Smith & Wesson has sold Thompson/Center Arms, the U.S. manufacturer of products catering to hunters, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts since 1967, to former owner Greg Ritz, according to reports.

Ritz, a seasoned media and manufacturing entrepreneur, is also the host of the “Hunt Maser” series on the Outdoor Channel.

“Thompson/Center Arms holds a special place in the hearts of hunters and shooters worldwide, and we are committed to honoring the past while driving inventiveness and growth,” Ritz in a press release announcing the purchase. “With the support of our dedicated team and loyal customers, I am confident that Thompson/Center Arms will continue to thrive in the years to come.”

In a video posted on the Thompson/Center website, Ritz called the purchase of the company a “new era for America’s master gunmaker.”

“Thompson/Center is back, once again family owned, and will continue to be made in the USA while restoring the core values of innovation, customer focus and the lifetime guarantee that has traditionally defined this brand,” he said. “Follow along as we relaunch this iconic company from the ground up.”

In fact, Ritz is adamant about the importance of manufacturing T/C products in the United States.

“Now more than ever it’s imperative we keep manufacturing at home,” he said. “From job creation to national pride, made here is our commitment. Follow along as we relaunch this iconic company from the ground up and reshape history.”

Smith & Wesson leaders said back in 2021, when the decision to sell T/C was announced, that the decision was part of the company’s broader strategic plan that will focus on its core S&W brands.

“Thompson/Center is a beloved hunting brand with a longstanding heritage, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” S&W President Mark P. Smith said at the time. “Thompson/Center Arms’ loyal consumers should rest assured that they will continue to receive the world-class firearms, accessories, and customer service support that the brand has been known for since its founding in 1965.  We remain fully committed to the hunting and long-range shooting market, and with this divestiture we will be able to now focus on these categories under our iconic Smith & Wesson brand.  Additionally, this will allow us to immediately redirect manufacturing capacity to increase overall production volumes, allowing us to gain additional market share while simultaneously increasing profitability.”

Historically, T/C has produced a wide range of firearms including bolt-action rifles, semi-auto rimfire rifles, muzzleloaders and T/C Encore rifles and pistols.