Thompson Center Renegade .54 Caliber Caplock Rifle – Early Production, 26-Inch Heavy Octagon Barrel
An early, low-serial-number Thompson Center Renegade, this .54 caliber caplock rifle pairs a 26-inch heavy octagon barrel with factory scroll engraving and a walnut stock. Built in the 1970s inaugural run, it represents the model that helped revive modern muzzleloading hunting and competition.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- Thompson Center Renegade .54 caliber caplock rifle
Serial number 7142 places this rifle in the first wave of Renegade production, a period when Thompson Center was pioneering practical, hunting-oriented muzzleloaders.
The 26-inch, 1-inch-across-flats heavy barrel offers excellent balance and heat absorption. Its 1:48 twist is versatile, stabilizing both round ball and conical projectiles favored by hunters and NMLRA competitors.
A percussion side hammer ignites each charge, while double-set triggers provide a crisp, adjustable pull for precise shot control. Steel furniture minimizes glare in the field and resists weather better than plated parts.
The oil-finished walnut stock delivers a 13.75-inch length of pull and complements the blued metalwork. Factory scroll engraving on the sidelock adds a touch of craftsmanship without compromising the rifle’s utilitarian roots.
Renegade barrels interchange on the 1-inch flat profile, allowing caliber changes and maintenance flexibility—one reason this series became a mainstay in production rifle classes and backcountry camps throughout the late 20th century.