Personally, I prefer the T/C ICON in Weathershield model. It's got a synthetic stock and stainless barrel and action, and the target from the factory was .72" at 100 yards. Using my handholds, I get under .50" consistently. I like the idea of a quick followup shot, if needed.

Encores are offered with Weathershield this year too...

I hate them and will never buy one, Unless they pay me to.

quote:

Originally posted by woodsie:
I am hunting with Jim Shockeys outfit for a Desert Mule deer hunt, and I think
it would be cool to use the gun they use. Call me a dork,...

OK, you're a DORK. Or, at least a dork-sounding 15 year old.

Perhaps it's my contrary nature, but I steer clear of those things being touted by paid personalities. Jim 'it's a BONGO' Shockey included. I wouldn't have a T/C. Boddington pushes Rooger. I have none of them either.

It must stem from hero worship. I have no heros, never did.

My Encore with the 280 Ackley barrel is one of my most accurate rifles I have. I have shot a quarter inch group with it more than once but have stayed under half an inch with the load I have worked up. The only disadvantage I see with the Encore is that you have to break open the action and therefore can not stay on target thus causing a little longer for a follow up shot if one is needed. With that said my friend used to take his Contender in .223 bunny hunting and could most always get a follow up shot if he missed.

I got my first T/C Pro Hunter as a muzzleloader. I now have 2 Pro Hunters with many barrels. They are VERY accurate guns. I am never worried about hunting with a single shot because I know the gun is accurate. With nearly 2 decades of hunting Alaska, I can tell you I have no need for a pretty gun, just one that shoots when I pull the trigger and hits where I aim. Bonus - they work for us lefties too!