helps you.   note they only had three kinds of factory ammo on this day?

                                       James


Edited by rifle looney - January/20/2009 at 19:00
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SamC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2009 at 20:03
RL,
I understand MOA, I just don't think 2 or 3 MOA is a very accurate rifle as portrayed on the TV show American Rifleman. I thought you had a typo that's why I asked.
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2009 at 20:13
OK as you see they only had 2 or 3 factory offerings and those were all heavy for caliber loads so don't take it as they are not accurate.  also they are guaranteed with target just like weatherly vanguards.
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SamC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2009 at 20:16
RL,
That's good to know because I like the way they look and if they are shooters I might just have to get one!
Thanks,
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 00:49
I got to handle a 270 and 7 mag Icon Classic at Bass Pro last week.  They were both noticeably heavier (maybe 1/2 pound) than the other rifles I handled, a X-Bolt, 700 XCR and Ruger Hawkeye.  The 7 mag in particular had a very smooth bolt movement, more so than the 270.  It's a big diameter bolt (60 degree lift) much like a Weatherby Mark V size-wise.  I liked the extra heft and the big bolt.  They wouldn't allow me to dry-fire them so I can't comment on the trigger. 

The buttstock could be a little fuller and the toe to heel measurement is shorter than it should be.  Compared to all but the new X-Bolt it feels too small from (behind) the pistol grip to the recoil pad.  (The grip itself was fine).  It also seemed to have an excessive drop to comb and heel measurement.  Maybe it's done to to clear the big bolt?  When shouldered I didn't have an ideal cheekweld.  A higher comb and cheekpiece could fix this.  But in spite of that the rifle balanced nicely and the extra heft would help with recoil.

They opened up the ejection/loading port compared to the short actions and it's needed for top loading - it still could be bigger.  The hinged magazine is much better than the plastic detachable version on the short action.  Unfortunately the release wasn't inside the trigger guard but I'd still take it over the plastic version.  The integral Weaver bases were great and the safety/bolt lock is good.  Both the 270 and 7 mag had 24" barrels.  I'd much prefer a 26" for the 7 mag.

No gun is perfect but all in all I liked it and think it'd make a nice hunter.  I'm big on feel though and was turned off with the stock from (behind) the pistol grip to the recoil pad.  It's almost as if they realized the gun was a little heavy and so they trimmed down the buttstock.  Or maybe it was done just to make it look a little different?  The action looks and feels substantial and would be more proportional and appropriate in a Model 70 Super Grade dimensioned stock.  Oh yeah, they should loose the 'ICON' billboard.


Edited by timber - January/28/2009 at 10:56
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SamC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 09:42
Thanks for the review timber I can't find one around to check out. Maybe I should look a bit harderBig Smile

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/05/2009 at 01:26
One more comment on the ICON.  It feels really heavy duty and I don't mean gross weight.  The big bolt on the 7mag felt super heavy duty.  The action feels/looks like it'd easily handle bigger magnums from 338 win mag on up.  The built-in aluminum bedding block has to be a big plus.  I hope T/C offers the ICON in these calibers.  And I hope they'll put 26" barrels on them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JTD0314 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2009 at 10:58
I have an ICON in 300 WM and it is a great rifle.  It is a little heavy, but balances very well.  Mine shoots less then MOA (1" @ 100yds) with anything I feed it.  The fit and finish is about the best, in my opinion, that I have seen in a rifle under $1000.  I might add one to my fleet in 270.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2009 at 11:52
Which model ICON is your 300WM?  Have you measured the trigger pull weight and how would you compare it to other triggers?  What do you think about the stock?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JTD0314 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 13:19
Originally posted by timber timber wrote:

Which model ICON is your 300WM?  Have you measured the trigger pull weight and how would you compare it to other triggers?  What do you think about the stock?
 
It is the Classis.  I haven't measured the trigger pull on it, but I would estimate that it is near 3.5 lbs and has very little creep.  I would compare it to the new Browning X-Bolt trigger.  As far as the stock, the wood is beautiful.  Almost too nice to take hunting (I am thinking of acuring another Icon in .270 with the weathershield finish).  It is a little on the heavy side, but it is built very well and balances great.  If you are looking for a rifle to hike all day with, I wouldn't receomend it.  I use it for taking stands over fields, clear cuts and senderos. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 18:20
Maybe I'm showing my age but I've always been a sucker for good wood.
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/15/2009 at 23:45
Originally posted by SamC SamC wrote:

Maybe I'm showing my age but I've always been a sucker for good wood.
Sam


Me too!

JTD0314.  3.5#'s is pretty good.  T/C claims not creep or over-travel.  If it bothers you they could fix it.

I noticed on the 7mag and 270 I handled that the bigger bolt on the 7mag was smoother.  It had a really heavy-duty feel in movement with no binding and very little wobble.  I liked it.  I couldn't dry fire it so I'd like to ask you about cocking the bolt.  How much effort does it require compared to a Browning A-Bolt or Sako 75/85? 

What do you think about the comb height and buttstock?  Are you getting a decent cheekweld and does it handle the recoil okay?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JTD0314 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/16/2009 at 09:10
The bolt is very smooth and similar to the Abolt.  As for the stock, It fits me very well and I have a near perfect check weld.  However, I the recoil is quite stout.  Maybe I am spoiled by my Encore Prohunter 300 WM, but after a dozen shots with the Icon, I have had enough.  Overall, I really like the ICON and would highly recommend it as a hunting rifle.  
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/16/2009 at 14:00
Well I guess as far as recoil is concerned it is a 300 win mag.  I'd bet if the recoil pad contact area was larger (like a Winchester Sporter or Super Grade) it'd be easier to shoot.  You might try switching out the Pachmayr (came on stock?) for a Kick-Ezz.  I've compared them and Limbsaver and they did the best job of reducing felt recoil.  But they are squishy and probably won't take wear and tear like the Pachmayr.  The Kick-Ezz made a huge difference on my stingy Sako 85 contact area.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/18/2009 at 07:52
i spent a little time a week ago with the icon and the i bolt, i didnt really like the feel of the ibolt, it felt clunky and cheap, and it sorta looked that way too. the icon on the other hand felt solid and was smooth.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote timber Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2009 at 22:02
Right.  I'd like to see the Icon 'Classic' in 338 win mag and 375 H&H; and why not 257 WBY (with 26" barrels - sorry Big Squeeze)!  It feels/looks super strong.  But I'd like to see them tweak the 'Classic' here and there; lose the 'billboard' sign, give the buttstock more size and contact area and a cheekpiece/higher comb, have the same finishes on the barrel and receiver.  I'm not bothered by the weight.  It seems like they're so close.  The 'Classic' looks 95% "classic".  To my eye it's almost there.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JTD0314 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2009 at 22:29
Originally posted by timber timber wrote:

Right.  I'd like to see the Icon 'Classic' in 338 win mag and 375 H&H; and why not 257 WBY (with 26" barrels - sorry Big Squeeze)!  It feels/looks super strong.  But I'd like to see them tweak the 'Classic' here and there; lose the 'billboard' sign, give the buttstock more size and contact area and a cheekpiece/higher comb, have the same finishes on the barrel and receiver.  I'm not bothered by the weight.  It seems like they're so close.  The 'Classic' looks 95% "classic".  To my eye it's almost there.
 
I felt the same way about the Icon billboard, but have grown to like it.  As far as the weight goes, it balances so well the weight is not issue. 
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