Anyone shooting T/C Encore Rifle?

02 January 2003, 19:00

I just recently watched Realtree Monter Buck X, volumes 1 and 2. In the hunts in the video, you see several different hunters shootinig stainless steel version of the Encore with both muzzleloader and centerfire barrels. In volume 2, one hunter makes a comment about shooting his encore rifle with a 300 win mag barrel and placing 5 shots under a half inch. Now I know this was a nice little plug for Thompson Center but are these rifles for real or what??

I have always liked Thompson Center muzzleloaders as they shoot well and are very easy to take a part for cleaning with few parts.

If the Encores shoot well I am thinking that I may consider looking at one as they seem to be a rather versatile rifle in that you can switch barrels for what ever hunting situation you may face.

I would be real interested to hear any input or experiences anyone has had with this versatile gun....How do they handle?? Are they accurate??

Thanks for any input.

03 January 2003, 04:54

Bill M

quote:
Originally posted by Treehawk:
I would be real interested to hear any input or experiences anyone has had with this versatile gun....How do they handle?? Are they accurate??

Hello Treehawk,

Here are my opinions and observations on the subject. I bought my first Encore about two years ago, and am definitely a big fan.

As far as the rifle configuration, I have tried three centerfire rifle barrels. A factory T/C heavy 26" in 25-06, and two heavy custom barrels - one in 223 Rem and one in 260 Rem. The factory 25-06 barrel does about 1 1/2 inches @100 yds, with the better of two factory loads tried in it. I'm sure it would do better with tailored handloads and would be surprised if I could not develop a sub-moa 100 yd load for it, just haven't tried to. Both of my custom barrels are capable of, and have shot .4" or better groups at 100 yds with good loads. As the Encore rifle is shorter than a bolt or lever action with equal length barrel, I think that they handle very well. The pistol barrels that I have tried all will do sub-moa at 100 yards with proper loads, rest and sights.

Now for my comparison between the Encore and an "equivalent" bolt action, concerning accuracy.

1) Encore barrels are limited to 1" diameter at the action, while bolt actions barrels can be significantly larger.
Larger = stiffer = generally more accurate.

2) Bolt action barrels can be truly free-floated, while the Encore requires some kind of means to attach the fore end, forward of the action.

3) More trigger options are available for bolt actions, in general. You can get a great trigger using Mike Bellm's instructions and replacement springs, but it is hard to go less than 1 1/2 pound pull weight and still have a safe trigger. My frames have been re-worked using Mike's instructions to a crisp 2 pounds.

4) The opposing lugs on a bolt action probably provide a tighter lock-up than the cantilever locking system on the Encore.

I hope that I have not talked you out of the Encore, it is a fine gun with amazing versatility and capable of fine accuracy. Just don't expect it to outshoot a dedicated bolt action benchrest gun, though you might get close....

I do not doubt that the half-inch 300 mag is honest (especially if the barrel was built by one of our fine custom Encore barrel builders), using tailored handloads or good factory ammunition.

If you have any additional specific questions, please let me know!

Regards, Bill

03 January 2003, 15:51

animal

Howdy Treehawk,
I've also had an Encore for two seasons now. I bought the 209x50 muzzleloader in stainless with the walnut stock then added a factory, blued 24" .260 barrel. I've taken 2 deer w each barrel. Both barrels are great with the .260 sometimes getting 5/8" at 100 meters. I had a bit of vertical stringing till I lightly sanded the rifle barrel forearm between the screws. It is a great carrying gun and very handy.

03 January 2003, 16:15

Hudge

I have a T/C Encore rifle in .7mm-08. It is the only gun I've been able to shoot a two shot one holer with! It averages about 3/4-1" at 100 yds. I just had to get a new buttstock, because the original cracked. T/C replaced it for free, and it only took 3 weeks. I'm thinking about buyin a new barrel or two when I return from my deployment in the summer.

Hudge