SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Thompson/Center Arms announced today the introduction of the first production made customizable rifle with the unveiling of the Dimension™ Bolt-Action Platform. Offering the capability to change barrels and stocks through the use of its patent-pending universal receiver, the new Dimension rifle's revolutionary design allows it to handle small, medium and long action calibers while maintaining the appropriate bolt throw for each caliber.
Providing shooters with the ability to modify the caliber of their rifle by changing no more than four components, the Dimension Bolt-Action Platform brings together an innovative and intuitive design with the very latest advancements in engineering. Utilizing the Locking Optimized Components (LOC) lettering system, which identifies the four caliber families, all of the interchangeable LOC components are clearly labeled for quick and convenient assembly. The Dimension's barrel, bolt, magazine and magazine housing are all marked with LOC letter designations (A,B,C,D) which, when matched and installed on the receiver, insure that the caliber marked on the barrel can then be shot from the rifle. When converting to a caliber within the same letter family, only the barrel needs to be changed. In order to modify the rifle into a caliber outside of a letter family, the bolt, magazine group and barrel are all changed to the corresponding label.
The Dimension platform will initially be available in ten different calibers, which are categorized into four letter families. The barrels are all standard with 5R rifling, which maintains accuracy and helps to reduce copper fouling and cleaning times.
Family Calibers Barrel
A .223 Rem and .204 Ruger 22"
B .22-250 Rem, .243 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, and .308 Win 22"
C .270 Win and 30-06 Sprg 24"
D 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag 24"
At the core of the system is the Dimension's universal receiver that is based on the design commonly used for the modern sporting rifle. Engineered to accept small, medium and long action calibers, the platform's lightweight, aluminum receiver provides precise alignment of the bolt and barrel. This innovative design helps to insure the correct headspace required, while at the same time reducing the total weight of the rifle to just 7 pounds.
"The concept behind the Dimension platform represents one of the most innovative advancements in the bolt-action rifle design in over 100 years," said Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales. "A truly modular design, the Dimension platform has transformed the perception of what a bolt-action rifle should be. Providing seamless transitions between calibers, professional-grade performance and an exceptional value to the end user, the Dimension Bolt-Action Platform signifies a new chapter in the history of sporting firearms and Thompson/Center."
The Dimension rifle has been fitted with an innovative universal stock, featuring a high cheek piece for a distinctive look and a comfortable feel. At the end of the butt stock, two, half-inch removable spacers provide a perfect fit for a wide range of shooters. The Dimension stock also features ARMORSOFT® coating, which adds durability and noise reduction when hunting in dense vegetation. Traction panels at the forend and grip have been added to provide a positive point of hold in any weather condition. The forend on the Dimension has also been designed to expose a totally free floated barrel with additional space to handle future calibers and barrel profiles.
For assembly and disassembly of the Dimension platform, the firearm is packaged with two innovative torque tools. Designed to work in conjunction with the LOC system, the tools help insure repeatability and consistent pounds per square inch to all installation points on the barrel torque collar, stock screws and scope mount screws. Transitioning between barrels is a simple process that can be accomplished by most users in under two minutes. Each complete rifle and accessory barrel is packaged with a detachable magazine, which provides for a capacity of 3+1 in all calibers.
As with every Thompson/Center bolt-action rifle, the Dimension is MOA (minute of angle) guaranteed, when using premium ammunition, with every barrel that is installed. Dimension Rifles are standard with factory scope mounts installed on the receiver. A unique, magnesium LOC Bridge mount is also available separately as an accessory for each barrel. Through the use of the LOC Bridge mount, optics can be installed and left in place on each barrel in order to help return sight-in at the time of reinstallation.
The Dimension Bolt-Action Platform is available now with an MSRP of $649. Left-Hand models are also available at the same price. Accessory barrels have an MSRP of $199 and include the corresponding magazine group. Bolts will have an MSRP of $129 and the Dimension receiver (includes receiver, stock and tools) will have an MSRP of $319. Current pricing allows shooters to purchase one rifle plus another barrel and bolt, essentially making two MOA rifle configurations for under $1,000.
For more information on the Dimension Bolt-Action Platform, visit www.dimensionrifle.com , www.TCArms.com or visit your local Thompson/Center Arms dealer.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.
