Entry level precision rifles remain the fastest growing segment of the rifle market. As competitions continue are more accessible, less costly and better run more people are getting involved. It’s becoming a family event with members competing in the same match, especially local events. Availability of entry level rifles has increased with improvements in design and manufacture bring cost down. This is an exciting time for the precision rifle world and the Smith & Wesson Performance Center has brought a solid rifle to the market with the Performance Center T/C LRR (Long Range Rifle).
Performance Center T/C LRR Features
The 6.5 Creedmoor Performance Center rifle starts with an aluminum chassis. Strong and precise, it eliminates the need for bedding and provides increased accuracy.
The Performance Center T/C LRR has an oversized trigger guard and magwell that accepts AICS patterned magazines; it will not accept AW magazines. AICS-pattern magazines are still the most common in precision rifles, making them easy to get and they are the most proven design to date. The magazine release is an oversized paddle accessed from either side.
Length of pull and cheek weld adjust using large dials, while the butt pad moves up, down and rotates.
The pistol grip is an AR A2-style only rubber. Other AR grips fit as well.
The handguard extends 13 inches from the receiver with M-LOK compatible slots throughout.
A Performance Center trigger is adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and breaks cleanly. As a single-stage trigger, it utilizes a trigger safety that provides a bit of a two-stage feel.
The action uses a three-lug bolt and two position safety. The bolt can be manipulated with the safety applied but blocks the trigger.
A 20 MOA Picatinny-style rail is included and bolted to the action.
Barrel length on the 6.5 Creedmoor is 24 inches. The contour is heavy with deep fluting, 4140 steel using 5R rifling and a 1:10 twist.
Threaded 5/8×24, it is capped with a muzzle brake.
The Performance Center T/C LRR is match grade, guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA at 100 yards using “premium factory ammunition.”
The rifle ships with a nice Nylon case, Caldwell M-Lok compatible bipod and one Accurate Mag AICS 10-round magazine.
Unloaded it weighs 11.5 pounds. Add a Bushnell scope, rings and a bipod, and it bumps you up to 14.5 pounds.
Performance Center T/C LRR Range Testing
I tested the Performance Center T/C LRR at the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous held in Montana. It proved to be incredibly accurate.
I used Hornady’s superbly accurate 140 grain Match ELDM. Proven to be some of the most accurate factory loaded match ammunition available, it certainly performed well out of this rifle.
Steel was available from 100 to 1,100 yards. I tested the limits with hits on a 18-inch square steel regular and often.
The bolt was smooth to operate and loading was fast and precise. Recoil on the T/C LRR was minimal with very little muzzle rise. It let me stay on target at range for wind holds and adjustments.
Bottom Line
The Performance Center T/C LRR has an MSRP of $1,211, with a going rate closer to a grand. It is perfectly priced as an entry-level precision rifle.
The PRS (Precision Rifle Series) caps its production division at $2,000 for rifle cost and $4,000 overall; that gives you plenty of room for the best optic you can get — at $2,000 or less) — and all the accessories you would need. Since the rifle cannot be altered, the TC/ LRR is just about perfect, providing plenty of accuracy.
Backed by one of the best warranties in the business, it may be the perfect entry level precision rifle. At the very least, it needs to be at the top of anyone’s list looking to get into precision shooting.
Also available in .308 and .243, you have options not always offered by a company dedicated to providing the best rifle at the best possible price.
For more information, please visit TCarms.com.
Performance Center T/C LRR Specs
- Caliber/Gauge: 6.5 Creedmoor
- Barrel: 24 inches
- OA Length: 45.5 inches
- Weight: 11.5 Pounds
- Sights: Flat Top Rail (20 MOA)
- Stocks: Aluminum Chassis, adjustable stock
- Grips: A2 pistol grip
- Action: Thompson Center
- Finish: Black Anodized
- Capacity: Accepts all AICS Patterned Magazines
- Price: $1,211
