I'll admit it. I'm confused!
I need to get a QD sling stud mounted on my Encore Pistol (black rubber/synthetic fore end). I need it to use my new Snipe Pod.
My confusion is how to best mount the QD sling stud?? I read that the barrel clamp mounts (ie the Harris #4) are a bad idea since they clamp directly to the barrel and will significantly affect accuracy. I also read that the studs that replace one of the fore end mounting screws are prone to shearing off and are a bad idea.
Can someone PLEASE help me get to the bottom of this?
My Setup = Encore Pistol, SS w/ black rubber/synthetic fore end, 308 Win , using Snipe Pod which utilizes a quick release/mount to the QD sling stud.
Thanks, chugach6

There are sling swivel studs made with machine screws that use a nut on the inside of the foreend. If your Encore foreend is hollow you may want to reinforce such an installation with epoxy. Seems to me the simplest solution is to buy a wood foreend and install the wood screw type sling swivel. Then weatherproof it (or since you are in Alaska, "weather-resist" it) inside and out and paint it black to match the rest of your kit. Good hunting!

SSK has made the forend screw/sling swivel for the Contenders using the Pachmyer mounting block in the past. I do not own an Encore, so I do not know if this available or not. Any good machinest should be able to make one for you. As to the shearing off, I shoot up to a .375JDJ in my Contender with no problems.

MS Hitman

My friend used to have a 44mag barrel for his Contender it stripped the forearm screws constantly. He got so disappointed he sold it. If they have improved this situation I would like to know.

Do you know if they make a 44mag barrel for an Encore? I would love to have one in a rifle barrel.

I've been running both the factory wood and Pachmayr rubber on a 10 inch 44 magnum Contender tube for something over 20 years now with no troubles. T/C will sell you a 44 magnum pistol barrel off the shelf for the Encore but if you want a 44 magnum rifle barrel you will have to work with the Fox Ridge custom shop. I have long thought a 26 inch 44 magnum barrel would make a light-kicking, relatively quiet, off-season trainer for the Encore that would still be very deer-capable at reasonable ranges. Good hunting!

Never had a bit of trouble out of mine. Don't know how your friend was loading or shooting. Of course, I reserve the .44s for revolvers. There are much better cartridges for the Contender's and Encore's capabilities than the .44 mag.

Thanks for the responses.
I've been talking this over further with a couple local gunsmiths and each of them are in agreement. They said don't use the barrel clamp type for the sling stud. 3 reasons were: 1) affect accuracy (most important!!!), 2) bulk/weight, 3) won't fit into T/C holster very well.
Each of them said to go with the T/C or Uncle Mike #1303 threaded stud that replaces the fore end screw.
I hope that approach works out okay. I'll find out soon enough.
Thanks, chugach6

Correction.
After looking at Uncle Mike's home page, it's not the #1303, but the #9703 that I want for the Encore Pistol. The #1303 is for the Contender.
Question: Any recommendations between the T/C version, the Uncle Mike version, or the SSK version mentioned by MS Hitman ???
Thanks, chugach6

Lance give Steve a call at Straton Custom. He is old help from Virgin Valley and now distributes the forearm hanger bar system. Paired with a rifle forearm give extra room for sling and bipod. Steve said he is reworking customers forearm for the hanger bar. 435-229-7561 or blksheep@infowest.com

I have all my Encore barrels except one from Bullbery using Steve's stuff. Bullberry has the hanger bar system but you would need to send barrel in to have dovetail studs installed. It is a good system also. I can email pics if you send address.

Lance, pics sent.

southernutah:
Thanks for the photos! I'll have to check into this system more and will start by giving Steve a call as you suggest.
Thanks, chugach6

Lance, firget the accuracy argument for not using the barrel band clamp style sling base. I have a 6.5 bullberry improved that will shoot to same point of impact & 5 shot 1/2" groups with selected components. Good shooting!

I use the barrel clamp on my 309JDJ Contender and it is a 1/2" moa at 100yds. I also use the clamp on my Encore 6.5 Rem Mag. I did put some two sided tape on the inside of the clamp to prevent slipping. I put the clamp on, shot to check for zero and have taken deer from 50 yds to 250yds with it. It did work loose at one range session but that is expected after about 100 rounds in a weekend.
Also, I use on my Encore the threaded stud with nut and washer just in from of the front forend screw. Never had a problem with it. I use the quick disconnect swivels so I can take the sling off if I want to shoot at the range or holster it. Also the stud is used to attach my bipods. I will say all of my forends are wood.
Good luck.

Mike

I have never had a change in accuracy from the barrel clamp. The only thing you have to do is check the sight settings because it will hit lower with more weight on the barrel.
Screws shear when they are allowed to get loose. They must be kept tight and use some lock-tite on them.