Just wondering if anyone here shoots a T/C Encore? I am considering getting an Encore in .223 for fun at the range and maybe some varmint hunting. I have heard they are accurate. My biggest questions are how easily are they loaded compared to a bolt gun and can they be loaded comfortably from a bench? Thanks in advance.

Ben

Hello Ben,

I went PD shooting with a 223 Encore last fall, and it worked quite well....

On to your question. You can't really load it "from the bench" like you can a bolt (leaving the gun in the bags). The best way that I have found is to remove the gun completely from the bags, load it, and put it back in the bags. With a little practice, you can do that plenty fast (almost as fast as a bolt), so don't let that discourage you from using an Encore!

Good luck and let us know what you decide,

Bill

Guys, Is there much difference in performance between an Encore and a Contender?

BR

I have an Encore rifle in .223. The only problem I have encountered is that when the barrel gets hot, the gun tends to string the shots vertically. From a hot barrel, this has been as much as 4" at 100 yds. But, if I don't let the barrel get too hot, it is a real tack driver. Allowing 5 minutes between shots, it will shoot sub-MOA. Actually the best group was less than 3/8" at 100.
Hope this helps.

One advantage of the Contender is the trigger. On a contender it can be set so the wind will set it off.
On the Encore 1 1/2# is about as good as it gets.
Rich

"My biggest questions are how easily are they loaded compared to a bolt gun and can they
be loaded comfortably from a bench?

From personal experience, it is comfortably possible to eject and reload from the bench
using either a bipod or the Outer's Varminter Rest. Just break it, pull out the shell,
replace it, and lock it shut -- no problem whatsoever.

My biggest problem was with a 25-06 barrel which was woefully inaccurate due to
horrible craftsmanship. It took quite a bit of doing, but it went from 3"+ groups to
MOA. Later got a custom Tactical 20 barrel from VVCG and that little wonder is a
real tack driver. Best group to date is just over 1/8", and I really love it.

You do have to let her cool awhile between shots or you will experience stringing,
but I've also had that problem on a couple of bolts. One should have a little
patience (or a second varmint rifle if p-dog hunting) between shots to save on
the rifling & throat, anyway.

They are fun rifles, but money for any more barrels will go to VVCG or Bullberry
(probably VVCG -- just 'cuz I KNOW their wonderful work, but I understand that
Bullberry or PacNor also make great, accurate barrels).

Just a thought on hot barrels and verticle stringing. If you are using the VV or bullberry hanger bar systems you might want to put a little lock tite on one of the screws that hold the hanger bar to the barrel and not tighten it all the way. That will allow the barrel to "give a little" as it heats up. With both screws tight it could cause the barrel to "bend" as it heats up.
Rich

Thanks for all the great information! I will definitely list T/C highly when I decide which rifle to buy next. I am left handed, so the encore has the appeal of an ambidextrous gun. Short action, left-handed guns are hard to come by (Tikka and Savage are the only two manufactures that I know of).

Ben

--> Ben_Wazzu

You also got the Remington 700 VS (22-250) in lefthand.
I know because i'am also lefthand, and got one
Also got a T/C Encore in order (6BR and maybe a tact.20)