I have owned Weatherby Vanguards (pretty much a Howa 1500 action) I think they are are very solid , well made & designed in my opinion. My .300 win mag shot about 3/4 -1" groups all the time. The Thompson center to me looks like second generation S&W I bolt with a new stock and barrel.......never owned one but have heard they shoot pretty good. I did read one review(I can't recall where that said the gun did not feed well) I really don't know. I just bought my son a Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08 and put it in a boyds aftermarket stock and bedded it. The gun shoots 1/2-3/4 " 3 shot groups and seems to work and function pretty well.....there are some parts that are cast to keep cost down....trigger is pretty good for a low end gun....for the money I think it is a good gun. I think the Howa might be a touch better built. Hope this helps.Goodshot