ICON

[JTD305]

I just traded a Browning Short-Trac 300 WSM for a new TC Icon in 300 WM.  I really liked the Short-Trac, but I have one in 308 and decided to trade the 300 WSM for something new.  The overall fit and finish on the Icon is outstanding.  It is a little heavy, but is very well balanced.  I have to purchase some high rings so I can mount my Nikon Morach 3.5-10X50 and then I will give a range report.  The target that comes in the box shows a .63 three shot group.

[Bart Solo]

Please give us a range report.  TC is known for its outstanding barrels.

[Skunk]

I'd sure like an Icon - the classic with the Walnut stock. Looking forward to your report JTD305, and congratulations.

[JTD305]

Well I made it to the range today and I am very pleased with the ICON.  I have a Monarch 3.5-10X50 mounted on it and was shooting 150 grain Remington Core Lokts from a bench.  I figured I would run some cheap stuff through it first and then move on to the premium ammo, but the ICON was a tack-driver with the Core Lokts.  I got it close at 50 yds and had all touching after several groups.  I let it cool down and shot a few groups at 100 yds.  All of the groups were MOA or better.  I then moved on to a deer target at 200 yds.  I shot a five shout group that were all in the heart portion of the target, 3 inches or better.  I am an average, at best, rifle shooter and the ICON impressed me.  The recoil is quite stout.

After my first impressions, I am thinking I will add one to the fleet in either 270 or 308.

On a side not, will the 150 grain Core Lokts hold together on whitetail deer from 50-300 yards?  I wasn’t planning on hunting with them, but they shoot so well I might give them a try.       

[Swampman]

I don't think you can beat Remington Core-Lokts.  I rarely shoot anything else.

[JTD305]

I was just worried about the excessive velocity with a 150 grain bullet.

[jcn59]

I would worry about that high velocity with 150 grn. non-bonded Core-Lokts at close range also.

You WON'T get end to end penetration with the 150 gr. non-bonded core-lokts on a deer, especially at 50 yards at .300 mag velocities.  As long as you take good broadside shots it should kill like lightening.

At .300 mag. velocity, I would be surprised if you can shoot through both of a deer's shoulders with the old, traditional style 150 grn. core-lokt at 50 yards.  I prefer the 180 core-lokt under 100 yards at 30-06 velocity.

[Skunk]

Thanks for the report JTD305. Interesting Indeed. So, was there anything that you didn't like about the Icon? Was also wondering how the barrel contour compares to say the Remingtons and Winchesters for example. The TC website says the Icon has a match grade quality barrel, but is it a heavier contour? Also, how wide is the forearm? Would it ride sand bags nicely or is it designed more for shooting offhand? Just curious if an Icon would make a nice rifle for varmints, shooting it off a front and rear rest. One more thing how did the action feel. Is it really smooth?

[JTD305]

Thanks for the report JTD305. Interesting Indeed. So, was there anything that you didn't like about the Icon? Was also wondering how the barrel contour compares to say the Remingtons and Winchesters for example. The TC website says the Icon has a match grade quality barrel, but is it a heavier contour? Also, how wide is the forearm? Would it ride sand bags nicely or is it designed more for shooting offhand? Just curious if an Icon would make a nice rifle for varmints, shooting it off a front and rear rest. One more thing how did the action feel. Is it really smooth?

I don't think there is anything I don't like about the ICON.  It is a little heavy, but balances so well it doesn't matter.  The barrel contour is similar to my Remington 700.  The forearm seemed fine on the sandbags.  The trigger and action are about as good as you will find on any sub $1000 factory rifle.  I think the ICON in 243 or 270 would be great for varmit hunting.  I am seriously considering a second ICON in 270.  Although I have only tried the core lokts (purchased them for $10 a box with rebate at Dick's), I hear the ICON will shoot any factory ammo well. 

[Skunk]

Very good JTD. Thanks for all the great info. I'm seriously considering an ICON in the future. There are a couple other rifles that might come first, but the ICON is very appealing and high on the list.

[Fat NDN]

You may do better with 165 or 168 grain bullets.

[Swampman]

One thing I'd have to do is change out the bolt handle.  Apparently this is really easy to do.