http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070416/lam072.html?.v=89

Interesting, is that the 'Icon' or something completely new? I just happened to be curious of what was in the 'financial news' on S&W since today's tragedy in VA and found this story.

What ever it is...It's seems that S&W is doing the Long Action and TC is doing the Medium length.

Rich

It's the new Thompson Centre bolt gun - called the "Icon". This has been written up quite a bit in recent months. I think S&W bought Thompson in the last month or two.

quote:

Originally posted by richj:
What ever it is...It's seems that S&W is doing the Long Action and TC is doing the Medium length.

Rich

Perhaps it's a synthetic stocked long action version of the ICON, just a guess, but that seems plausible. I asked the TC engineer/designer.....who supposedly created the ICON at the SHOT show about it's origin, as it is reminiscent of an action (the ICON) I seen in Frank DeHaas Bolt Action Rifle book, cannot recall which one but I will look it up as it did bear quite a resemblence. It is a VERY nice design and quality throughout from what I could see with the display gun, of course it's wood was first rate also. If it shoots like it looks, it should do well, and if the caliber choices expand.

it did not say crf...you know what that means... sounds interesting though...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 6.5BR:
I asked the TC engineer/designer.....who supposedly created the ICON at the SHOT show about it's origin, as it is reminiscent of an action (the ICON) I seen in Frank DeHaas Bolt Action Rifle book, cannot recall which one... QUOTE]

The Icon action bears more than a passing resemblance to the Sauer 202 action. The flush finish of the rear of the bolt and action are very like the Sauer, also, if memory serves, the head of the Icon bolt locks directly to the barrel like the Sauer (and other Euro actions).

I thought I read somewhere that the S&W rifle was a Howa Action

Smith YEARS ago, had a 'weatherby vanguard' aka HOWA, but that was yesteryear. Back in 80's perhaps early 90's I believe at the latest.

More information on the I-Bolt:

Smith & Wesson Introduces i-Boltâ„¢ Rifle
Company Launches Bolt-Action Rifle at 2007 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 16, 2007) -- Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 155-year old firearms maker, announced today the introduction of the Company’s newest entry into the long-gun market, the i-Bolt, bolt-action centerfire rifle. Debuted at the 2007 National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meetings & Exhibits in St. Louis, Missouri, the i-Bolt has been designed by Smith & Wesson engineers in Springfield, Massachusetts, and will be manufactured at that location as a premier hunting rifle.

The innovative i-Bolt incorporates several patent-pending features, including an externally adjustable trigger, a new bolt release, and a synthetic stock design engineered for stability, easy handling and comfort. Simple yet sophisticated, the new i-Bolt continues the Smith & Wesson legacy by delivering unmatched durability and consistent reliability in an innovative centerfire rifle.

“The introduction of the i-Bolt signifies a new chapter in the history of Smith & Wesson,†said Leland Nichols, President and COO of Smith & Wesson Corp., a division of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation. “Now, hunters and shooters alike will have the opportunity to own what we believe is among the most innovative, reliable and accurate production bolt-action rifles available. Featuring an innovative design and patented technology, we believe the new i-Bolt will quickly change the expectations of consumers worldwide.â€

The first models of the Smith & Wesson i-Bolt, which will be available by summer 2007, are chambered in .25-06, .270 and .30-06, and feature a 4+1 magazine capacity. Initially available in two configurations, shooters can select the i-Bolt with either a black synthetic stock or a Realtree® AP HD™ synthetic stock complete with a blued receiver and barrel.

At the heart of the i-Bolt is the Smith & Wesson patent pending E-Z Turn™ bolt release. A breakthrough design, the bolt release requires no side-buttons or mechanical parts. To extract the bolt, the user must simply push, turn and release. The aggressive three-lug bolt features a short 60-degree travel and a flattop bolt handle with the Smith & Wesson logo adorned on the surface. At the rear of the bolt, via a “boat-tail†contour design, a cocking indicator provides the user with a visual reference that the firing pin is in the cocked position.

Another innovative i-Bolt feature is the patent-pending Tru-Setâ„¢ trigger, designed in collaboration with Timney Manufacturing Inc. This feature allows the user to adjust the trigger pull from 3 to 6 pounds without removing the barreled action from the stock. By simply inserting and turning the quick-click tool inside the trigger guard, the user can decrease or increase the trigger pull in one-pound increments. When engaging the trigger, the user will appreciate the enlarged trigger guard and its downward slope, which has been designed for easier trigger acquisition.

As part of the fire control system, Smith & Wesson has designed a three-position, semi-lineal safety. The key to this safety mechanism is the positive “middle position†detent, which is not traditionally found in arc movement safeties. Manufactured with a serrated top lever, the safety is easily maneuvered and user friendly.

For increased accuracy and durability, the i-Bolt features a 23-inch, free-floated Thompson/Center precision match grade barrel with a twist rate of 1 in 10 inches. At the end of the barrel, the i-Bolt features a 90-degree target crown that has been added for increased accuracy. On top of the polished blue barrel, the i-Bolt features a one-piece weaver scope mount. This unique one-piece design incorporates a Posi-Lugâ„¢ recoil lug, which helps to secure the mount in front of the ejection port while adding scope stability during recoil.

Inside the i-Bolt, the rifle features a rigid synthetic stock with the new patent-pending X-Bed™ technology. Through the use of this new technology, four small “x†quadrants have been molded within the internal structure of the forend helping to strengthen and stabilize the polymer material. This new technology provides increased accuracy and durability when combined with the CNC machined solid steel receiver.

The i-Bolt rifle also features patent-pending flush sling swivel mounts. Molded directly within the stock and forend as indents, the flush sling swivel mounts allow the rifle to be laid flat on shooting bags or other surfaces while providing a smooth profile with no protrusions. On the outside of the stock and forend, the i-Bolt features uni-directional checkering. This distinctive checkering incorporates “barbs†which unlike conventional checkering run parallel to each other. This no-slip checkering provides shooters with a firm grip in any weather condition or when wearing gloves.

In an effort to reduce felt recoil, Smith & Wesson has designed a new recoil pad to compliment the features of the Monte Carlo stock. The new recoil pad features an internal frame for added strength when secured against the thin profile stock. For even greater reduction in felt recoil, the i-Bolt is also manufactured with a patent-pending recoil reduction chamber built into the rear of the stock. The recoil tamer, which is available as an accessory item, is made possible by a 15-ounce cylinder that is easily inserted into the end of the stock, reducing felt recoil by approximately 30 percent.

I did see the Frank DeHaas Bolt Action book recently, and the newest edition, has a Sauer on the front, bolt handle similar to the ICON, and the action is similar to my eye from recollection, to the old Kleingunther I believe in that same book. I think Voere in Austria mfg them. Interesting to know if it is simply a copy of another design.